Just installed the Hero XI with my i7 8700K @5Ghz, had to use LLc7 to get Vcore at the Hero X settings. Using Bios 0602. VRM temps on Realbench running at 40c.
Can't justify the i9, so my i7 8700K will be just fine. The board is totally solid at 5 Ghz on air cooling- nice one Asus.
PS just to show that it's not a fake.