After the launch of the consumer grade Intel 9th Generation Processors and the new Z390 chipset, Intel continues their stride with a refreshed line-up of the X-series processors. Announced in October and launched in November 2018, the new Skylake X Refresh processors are based on the same Intel Skylake architecture, but with an enhanced 14nm fabrication process. This has allowed Intel to further bump up the frequencies of these processors for their whole lineup.
Motherboard manufacturers are not late in the game, as many of them have released newer versions of X299 motherboards to enhance their current motherboard lineup. Gigabyte has released their new X299 AORUS MASTER motherboard to welcome the new Skylake X Refresh processors as well. As we understand, the AORUS MASTER branding is only accredited to a high-end product. While the X299 platform is already considered to be a High-End Desktop platform, what can we expect from Gigabyte from its highest-end product? Let’s hope they won’t disappoint us.
Introduction to Gigabyte X299 AORUS MASTER
Specifications
Specifications| Specifications | |
| CPU Support | Support for Intel Core X series 44-Lane/28-lane processors (6-core or above) in the LGA 2066 package |
| Package | LGA2066 |
| Chipset | Intel X299 Express Chipset |
| Memory | 8 x DDR4 DIMM sockets supporting up to 128GB of system memorySupport up to DDR4 4000(O.C) |
| Onboard Graphics | NIL |
| Audio | Realtek ALC1220-VB CodecESS ES9218K2M DAC
High Definition Audio 2/4/5.1/7.1 channel output Supports S/PDIF Out |
| LAN | 1 x Realtek GbE LAN (10/100/1000/2500 Mbit)1 x Intel GbE LAN |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Dual Band (867Mbps) Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Storage | 3 x M.2 slots (2 x supports both SATA and PCIe, 1 x support only PCIe)8 x SATA 6Gbps |
| Form Factor | E-ATX Form Factor; 30.5 cm x 26.9cm |
PCIe and M.2 Expandability (Top to bottom)
- PCI Express x 16 slots
- PCIe Gen3 x4 (Type 22110)
- PCI Express x 8 slots
- PCIe Gen3 x4 (Type 22110)
- PCI Express x 16 slots
- PCIe Gen3 x4 (Type 22110)
- PCI Express x 8 slots
The SSDs placed in the M.2 slots also supports RAID 0,1,5,10 as well.
The motherboard supports NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFire technologies. As the X299 and X-series processors are created for HEDT (High-end Desktop) systems, there are plenty PCIe bandwidth for multi-graphics card compatibility. This means that each installed graphics card for dual CrossFire/SLI setups will be able to enjoy the full bandwidth of PCIe x16 that it truly deserves. The second and fourth PCIe slots still runs at PCIe x8, but still opens up the capabilities of the motherboard to run up to four graphics card at once. Such configurations will be useful for scientists seeking for GPU compute capabilities placed in a ATX desktop form factor.
Input/Output Interfaces
From Left to Right, Top to Bottom:
- Power Button
- Clear CMOS Button
- 2 x USB 3.0 Ports
- 1 x USB 3.1 Port Type A
- 1 x USB 3.1 Port Type C
- RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Port
- 2 x USB 3.0 port
- RJ45 2.5Gigabit Ethernet Port
- 2 x USB 3.0 port
- Wi-Fi Antenna Ports
- 7.1 Audio Jacks and SPDIF OUT
The integrated I/O shield design is also welcomed, as it makes system building slightly more convenient.
SATA 6Gbps Interfaces
The motherboard also comes with 8 x SATA 6Gbps ports.
