MSI Creator X299 DDR4 Intel Motherboard

The MSI Creator X299 is a full-size E-ATX motherboard built on the Intel X299 chipset, engineered for Intel Core X-series processors in the LGA2066 socket — supporting the 10000, 9000, and 7800-series X-series lineup. Designed for content creators, prosumers, and power users who demand expansive memory capacity and multi-threaded throughput, it offers eight DDR4 memory slots capable of supporting up to 256 GB in quad-channel configuration. Memory speeds range from DDR4-2133 up to DDR4-4266 (OC), with full support for Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) for straightforward performance tuning. The board accommodates four PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, with lane distribution scaling according to the connected CPU's lane count — up to x16/x0/x16/x8 with a 48-lane processor. Multi-GPU users can leverage 4-Way NVIDIA SLI or 4-Way AMD CrossFire configurations. Storage is comprehensively served by eight SATA 6Gb/s ports, three M.2 Key-M slots supporting PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe and SATA devices (in various lengths up to 22110), one U.2 port for PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe drives, and Intel Optane Memory readiness. RAID 0/1/5/10 is supported on SATA devices, with RAID 0/1 on M.2 PCIe storage. Connectivity is a standout feature: a dual-LAN setup pairs a 1 Gbps Intel I219-V controller with a 10 Gbps Aquantia AQC107 controller for demanding network workflows. Wireless is handled by an Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 module (802.11ax, up to 2.4 Gbps on 160 MHz, Bluetooth 5.1). USB provisioning is extensive, including a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (20 Gbps) Type-C on the rear panel, a USB 3.2 Gen2 (10 Gbps) Type-C via internal header, seven USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports on the rear panel, and additional USB 3.2 Gen1 and USB 2.0 ports via internal connectors. Audio is managed by a Realtek ALC1220 codec delivering 7.1-channel High Definition Audio with S/PDIF optical output. The board measures 12 in. x 10.7 in. (30.5 cm x 27.2 cm) in the E-ATX form factor and features nine mounting holes. Cooling infrastructure includes one CPU fan header, four system fan headers, two extended system fan headers, one water-pump fan header, and a 3-pin Water Flow connector. Power delivery uses a 24-pin ATX main connector, three 8-pin ATX 12V connectors, and an additional flat 4-pin ATX 12V connector for supplemental PCIe power. A Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector and Virtual RAID on CPU (VROC) connector round out the feature set. Mystic Light RGB support is built in. Covered by a 3-year warranty. Key Verified Specifications: - Socket: LGA2066 | Chipset: Intel X299 - Memory: 8 x DDR4 slots, up to 256 GB, quad-channel, DDR4-2133 to DDR4-4266 (OC), XMP support - Expansion: 4 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots; 4-Way SLI / 4-Way CrossFire - Storage: 8 x SATA 6Gb/s, 3 x M.2 (PCIe 3.0 x4 / SATA), 1 x U.2 (PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe) - LAN: Intel I219-V (1 GbE) + Aquantia AQC107 (10 GbE) - Wireless: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (802.11ax, up to 2.4 Gbps) + Bluetooth 5.1 - USB: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 20 Gbps Type-C (rear), 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 10 Gbps Type-C (internal), 7 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A (rear), additional Gen1 and USB 2.0 via headers - Audio: Realtek ALC1220, 7.1-channel HD Audio, S/PDIF optical out - Form Factor: E-ATX, 30.5 cm x 27.2 cm - Warranty: 3 Years