Alphageek89

Still nothing. I feel like it's a hard question to answer. I think I am still leaning toward the Strix myself. I still want to have the Crosshair just to know I got that just a bit better board but with high rumours that AMD will ditch AM4 with the next processor maybe I will wait til then to go all in on a board. Though, chance of me upgrading after doing something like a 5900x and RTX 3080 are pretty slim.

From my finding the Dark Hero vs Hero are that the Dark Hero has a fanless chipset design where other x570 Mobos have active fan cooling, it has slightly upgraded VRM, and the Darken design. All of these adding to it's $20 premium over the regular Wi-Fi Hero's price. You also lose the HDMI/Displayport outputs moving from the Strix to the Crosshairs, as you mentioned the Strix having. Though, I would argue past the price of the Strix you aren't looking at putting any Ryzen-G processors in these boards that would even make those useful. Even at the Strix level I wouldn't imagine most people were unless you just REALLY wanted a higher end board, but it wouldn't be my recommendation. For that 5800x, it won't know what to do with those video ports on the back of the Strix anyway so it doesn't matter much but it is something that is missing on the crosshair to fit those 4 lower spec USB ports on there. As far as the M.2 being blocked off by the shroud, I wouldn't see this being a problem as long as the NVME you use doesn't have it's own heat sink. Something more important to keep in mind that I noticed is that while the Strix has one extra x1 slot, it is in a spot that would actually get blocked by the graphics card, be it a 3070 or 3080. I think even most GTX 16 series would block it if getting anything with decent cooling. As for Socket 3 vs Socket 4. To my knowlege, Socket 4 isn't a thing. I think it was either a misread or a typo on someone elses end since both boards support Socket 3 PCI-E 4.0 x4.

I currently have a very terrible motherboard. It is the AsRock Steel Legend B450M and while it works, it has many limitations and I seem to have many power issues (USB instability, unplugging mouse will cause internet/USB Devices to reset). This was never a board purchased for daily driver though and it became my daily driver after getting a decent deal on 1700x awhile back. With that little bit of background, I have found it time to put in it's place a daily driver board that I can rely on for better memory support and later on a 5900x (Doubtful a 5950x but it could be possible). I have narrowed it down to either Asus Strix X570-E or ROG Crosshair Viii Hero (or the new Dark Hero due to the fanless design). I do have my preferences such as Wi-Fi 6 and PCI-E 4.0 with plenty of lanes. Though I will be utilizing the 2.5Gb networking, I like having the option for the Wi-Fi built right in plus the Bluetooth. I intend to run an Asus ROG Strix RTX 3070/3080(3080 more than likely), Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2, and 2 NVME Storage solutions. I already have a Sabrent 4.0 1TB and will choose a 2TB in the future for Secondary Games/App/Content. I really don't like not having the choice and a lot of PCIE 4.0 drive are approaching 3.0 prices so while I do not need the speed all the time I will take it if I can get it. So that takes care of the necessities for a board and from my research both the Strix and Crosshair should fit this without holding me back. I think what is really giving me uncertainty here, which maybe some of you can help with, is just knowing I have not purchased close to the best I can buy. It really sounds silly but I don't need the Formula but the [Dark] Hero carries that Crosshair name that is linked to that premium feeling with AMD and the Hero branding I had on my LGA 1151 MAXIMUS VIII HERO. However, from GPUs I don't consider Strix to be a low quality name either. The Strix has enough of the troubleshooting features that I used the most on the Maximus Hero, such as Q-Code. From my research the Strix and Crosshair will both have Bios Flashback and the Q-Code and I don't think I really need the retry, start, and reset buttons on the Crosshair. I rarely used them on the Maximus. But I need help confirming they really wouldn't be missed. I don't actually do much overclocking, especially manual. However, I just wanna know the board will handle what I throw at it. To date, I have only tried to mess with memory and used AMD Ryzen Master to try some small overclocks. This would be about the level of overclocking I really get into though maybe pushing Ryzen Master a bit further since I would have a more stable board and CPU. From watching Buildzoid's breakdowns I am fairly confident the Crosshair Hero wouldn't offer me much over what the Strix would...but again, I need some help teaching/convincing me that I would be able to do most overclocking on the Strix that I would on the Hero. Strix x570-E:~$300 Crosshair Viii Hero: ~$380 Crosshair Viii Dark Hero: ~$400 I understand there can be better prices and such with other brands like Gigabyte, but I am looking to stay with Asus. Loved my Crosshair Viii Hero and all the ports and such and looking to do be with Asus again after this crapshot that was AsRock. I feel I know the answer, but would the fanless design really be that much more preferred on the Dark Hero if I can get it for $20 more? Or is having active cooling on the board fine? I know what a bother that was to a lot of people when active cooling was announced. The other considering I have is that I can't afford to upgrade both Motherboard and CPU at the same time right now. Motherboard has to be first through due to the issues, I am thinking using the Dark Hero may be an issue with no official support for first gen Ryzen CPUs. I know that is all a lot of detail but I appreciate anyone's thoughtful responses on whether I should be so concerned about having that Crosshair Hero board or I should just work on getting over not having that next board up, saving $80, and grabbing the Strix E. Thanks for helping me make a decision.

I believe I have figured it out. I feel silly for not noticing this before but turns out AsRock specifically states that Summit Ridge (first gen Ryzen) is not supported above 2666mhz. Now I know you can run faster and most people have on first gen and without stability problem. I have in the past only dealt with Asus boards as well which they don't specify max MHz at which Ranking/Quantity they support. I can only imagine because Asus boards are better designed. Unfortunately for AsRock, I have liked some of their stuff but while I was able to run 3000mhz for some time and then get mostly stable at only 2800mhz, I feel this is just poor support on their end/products. I have since brought it down to the official supported speed of 2666 but I feel I should not have to do this, even with a First Gen CPU. Here is to hoping running at this speed gets my optimal stabilization. I will test Hitman 2 soon and see how general performance is. So far it passes Prime95 without rounding errors.

CURRENT BUILD PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/KWsCRk CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 1700X 3.4 GHz 8-Core Processor CPU Cooler: Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 240 66.7 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler Motherboard: ASRock B450M Steel Legend Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 CL15 Memory Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 CL15 Memory Storage: PNY CS900 120 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (used strictly as scratch disc for adobe) Storage: Western Digital Black NVMe 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive (main) Storage: Crucial M500 960 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (game drive) Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 2 TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive (long term storage) Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 1070 8 GB Video Card ISSUE For a bit now I have had stuttering issues and various video playing issues in chrome. I would say for about 6 months or so. Windows will stop responding or hang. Sometimes Windows Update helps and sometimes it doesn't. Though we all know Windows Updates cause more harm than solve haha. Usually a restart will make it okay for a bit. The Ram was previously used in an Intel sytem with an i7 6700 and moved over at beginning of year to the above computer config. Things worked for the most part. I had really bad windows issues( downloading caused system lag/freeze up until download finished, occasional lag of mouse/system) that I solved with a Windows reinstall and thought that would be the end of it. However overtime I have been getting windows explorer hangups and chrome not responding and most recently in last month or 2 blue screens. I first noticed this when trying to play Hitman 2. It would sometimes just not start or it would let me play for around hour on average before blue screening. Leading to a error in page fault (I forget the exact error) that pointed to memory issues in event viewer. I "solved" the blue screening by lowering my ram from 3000 to 2800mhz and the other day I tried to bring it back to 3000mhz after a windows update to see if things got better...well it blue screened upon login screen and/or login with same page fault issues. This happened 3 times in row. Wasn't stable again until dropped to 2800mhz. I decided to check if a bios update was available for my board, and it was. Though it didn't quite fix any issues I am having it did mention better overclocking support for ram. I noticed at this time that they do recommend not updating the Bios if you are using a first gen Ryzen CPU though. I can't remember what for but I needed the latest BIOS update for something important to work on my machine awhile and had no choice to upgrade version 2.90 and this version also states not recommended for first gen processors. I figured since I already had a non-recommended version that I might as well update and so I did get the latest. I noticed a couple things, timings were MUCH better in bios and predetermined more accurately. Even if the board isn't applying the correct main ones (example, it says the current CAS is 16 while it states in the field that it would be set to 15, the actual CAS of my ram). Not sure if it was because of these better timings but now Windows would boot at 3000mhz but blue screened with same page fault issue after about half hour. Again, only being long-term stable after dropping ram to 2800mhz. However, I noticed during all of this that while AsRock supports first gen Ryzen processors they don't even have a QVL list for ram for first gen CPUs. Checking the list for second gen CPUs I notice my ram isn't listed either. Checking some other board for my specific ram modules "F4-3000C15D-16GTZR", I did not find them listed. However, weirdly I found the same models except the CAS latency being 16 CAS instead were listed on some QVLs (and here I thought I was doing myself a favour getting the better CAS Latency). Additionally, I ran only 2 sticks for awhile with little issue and I noticed that some ram module have support on a QVL, BUT they don't support the full 4 stick configuration. Beginning of the year I upgraded from 16GB to 32GB for multitasking and creative work. I am beginning to think that this introduced some of the issues since I regularly use over 16GB of ram. If the board can't support all 4 properly this would explain the page fault issues. QUESTION 1 I have not had problems with the RAM itself before and mostly been stable until recently and most issue with Hitman 2. G.Skill has typically been reliable for compatibility, however I have noticed that AsRock's spport for ram for even even second and third gen processors is really poor. So would you say that it is my board support/compatibility that is causing issues? First Gen CPU issues? or is my ram just not compatible with Ryzen and most boards? All of the above? I am not used to really needing to worry about ram compatibility and this is unfortunately either hard or expensive to test for. QUESTION 2/EVENTUAL SOLUTION I intend to build a new computer based on either 3000 or 4000 series Ryzen with an x570 board (more than likely the Crosshair) in the next 6 months. I unfortunately can't afford the money or the time to invest in the board currently and rebuild the machine. I would hate to replace the ram now if it would work well later down the line with improved ram support from 3rd gen and later processors. However, ram has been dropping price and I could replace my 4 8GB sticks with 2 16GB sticks. This would allow me to upgrade further later, as well as, bring the working ram back down to 2 sticks which seems most compatible with majority of boards. Not to mention the speed increase from 3000 to 3600mhz (though, more than likely wouldn't work with current setup, would be good for future). Hopefully enabling me better stability on current board/cpu until I can upgrade. However, I would hate to buy new ram that I ultimately don't need to find it it's just really a bad combination of hardware and poor support between the board and 1700x. Has anyone else had issues with this particular model (F4-3000C15D-16GTZR) of G. Skill Ram? I thought i was getting the better modules but it seems like its less popular to be supported and people even talk about the CAS 15 modules on forums less than they do the CAS 16 Modules. Is it a strong chance it is the ram and I would be able to solve my problem by buying 32GB of a compatible ram that will be future proof?

I know this thread is old, however, I am having similar issues with this ram if it is the Trident Z RGB ram. I have found that the CAS 15 ones do not show up on any QVLs and post seems to take longer and longer. Now more like 30 seconds before it recognizes any input or boots to windows. I am thinking its a mix of motherboard and ram incompatibility. Might wanna look into swapping one out. I am leaning toward Ram if I can't find a different solution.

Welp, my account definitely says 7 posts. However, you are right! I have wanted a reason to come around more and I am trying to get more involved. I originally took your comment in jest but figured I would say something. I appreciate the update to your thoughts on the situation.

Well you did comment within less than a minute with a sarcastic comment. I accidentally hit enter and was editing to send the details when you commented. "Definitely upgrade, especially with that combination of GPU" , or whatever exact phasing, mot exactly helpful. Neither is coming back and just changing it to "Edited, since OP edited." Edits are allowed and if you never intended to provided meaningful insight to the thread perhaps you should have just skipped it, considering it was clearly not meant to be as empty as it was when you came across it.

It is my current specs! I should make this more clear. Sorry :D. Yeah, I would never recommend 10 series card to anyone. The 1600 series out perform most of them at better value assuming you can delve through the 2314 (over exaggeration lol) options they have released. Though i recommend people don't look at anything without Super in the name typically now.

Not looking at upgrading the GPU yet or even getting the 2000 series cards. I will want to make sure I am on 3000 series cards just to make sure I don't have to upgrade for awhile.

Sorry about the delay, I accidentally hit enter so this posted sooner than I wanted but the other issue I feel I am having right now i ram compatibility resulting in having to downclock the ram to be stable enough to get through/launch games like Hitman 2 and sometimes resulted in blue screens just watching videos in Chrome. Otherwise, I have made it work which is why this is a touch decision.

Budget (including currency): I don't really have one but I have an opportunity at this time which is why I am considering it. A friend wants to buy my CPU and so the 3900x would cost about $270 out of pocket for me after selling old CPU. Country: United States Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for: Streaming, Video Editing, Gaming, Graphic and UI Design. I play games ranging from low end indie to higher games yet to come out like Cyberpunk 2077. Other details (existing parts lists, whether any peripherals are needed, what you're upgrading from, when you're going to buy, what resolution and refresh rate you want to play at, etc): CURRENT BUILD PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/KWsCRk CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 1700X 3.4 GHz 8-Core Processor CPU Cooler: Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 240 66.7 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler Motherboard: ASRock B450M Steel Legend Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 CL15 Memory Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 CL15 Memory Storage: PNY CS900 120 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (used strictly as scratch disc for adobe) Storage: Western Digital Black NVMe 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive (main) Storage: Crucial M500 960 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (game drive) Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 2 TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive (long term storage) Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 1070 8 GB Video Card Case: Fractal Design Focus G ATX Mid Tower Case Power Supply: EVGA B3 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply Case Fans: 6 total (In Rear, Out 140s Top, In through 3 120s and Rad in Front) - Cougar Vortex PWM 70.5 CFM 120 mm Fan (x2), Cooler Master MasterFan Pro 120 Air Pressure RGB 35 CFM 120 mm Fan (x2), Cooler Master MasterFan Pro 140 Air Pressure RGB 46.2 CFM 140 mm Fan (x2) Recently a friend came to me about wanting to build a desktop. They don't care about the latest and greatest showed interest in buying my 1700x, Board, and a case. I can't justify the full upgrade right now but I am wondering if I should at least entertain the idea of selling them my 1700x and upgrading to the 3900x. When I video edit I know this will make a difference but I am not sure I NEED it right now since I am just starting out and learning. When I switched to the 1700x I cam from a R5 1500x/i7 6700 depending on which machine I worked of so the core upgrade from that made a HUGE difference going from long export time to near real time (10 mins for a 10 min 1080p video edit export). I guess question 1 would be: Question 1: Would I see as much of an improvement in video editing and other similar tasks from upgrading from 1700x(8c/16t) cpu to a 3900x(12c/24t) cpu as I did coming from the 1500x/6700(4c/8t)? My main motivation for upgrading is potential ram compatibility. Overtime it has gotten worse and I have had to lower my ram speed down to prevent ram issues in games like Hitman 2 and general blue screens. Running 2800mhz instead of 3000mhz right now and perhaps seemed to increase from that. This is a big reason followed by the fact someone is willing to buy my current CPU and the core/thread increase. Question 2: Am I right in assuming 3000 series would allow me better compatibility with my ram and be able to run at rated spec? However, I was really hoping to hold off until 4000 series desktop parts were released and I took care of some other life stuff. I would completely upgrade everything at that point including a new x570 board (which I just can't justify cost of upgrading right now) and new 3000 series GPU from Nvidia. Doing basically a whole new build. I don't really need a new computer or more power right now, it would be just a nice have, so because of that I guess my question is: Question 3: Do I wait for 4000 series since I really don't need to upgrade? Or will 3900x be a decent enough upgrade now to enjoy benefits on video editing that when the 4000 series comes it would be that big of a difference. I like to have the newest as best as I can and stay within value. Thank you for all your guys time! I feel I know my stuff but it's good to get some extra thoughts and viewpoints. Especially on video editing end and memory compatibility. These two things I don't have the most experience with.

Thanks. This is what I have been thinking. There is also the fact I don't need these machines haha. I just like to build and see what can be built. However, I think that is what I will be doing when the boards for those drop more in price on ebay or I am forced to upgrade the hexa core version that still runs. For now, their deaths shall mean more ram for the last remaining server haha.

Hello everyone! I was wondering if anyone had thoughts on a situation I find myself in. A couple years ago I bought some hardware utilizing the LGA1366 socket. Around this time dual 1366 motherboards on ebay could be found for <$70. I scored mine for arlund $50 a piece on average. I scored a few deals and ended up with 3 boards and 3 sets of CPUs. Now it seems these boards have risen in pricing again and are closer to $100, if not over. Fast Forward, 2 of the boards have enough issues where I don't wish to build anything out of them. One has a bad socket and the other a bad ram slot that messes up total ram available. However, I am left with 2 sets of Xeons, one set with 8 cores total and another with 16 cores total after hyperthreading. Finally getting to my questions: 1. Is the 1366 platform still worth putting money into or should I just keep the 16 core set as a backup for my 24 core set in my remaining build? 2. If yes, is anyone aware of any inexpensive board options thst enable dual 1366 but in a micro atx form factor so I can better make use of existing cases I have?