The final word:
What do we think of this ROG Crosshair X870E Glacial?
First of all, there’s a strong demand for AMD processors, and ASUS has understood this, offering two new motherboards in quick succession, two new models based on the X870E chipset. AMD’s undeniable trump card is, of course, the longevity of its socket! AM5 will still host the next generation of AMD processors, and why not other processors in the future? In fact, that’s what’s lacking in the new Core Ultra 200S Plus we’ve just reviewed.
Without doubt the most beautiful and extreme X870E motherboard we’ve ever had in our hands. As well as being a top-of-the-range board, it features all the latest ROG technologies (cable-free memory fan, magnetic plates, AIO Q-Connector system, etc.). Aesthetically, the ROG Crosshair X870E Glacial may appear “wise” at first glance, but once a few magnetized panels have been removed, it can be transformed into a motherboard dedicated to overclocking. Just take another look at this page to list all the tools available on this model.
The BIOS is ultra-complete, and options present on the X870 APEX are also included. Aesthetically, some will regret that it doesn’t come in black, but for others, it will be extremely pleasing to see the top of the range in white. And let’s not forget the substantial bundle, worthy of this model.
Finally, we’d like to point out that the situation has changed considerably in recent months, with the arrival of the first AMD APEX. And here, one after the other, ROG is launching two new cards based on the X870E chipset. Suffice to say, AMD is on a roll! For us, this ROG Crosshair X870E Glacial is undoubtedly becoming a benchmark for this chipset: it’s a huge “coup de coeur”! Of course, a card of this level comes with a hefty price tag. It should therefore be reserved for those who can afford it and want to treat themselves to ROG’s top-of-the-range X870E chipset.
The Crosshair X870E Dark Hero:
During our test of the AMD Ryzen 9850X3D processor, we had the opportunity to test it on the new Crosshair X870E Dark Hero. Since we didn’t take the time to review this model in our CPU test, we thought it appropriate to do so now that we’ve had our hands on both new Crosshairs. Remember, these are two different motherboards, not an identical model in two colors. One thing we can say straight away is that the design of this Dark Hero is a perfect success! It doesn’t have the extravagance of the Glacial, but it does feature many ROG technologies to justify its price.
There’s a physical button to unlock your graphics card, a fan to keep your memory kit cool, an additional USB Type-C and the “AIO Q-Connector” system. If you’re a regular ROG motherboard user, you’ll find everything that makes these cards so famous on this Dark Hero. If the Crosshair X870E Glacial is a bit of a UFO, the Crosshair X870E Dark Hero will have to stand up to its own internal competition. ROG’s range of X870E motherboards includes the Crosshair X870E Hero (€579), Crosshair X870E APEX (€635) and Crosshair X870E Extreme (€990). Each of these models has its own strengths, and our sample of the day priced at €709 will have to fit into this “Crosshair” range.
As we specified on our page dedicated to overclocking, all the above models will enable you to achieve equivalent air/water performance with your processor. The major difference lies in memory, where the APEX’s two slots remain an undeniable asset. Depending on your needs – a large number of M2 slots, the need for 10 Gbps Ethernet – your choice will be one or the other.
A word about the AIO ROG Ryuo IV 360 ARGB cooling system, which we used on two occasions. We were very satisfied with its cooling performance during our overclocking tests . Aesthetically, but that’s a matter of taste, the screen is really superb, but a little too imposing. The possibility of shifting it to the right and placing it above your memory sticks will enable you to take full advantage of the Glacial’s screen.
Thanks to ROG France and AMD, for making available this copy of the ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero, the ROG Crosshair X870E Glacial, the AIO ROG Ryuo IV 360 ARGB and for the Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
