ASUS Z170 Maximus VIII Hero (LGA 1151) Review

Software Overview

So the manufacturer’s point of difference is not only the components it uses, but also what it can offer the user during day-to-day use. ASUS, like others, offer many different programs for you to choose from once set up which can help to make your life a little easier. Usually these programs are useless, offering bloatware or some pretty pointless programs that you wouldn’t normally download. ASUS used to be the same, but have now changed and have tuned their software to be extremely useful.

The main utility that ASUS provide is their AI Suite. It is now on its third revision and in that time it has come a very long way. One key point I really like about the AI Suite is the incorporation of most of the other ASUS Utilities into a simple app. The first page you arrive on is the Dual Intelligent Processors 5 page, or most recognisable as “5 Way Optimisation”. This page can tune your system to your preference from three settings; Performance, Power Saving and Away Mode. All of this achieved by adjusting the five settings in the centre of the screen; TPU, Fan Xpert 3, DIGI+ VRM, Turbo App and EPU.

No utility would be set without an overclocking feature. A very simple and effective approach, but maybe a little too easy for novice overclockers to adjust.

The Turbo App is deceivingly simple. It basically prioritizes key applications and processes in your preference of importance.

This page is an extremely cut down version of the first with just Performance, Power saving and Away Mode being the only clickable options.

This page is a more detailed version of Fan Xpert 3 from the first page. You can edit each fan individually, set an overall profile or even allow the system to tune the fans to the best possible setting, running through each speed to determine what each fan can run at.

This is a very interesting page to include in the application. Normally to have LLC functions here are rare to see. When I was first starting into CPU overclocking, I was scared to touch LLC, but this utility makes it easy to adjust and even provides some information on the features which can sometimes be missed in the BIOS.

In with the Ai Suite, you have PC Clean up, which works like most other applications, but this is bundled in with this utility and just makes the process much more hassle free than having to download a third-party application.

Ai charger+ is a great little feature. Having the ability to quickly charge your phone or tablet is a great relief.

USB 3.1 Boost is something that I don’t see why isn’t implemented from factory, why have a normal mode for some end users to get confused about?

EZ Update is an absolute essential utility. A simple update tool for your BIOS is great for novices and pros alike.

The System Information page is exactly what it says on the tin; it just gives you the information on key parts of your system.

This motherboard comes with two different options for LED control, the first you will find within AI suite and is a basic Audio LED. This allows the LED to pulse to the beat of the music.

Ai Suite also has a small widget to utilise certain features outside of Ai Suite.

Game First is a utility focused on, well the gamers. Allowing you to enter (or test) your internet speed and prioritize network usage accordingly. You can prioritize by a preset option or choose the applications yourself.

There is an additional utility which I think could have been included into another. This is lighting control. This allows you to change the LED effects and colours on the motherboard through simple buttons and bars.

This app is simple yet effective. It allows you to macro keys without actually having to have dedicated macro keys on your keyboard. In my examples, I coded in a cheat code and a word that I use on a regular basis.

PC Diagnostics is a great tool that allows you to quicky look over your system. Within the app you can run stress tests on your components and if any issues occur, you can send the report to ASUS tech support for help.

Sonic Studio is an ASUS in-house recording software. It’s a great all-rounder for audio changes, but it really cries out to the streamer and game recorders to really increase the quality of the audio they produce.

Mem TweakIt is peculiar, normally you wouldn’t have full control of the memory specification within the operating system. This software allows you to ‘TweakIt’ and restart the system; a simple touch to aid the new users who might not be too confident within BIOS.

Included with the motherboard is a download of the OverWolf software that has been customised to ASUS styling. This app is an overlay with allows you to utilise multiple features such as web browsing, music control, instant messaging and more during your gameplay.