MSI X299 GAMING PRO CARBON Video Review
If you’ve been considering switching from your current platform to Intel’s latest X299 HEDT chipset, there are a massive array of motherboards to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a feature-packed option, something basic to run your new HEDT CPU or something to satisfy your gaming needs, MSI may have the right solution for you.
Features & Design
The MSI X299 GAMING PRO CARBON features a beautiful aesthetic and allows users to change the look of the heat sinks thanks to some nifty replaceable heat sink covers in the box. This means you can alternate between gold, silver or carbon black heat sinks to not only give the board a unique look but stand out from the crowd – It is possible to 3D print more, providing you have the schematic/blueprints…
The MSI X299 GAMING PRO CARBON supports up to quad channel memory (processor dependent) and has a total of 8 x DIMMs; this board supports up to 128GB of DDR4 with speeds up to 4400MHz OC. With 4 x PCIe x16 slots and 2 x PCIe x1, you could essentially run optimal multi-GPU setups depending on your choice of processor; the Kaby lake X processors only feature 16 PCI lanes so bear that in mind! Storage wise, we have 2 x M.2 slots with simple MSI M.2 heat sinks for both slots. This is to reduce thermal throttling as these particular M.2 SSDs run very hot when being hammered. In addition to this, we have 8 x SATA 6Gb/s ports and a single U.2 slot for the latest wave of storage devices.
Performance
The performance in our testing was exactly where I would expect it to be and when compared to others on test, it matches them fine with no abnormalities or anything to worry about.
Value
You can buy the MSI X299 GAMING PRO CARBON from most major retailers (US/UK/EU) and in good old Blighty (UK), you’re looking at around £271.99. There are 2 versions of this motherboard available with this one being the basic version and another which has Wi-Fi built in. The Wi-Fi (GAMING PRO CARBON AC) is around £15 more and unless you intend to use it wired via the Intel Gigabit Ethernet port, you may as well use that £15 against another component such as an SSD; if you’re building a new system that is.
Final Thoughts
Is the MSI X299 GAMING PRO CARBON worth the money? Without a doubt and it’s one of the best sub £300 X299 motherboards on the market. Would I opt for the slightly more expensive version with the built-in Wi-Fi? Probably because let’s face it, having it built into the motherboard by default gives the option to connect to the internet wirelessly, who knows what can happen in the future right? I really like this board and it deserves our Gold award and Design award as I really think interchangeable heat sinks should be a thing ALL motherboard manufacturers should consider going forward in the future; RGB, aesthetics, but still has the performance to make it all worthwhile
Huge thanks to MSI for sending the X299 GAMING PRO CARBON in for review!
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Performance
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Design
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Value
Summary
Pros:
– Great looking aesthetic and interchangeable heat sinks add a new level of customisation
– Performs well
– Priced effectively
– Has RGB (if you consider it a pro)
– Is one of the best sub £300 motherboards you can buy on the X299 chipset
Cons:
– None
