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Contents Safety information...v About this guide...vi ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO specifications summary vii Package contents...xii Installation tools and components xiii Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.1 Before you proceed 1-1 1.2 Motherboard layout 1-2 Chapter 2: Basic Installation 2.1 Building your ...16 2.4 Starting up for the first time 2-19 2.5 Turning off the computer 2-19 Chapter 3: BIOS and RAID Support 3.1 Knowing BIOS 3-1 3.2 BIOS setup program 3-2 3.3 EZ Update...3-2 3.4 ASUS EZ Flash 3 3-3 3.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 3-4 3.6 RAID configurations 3-5 iii
Contents Safety information...v About this guide...vi ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO specifications summary vii Package contents...xii Installation tools and components xiii Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.1 Before you proceed 1-1 1.2 Motherboard layout 1-2 Chapter 2: Basic Installation 2.1 Building your ...16 2.4 Starting up for the first time 2-19 2.5 Turning off the computer 2-19 Chapter 3: BIOS and RAID Support 3.1 Knowing BIOS 3-1 3.2 BIOS setup program 3-2 3.3 EZ Update...3-2 3.4 ASUS EZ Flash 3 3-3 3.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 3-4 3.6 RAID configurations 3-5 iii
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ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO specifications summary CPU Chipset Memory Expansion Slots Multi-GPU Support AMD AM4 Socket for AMD Ryzen™ 5000 Series / 4000 G-Series / 3000 Series / 3000 G-Series / 2000 Series / 2000 G-Series desktop processors* * Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list. AMD Ryzen™ 5000 and 3000 Series Desktop Processors - 2 x PCIe 4.0 ... x DIMM, max. 128GB, DDR4 3200(O.C.) / 3000(O.C.) / 2933 / 2800 / 2666 / 2400 / 2133 MHz, un-buffered memory Dual Channel Memory Architecture OptiMem III * Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists).
ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO specifications summary CPU Chipset Memory Expansion Slots Multi-GPU Support AMD AM4 Socket for AMD Ryzen™ 5000 Series / 4000 G-Series / 3000 Series / 3000 G-Series / 2000 Series / 2000 G-Series desktop processors* * Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list. AMD Ryzen™ 5000 and 3000 Series Desktop Processors - 2 x PCIe 4.0 ... x DIMM, max. 128GB, DDR4 3200(O.C.) / 3000(O.C.) / 2933 / 2800 / 2666 / 2400 / 2133 MHz, un-buffered memory Dual Channel Memory Architecture OptiMem III * Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists).
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Support Raid 0, 1, 10 1 x Realtek RTL8125-CG 2.5Gb Ethernet 1 x Intel® I211-AT 1Gb Ethernet ASUS LANGuard Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX200 2x2 Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) support 1024QAM/OFDMA/MU-MIMO Supports up to 2.4Gbps max....1* * Bluetooth 5.1 function will be ready in Windows 10 build 19041 or later. Supports up to 32-Bit/192 kHz playback* (continued on the next page) viii retasking - ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO specifications summary Storage Ethernet Wireless & Bluetooth USB Audio AMD Ryzen™ 5000 and 3000 Series Desktop Processors - 1 x M .2 Socket 3 with M Key, type ...
Support Raid 0, 1, 10 1 x Realtek RTL8125-CG 2.5Gb Ethernet 1 x Intel® I211-AT 1Gb Ethernet ASUS LANGuard Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX200 2x2 Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) support 1024QAM/OFDMA/MU-MIMO Supports up to 2.4Gbps max....1* * Bluetooth 5.1 function will be ready in Windows 10 build 19041 or later. Supports up to 32-Bit/192 kHz playback* (continued on the next page) viii retasking - ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO specifications summary Storage Ethernet Wireless & Bluetooth USB Audio AMD Ryzen™ 5000 and 3000 Series Desktop Processors - 1 x M .2 Socket 3 with M Key, type ...
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... Sound audio. 8 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (7 x Type-A + 1 x USB Type-C®) 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (4 x Type-A) 1 x ASUS Wi-Fi Module 1 x Realtek RTL8125-CG 2.5Gb Ethernet port 1 x Intel® I211-AT 1Gb Ethernet port 5 x Gold-plated audio jacks 1 x Optical S/PDIF out...out port - Dedicated audio PCB layers - Unique de-pop circuit * Due to ensure consistent performance - SupremeFX Shielding Technology - ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO specifications summary Audio Back I/O Ports Internal I/O connectors Audio Features - Premium Japanese audio capacitors - Audio cover - EESS® ...
... Sound audio. 8 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (7 x Type-A + 1 x USB Type-C®) 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (4 x Type-A) 1 x ASUS Wi-Fi Module 1 x Realtek RTL8125-CG 2.5Gb Ethernet port 1 x Intel® I211-AT 1Gb Ethernet port 5 x Gold-plated audio jacks 1 x Optical S/PDIF out...out port - Dedicated audio PCB layers - Unique de-pop circuit * Due to ensure consistent performance - SupremeFX Shielding Technology - ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO specifications summary Audio Back I/O Ports Internal I/O connectors Audio Features - Premium Japanese audio capacitors - Audio cover - EESS® ...
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... DIY - BIOS FlashBack™ button - Slow Mode Extreme Engine Digi+ - 10K Black Metallic Capacitors - ASUS Q-Connector - Start button - ASUS Q-DIMM - ASUS Q-LED (CPU [red], DRAM [yellow], VGA [white], Boot Device [yellow green]) - Clear CMOS button - SafeSlot... 1 x TPM header (14-1pin) 1 x Start button 1 x 10-1 pin System Panel header 1 x Thermal Sensor header Extreme OC Kit - ASUS Q-Code - ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO specifications summary Internal I /O shield - Safe boot button - Aluminum M.2 heatsink - Addressable Gen 2 RGB header(s) (continued on the next page) x
... DIY - BIOS FlashBack™ button - Slow Mode Extreme Engine Digi+ - 10K Black Metallic Capacitors - ASUS Q-Connector - Start button - ASUS Q-DIMM - ASUS Q-LED (CPU [red], DRAM [yellow], VGA [white], Boot Device [yellow green]) - Clear CMOS button - SafeSlot... 1 x TPM header (14-1pin) 1 x Start button 1 x 10-1 pin System Panel header 1 x Thermal Sensor header Extreme OC Kit - ASUS Q-Code - ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO specifications summary Internal I /O shield - Safe boot button - Aluminum M.2 heatsink - Addressable Gen 2 RGB header(s) (continued on the next page) x
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...inch x 9.6 inch (30.5cm x 24.4cm) Specifications are subject to the ASUS website for the latest specifications. AI Charger - WinRAR UEFI BIOS ASUS EZ DIY - ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode 256 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS WOL by Dual Intelligent... ASUS CPU-Z - ASUS EZ Flash 3 - xi GameFirst VI - Anti-virus software ASUS Exclusive Software Features Armoury Crate - Sonic Radar III - ROG CPU-Z - RAMCache III - Overwolf - Please refer to change without notice. Sonic Studio III + Sonic Studio Virtual Mixer - EZ update - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO ...
...inch x 9.6 inch (30.5cm x 24.4cm) Specifications are subject to the ASUS website for the latest specifications. AI Charger - WinRAR UEFI BIOS ASUS EZ DIY - ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode 256 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS WOL by Dual Intelligent... ASUS CPU-Z - ASUS EZ Flash 3 - xi GameFirst VI - Anti-virus software ASUS Exclusive Software Features Armoury Crate - Sonic Radar III - ROG CPU-Z - RAMCache III - Overwolf - Please refer to change without notice. Sonic Studio III + Sonic Studio Virtual Mixer - EZ update - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO ...
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xii Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard Cables Miscellaneous Installation Media Documentation 1 x ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO motherboard 1 x Addressable RGB extension cable 1 x RGB extension cable 4 x SATA 6Gb/s cables 1 x M.2 SSD screw package(s) 1 x Q-connector 1 x ROG coaster 1 x ROG stickers 1 x ROG thank you card 1 x ASUS 2x2 Dual-Band Wi-Fi moving antennas 1 x Support DVD 1 x User manual If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
xii Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard Cables Miscellaneous Installation Media Documentation 1 x ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO motherboard 1 x Addressable RGB extension cable 1 x RGB extension cable 4 x SATA 6Gb/s cables 1 x M.2 SSD screw package(s) 1 x Q-connector 1 x ROG coaster 1 x ROG stickers 1 x ROG thank you card 1 x ASUS 2x2 Dual-Band Wi-Fi moving antennas 1 x Support DVD 1 x User manual If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
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To install USB 3.2 Gen 1 connector To install USB 2.0 connector USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB 2.0 To install front panel audio connector To install system speaker connector AAFP ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO 2-11 Chapter 2 2.1.8 Front I/O connector To install ASUS Q-Connector To install USB 3.2 Gen 2 connector USB 3.2 Gen 2 This connector will only fit in one orientation. Push the connector until it clicks into place.
To install USB 3.2 Gen 1 connector To install USB 2.0 connector USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB 2.0 To install front panel audio connector To install system speaker connector AAFP ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO 2-11 Chapter 2 2.1.8 Front I/O connector To install ASUS Q-Connector To install USB 3.2 Gen 2 connector USB 3.2 Gen 2 This connector will only fit in one orientation. Push the connector until it clicks into place.
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The illustration above is the same for reference only. Chapter 2 ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO 2-13 2.1.10 Wi-Fi antenna installation Installing the ASUS 2x2 dual band W-Fi antenna Connect the bundled ASUS 2x2 dual band Wi-Fi antenna connector to the Wi-Fi ports at the back of the chassis. • Ensure that the ASUS 2x2 dual band Wi-Fi antenna is securely installed to the Wi-Fi ports. • Ensure that the antenna is at least 20 cm away from all models. The I/O port layout may vary with models, but the Wi-Fi antenna installation procedure is for all persons.
The illustration above is the same for reference only. Chapter 2 ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO 2-13 2.1.10 Wi-Fi antenna installation Installing the ASUS 2x2 dual band W-Fi antenna Connect the bundled ASUS 2x2 dual band Wi-Fi antenna connector to the Wi-Fi ports at the back of the chassis. • Ensure that the ASUS 2x2 dual band Wi-Fi antenna is securely installed to the Wi-Fi ports. • Ensure that the antenna is at least 20 cm away from all models. The I/O port layout may vary with models, but the Wi-Fi antenna installation procedure is for all persons.
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... device to the USB port (the USB port hole marked on using the BIOS FlashBack™ feature, please refer to https://www. asus.com/support/, or by improper installation of the USB storage device and filename/file format error. If this means that the BIOS FlashBack...™ button. If the BIOS program is damaged during the process and results to the system's failure to boot up, please contact your ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO motherboard to enable BIOS FlashBack™. Please refer to the illustration below . Chapter 2 • Do not unplug portable disk, power system,...
... device to the USB port (the USB port hole marked on using the BIOS FlashBack™ feature, please refer to https://www. asus.com/support/, or by improper installation of the USB storage device and filename/file format error. If this means that the BIOS FlashBack...™ button. If the BIOS program is damaged during the process and results to the system's failure to boot up, please contact your ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO motherboard to enable BIOS FlashBack™. Please refer to the illustration below . Chapter 2 • Do not unplug portable disk, power system,...
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... power management, and boot device configuration that are needed for this user manual refers to instability or boot failure. Chapter 3 ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO 3-1 Inappropriate BIOS settings may vary due to different BIOS release versions. We strongly recommend that you to ensure optimal performance.... following circumstances: • An error message appears on BIOS and RAID configurations, please refer to www.asus.com/ support. 3.1 Knowing BIOS The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unified Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that...
... power management, and boot device configuration that are needed for this user manual refers to instability or boot failure. Chapter 3 ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO 3-1 Inappropriate BIOS settings may vary due to different BIOS release versions. We strongly recommend that you to ensure optimal performance.... following circumstances: • An error message appears on BIOS and RAID configurations, please refer to www.asus.com/ support. 3.1 Knowing BIOS The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unified Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that...
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Go to the Tool menu to the Folder field. 6. Chapter 3 ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO 3-3 Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Press to switch to select ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility and press . 3. Reboot the system when the update process is done. Press to switch to find the ... NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to update the BIOS without using an OS‑based utility. 3.4 ASUS EZ Flash 3 The ASUS EZ Flash 3 feature allows you to prevent system boot failure! 1. Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and...
Go to the Tool menu to the Folder field. 6. Chapter 3 ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO 3-3 Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Press to switch to select ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility and press . 3. Reboot the system when the update process is done. Press to switch to find the ... NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to update the BIOS without using an OS‑based utility. 3.4 ASUS EZ Flash 3 The ASUS EZ Flash 3 feature allows you to prevent system boot failure! 1. Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and...
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...10 is useful in scavenging space on configuring your RAID sets, please refer to the surviving drive as a single drive but at https://www.asus.com/support, or by other disks in the other drive. Use four new hard disk drives or use an existing drive and a new ... new identical hard disk drives is installed. Use two new drives or use an existing drive and three new drives for this setup. Chapter 3 ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO 3-5 Two hard disks perform the same work as it contains a complete copy of the space on system licensing) configurations. This RAID configuration provides...
...10 is useful in scavenging space on configuring your RAID sets, please refer to the surviving drive as a single drive but at https://www.asus.com/support, or by other disks in the other drive. Use four new hard disk drives or use an existing drive and a new ... new identical hard disk drives is installed. Use two new drives or use an existing drive and three new drives for this setup. Chapter 3 ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO 3-5 Two hard disks perform the same work as it contains a complete copy of the space on system licensing) configurations. This RAID configuration provides...
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... provided instructions and the antenna(s) used for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. Appendix ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO A-5 This equipment generates, uses and can be provide with the limits for this transmitter must be determined by one or more of...are designed to radio communications. RF exposure warning This equipment must accept any other antenna or transmitter. Notices FCC Compliance Information Responsible Party: Asus Computer International Address: 48720 Kato Rd., Fremont, CA 94538, USA Phone / Fax No: (510)739-3777 / (510)608-4555...
... provided instructions and the antenna(s) used for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. Appendix ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO A-5 This equipment generates, uses and can be provide with the limits for this transmitter must be determined by one or more of...are designed to radio communications. RF exposure warning This equipment must accept any other antenna or transmitter. Notices FCC Compliance Information Responsible Party: Asus Computer International Address: 48720 Kato Rd., Fremont, CA 94538, USA Phone / Fax No: (510)739-3777 / (510)608-4555...