ASUS Prime X299 A-II DDR4 Intel Motherboard

The ASUS Prime X299-A II is an ATX-form-factor motherboard built on the Intel X299 chipset, designed for Intel Core X-Series processors via the LGA 2066 socket. Released in 2018, it targets content creators, workstation builders, and enthusiast PC builders who demand high memory bandwidth and multi-GPU flexibility in a single platform. Memory capacity and speed are a clear priority on this board. Eight DDR4 DIMM slots work with the CPU's quad-channel memory controller to support up to 256 GB of DDR4 RAM. ASUS states that an optimised trace layout allows memory frequencies up to DDR4 4266 MHz and beyond with suitable kits and tuning. Expansion flexibility comes from the X-Series CPU's PCI Express lane allocation. The board exposes over 44 CPU-sourced PCIe lanes across three PCIe x16 slots, configurable in an x16/x16/x8 arrangement to accommodate multiple discrete graphics cards for GPU-compute or multi-display workloads. Storage is handled by three onboard M.2 slots, each supporting drives up to 110 mm in length and compatible with NVMe SSDs. All three slots connect directly to the CPU via Intel VROC (Virtual RAID on CPU) technology, enabling bootable RAID arrays without passing traffic through the DMI link. Two of the three M.2 slots are covered by onboard heatsinks to reduce thermal throttling during sustained storage workloads. Networking is provided by an Intel I219-V Gigabit Ethernet controller, complemented by ASUS LANGuard hardware-level surge protection and cFosSpeed-based Turbo LAN traffic-shaping software. The wireless specification listed in the product attributes is 802.11a/b/g/n/ac and 802.11ax. Connectivity includes a USB 3.2 Gen 2 front-panel header for compatible cases, alongside additional USB headers. Power delivery features the ASUS Digi+ VRM for digital voltage control, while the AI Overclocking utility profiles the CPU and cooling to suggest tuning parameters automatically. Fan management is handled by FanXpert 4, which supports PWM and DC fans, dual pump headers, and per-header overload protection. A reinforced backplate improves structural rigidity, and a pre-mounted I/O shield simplifies installation. ASUS Aura RGB lighting is present and can be disabled via a stealth mode in the UEFI. Verifiable Specifications: - Form factor: ATX - Chipset: Intel X299 - CPU socket: LGA 2066 - Compatible processors: Intel Core X-Series - Memory slots: 8 x DDR4 DIMM - Maximum memory: 256 GB - Memory speed support: up to DDR4 4266 MHz (per ASUS) - M.2 slots: 3 (up to 110 mm, NVMe, VROC-capable) - PCIe x16 slots: 3 (x16/x16/x8 with sufficient CPU lanes) - LAN: Intel I219-V Gigabit Ethernet - Wireless: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 802.11ax (per source attributes) - USB: includes USB 3.2 Gen 2 front-panel header - Product dimensions: 30.48 x 24.38 x 5.08 cm - Weight: 2.06 kg - Country of origin: China - Model year: 2018