Performance-wise, there would be no noticeable difference comparing Z170-chipset motherboards. The main noticeable difference would be the hardware/software features, number of connectors/ports/headers, the PCIe lane-sharing, and aesthetics.
Comparing the three Asus motherboards you are considering, the HERO, the PRO, and the A, these are the main differences:
HERO supports RAM speeds up to 3800MHz | PRO: up to 3866MHz | A: up to 3466MHz
HERO has HDMI and DP on-board video outputs | PRO: HDMI, DP, and DVI-D | A: HDMI, DP, DVI-D and VGA
HERO has 3x PCIe3.0 x1 slots | PRO: 4x PCIe2.0 x1 slots | A: 3x PCIe3.0 x1 slots and 1x PCI slot
HERO has 2x SATA Express ports | PRO and A: 1x SATA Express port
HERO has 8x SATA ports (6x by Chipset; 2x by ASMedia) | PRO and A: 6x SATA ports (6x by Chipset)
HERO uses SupremeFX 2015 Codec | PRO: Realtek ALC1150 | A: Realtek ALC892
HERO and A has 1x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo rear panel port | PRO: has none
HERO has 4x USB2.0 rear panel ports | PRO and A: 2x USB2.0 rear panel ports
HERO has 1x USB BIOS Flashback Button | PRO: has none | A: has 1x USB BIOS Flashback on-board header
HERO and A have 4x CHA_FAN headers | PRO: has only 2x CHA_FAN headers
HERO and A have 1x Thermal sensor connector | PRO: has none
HERO and A have a Power-On button | PRO: has none
HERO has a Reset button | PRO and A: have DRCT headers
HERO has an LN2 Mode jumper | PRO and A: have none
HERO has a ROG_EXT header | PRO and A: have none
HERO has no S/PDIF on-board header | PRO and A: have an S/PDIF on-board header
HERO and PRO have no COM port connector | A: has 1x COM port connector
HERO and PRO have no EZ XMP switch | A: has 1x EZ XMP switch
HERO and PRO have no TPU switch | A: has 1x TPU switch
HERO comes with 6x SATA Data cables | PRO: 4x SATA Data cables | A: 3x SATA Data cables
HERO is Black+Gray color with RGB LED Logo | PRO and A is Black+Gray+White color
So, if you feel that the £70 increase in price for the HERO is not justifiable based on the above differences in features, number of connectors, and other factors, then getting the more affordable PRO and A would be enough for you.
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