ASUS X99-Deluxe Motherboard Review
Introduction and Technical Specifications
Introduction
Courtesy of ASUS
The ASUS X99-Deluxe motherboard is among the initial offerings in ASUS' Intel X99 chipset board line. The board supports the latest Intel LGA2011-v3 socket processors as well as DDR4 memory modules. ASUS also integrated and improved upon many of the features from its award-winning Z97 board line into this product, making for a superior synthesis of technology and computing power. The board does not come cheap with an MSRP of $399.99, but its integrated feature set and performance potential more than justifies the X99-Deluxe's premium price.
Courtesy of ASUS
Courtesy of ASUS
ASUS built the X99-Deluxe to take the punishment associated with a high performance system, integrating a 8+4 phase digital power system for the CPU and DDR4 DRAM power needs. Also integrated is the latest version of ASUS' Digi+ power power regulation circuitry along with 5k rated solid capacitors.
Continue reading our review of the ASUS X99-Deluxe motherboard!
Courtesy of ASUS
Courtesy of ASUS
The ASUS integrated the following features into the X99-Deluxe's design: eight SATA 3 ports; an M.2 PCIe x4 capable port; two SATA Express 10 Gb/s ports; dual Intel Gigabit NICs - Intel I218-V and Intel I211 controllers; a Broadcom 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth controller; five PCI-Express x16 slots; one PCI-Express x4 slot; 2-digit diagnostic LED display; on-board power, reset, CMOS clear, USB BIOS Flashback, and MemOK! buttons; TPU, EPU, EZ_XMP, and multi-GPU switches; Crystal Sound 2 audio solution; and USB 2.0 and 3.0 port support. Also include with the board are the Fan Extension card, M.2 support bracket, and ASUS Hyper M.2 x4 add-on card.
Courtesy of ASUS
Technical Specifications (taken from the ASUS website)
| CPU | Intel® Socket 2011-v3 Core™ i7 Processors Supports Intel® 22 nm CPU Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology * The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU types. |
| Chipset | Intel® X99 |
| Memory | 8 x DIMM, Max. 64GB, DDR4 3200(O.C.) / 3000(O.C.) / 2800(O.C.) / 2666(O.C.) / 2400(O.C.) / 2133 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory Quad Channel Memory Architecture Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) * Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs. |
| Multi-GPU Support | Supports NVIDIA® Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology Supports NVIDIA® 3-Way SLI™ Technology Supports AMD Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology Supports AMD 3-Way CrossFireX™ Technology |
| Expansion Slots | 40-Lane CPU- 5 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16, x16/x16, x16/x16/x8, x8/x8/x16/x8, x8/x8/x8/x8/x8 mode) *1 1 x PCIe 2.0 x4 (max at x4 mode) *2 28-Lane CPU- *1: The PCIe x16_5 shares bandwidth with M.2 x4. Triple PCIe 3.0/2.0 configuration is default set at x8/x8/x8. Adjust PCIEX16_5 Slot Bandwidth in BIOS. |
| Storage | New Intel® Core™ i7 Processors : 1 x M.2 Socket 3, , with vertical M Key design, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (Support PCIE SSD only) Intel® X99 chipset : ASMedia® SATA Express controller : *5 *1: The PCIe x16_5 shares bandwidth with M.2 x4. Triple PCIe 3.0/2.0 configuration is default set at x8/x8/x8. Adjust PCIEX16_5 Slot Bandwidth in BIOS. |
| LAN | Intel® I218V, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s) Intel® I211-AT, 1 x Gigabit LAN Dual Gigabit LAN controllers- 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) appliance Support Teaming Technology ASUS Turbo LAN Utility |
| Wireless Data Network | Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Supports dual band frequency 2.4/5 GHz Support ASUS Wi-Fi Go! Utility Up to 1300Mbps transfer speed |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth V4.0 |
| Audio | Realtek® ALC1150 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC featuring Crystal Sound 2 - Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking - High quality 112 dB SNR stereo playback output (Line-out at rear) and 104 dB SNR stereo playback input (Line-in) - High-fidelity audio OP AMP(s) Audio Feature : |
| USB Ports | Intel® X99 chipset : 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 port(s) (4 at mid-board) Intel® X99 chipset : |
| Special Features | 5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processors 5 - Whole system optimization with a single click! 5-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU, DIGI+ Power Control, Fan Xpert 3, and Turbo App together, providing better CPU performance, efficient power saving, precise digital power control, whole system cooling and even tailor your own app usages. ASUS 5X Protection : - ASUS DIGI+ VRM - 8 Phase digital power design - ASUS Enhanced DRAM Overcurrent Protection - Short circuit damage prevention - ASUS ESD Guards - Enhanced ESD protection - ASUS High-Quality 5K-Hour Solid Capacitors - 2.5x long lifespan with excellent durability - ASUS Stainless Steel Back I/O - 3x more durable corrosion-resistant coating ASUS TPU : - Auto Tuning - GPU Boost - TPU switch ASUS EPU : - EPU switch ASUS Digital Power Design : - Industry leading Digital 8 Phase Power Design - Industry leading Digital 4 Phase DRAM Power Design - CPU Power Utility - DRAM Power Utility ASUS Wi-Fi GO! - Wi-Fi GO! Function: Cloud GO!, Remote Desktop, Remote Keyboard & Mouse, File Transfer - Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote app for portable smartphone/tablet, supporting iOS 7 & Android 4.0 systems ASUS Exclusive Features : - MemOK! - AI Suite 3 - Ai Charger+ - USB Charger+ - M.2 & SATA Express - Anti-Surge - Onboard Button : Power/Reset - ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface - USB 3.0 Boost - Disk Unlocker - Turbo LAN - Crystal Sound 2 Interactive HomeCloud - Media Streamer ASUS EZ DIY : - Precision Tweaker 2 - ASUS O.C. Tuner - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS EZ Flash 2 - ASUS USB BIOS Flashback - Push Notice ASUS Q-Design : - ASUS Q-Shield - ASUS Q-Code - ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED) - ASUS Q-Slot - ASUS Q-DIMM - ASUS Q-Connector Special Memory O.C. Design Turbo App Fan Xpert 3 |
| Back I/O Ports | 2 x LAN (RJ45) port(s) 10 x USB 3.0 (blue) 2 x USB 2.0 1 x Optical S/PDIF out 5 x Audio jack(s) 1 x USB BIOS Flashback Button(s) 1 x ASUS Wi-Fi GO! module (Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth v4.0) |
| Internal I/O Ports | 1 x AAFP connector 2 x USB 3.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 3.0 port(s) (19-pin) 2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s) 2 x SATA Express connector: gray, 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with vertical M Key design, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (Support PCIE SSD only) 1 x TPM connector(s) 8 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s) 1 x CPU Fan connector(s) (1 x 4 -pin) 1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s) (1 x 4 -pin) 4 x Chassis Fan connector(s) (4 x 4 -pin) 1 x S/PDIF out header(s) 1 x Thunderbolt header(s) 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s) 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s) 1 x EZ XMP switch 1 x System panel(s) (Q-Connector) 1 x Chassis Intrusion connector(s) 1 x DRCT header(s) 1 x MemOK! button(s) 1 x Thermal sensor connector(s) 1 x TPU switch(es) 1 x EPU switch(es) 1 x CPU/DRAM overvoltage jumper(s) 1 x Power-on button(s) 1 x Reset button(s) 1 x Clear CMOS button(s) 1 x 5-pin EXT_FAN(Extension Fan) connector 1 x SLI/CFX switch (2/3-WAY adjustments) |
| Accessories | User's manual ASUS Q-Shield 8 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s) 1 x ASUS 2-Way/3-Way SLI bridge 1 x M.2 X4 bracket 1 x ASUS 3T3R dual band Wi-Fi moving antennas (Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compliant) 1 x Fan Extension Card (3 x 4-pin fan out) 1 x Q-connector(s) (2 in 1) 1 x 5-pin to 5-pin cable - 1 x Thermistor cable(s) |
| BIOS | 128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.7, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modified log, F12 PrintScreen, F3 Shortcut functions and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information. |
| Manageability | WfM 2.0, DMI 2.7, WOL by PME, PXE |
| Support Disc | ASUS Utilities, EZ Update, Anti-virus software (OEM version) Operating System |
| Form Factor | ATX Form Factor 12 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm ) |
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Does the bios allow booting from an M.2 SSD?
Yes, you can boot to M.2 devices. It's just like having a regular SSD. Just set the boot sequence to use the M.2 first. Also, make sure you use an x4 gen M.2 device as any slower x2 gen M.2 don't seem to be compatible. Not sure why the M.2 port can't work backwards like a PCIE x16/x8 gen slot.
Actually, PCIe X2 devices work fine in the onboard port, used one for the review. You may have issues with the SATA M.2 devices though...
Is it me or it is really difficult to read Morry's articles?
How so?
There are 8 SATA ports, not 10 as stated on the first page.
I'm pretty sure there AT LEAST 10 SATA ports.
I would have to disagree. From the images, it appears there's 8 SATA-III ports and 2 SATA-Express ports.
Unless the additional 2 SATA-III ports are located somewhere hidden from the general location of SATA ports?
Also, the spec sheets also specifies 8 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s). Looks like a "little" typo that Morry Teitelman should fix :)
Thanks. Technically, there are 12 SATA III-capable ports. But you are correct, there are 8 real SATA III ports and 2 SATA-Express ports...
Ah! I didn't know you could use the 2x SATA-Express ports as 4 additional SATA III ports. Good to know :)
Yeah, those SATA-Express ports are basically 2 x SATA III ports and an extra, proprietary data port for addditional bandwidth/control logic pathing. So you can use the 2 SATA III ports individually or use the entire thing as a single SATA-Express interface...
I wish this had RAMDISK and GAMEfirst... oh well, we can't have it all :).
Also, it says MEM support for up to 64G, can this be updated when they come out with 16G DIMMs with firmware or something?
If you continue to read the review, I recall it mentioning to support up to 128GB. But this will depend on many factors due to current limited DDR4 DIMM availability.
This board is really packed with features, so it might support up to 512GB with a future BIOS firmware update from ASUS. :)
That may have been a typo (about the 128GB memory support). Thought I pulled that from the site, but cannot find the reference to it now. So until there is word of a BIOS update for support, assume the board supports 64GB max...
Very interesting board there. Thanks for the review!
I don't understand all this complaining about the lack of a CMOS reset jumper, cos there is a CMOS reset button instead.
CMOS Reset button only resets BIOS to defaults, but does not clear out profiles or other internal settings. CMOS Reset jumper physically resets the BIOS to is clean/never been configured state. Even removing the CMOS battery for an extended period will not do that...
i got the same board i'm trying to build a virtual machine.do you guys have any ideas what type of power supply, cpu fan, and case i might need. i know i'm gonna have i7 6 cores. let me know what you guys think.
Assuming this VM system is going to be using up a lot of resources, think in terms of quality power and thermal control. In other words, absolutely use an 80Plus Silver or better PSU for a power source. Also, consider getting a decent performance tower cooler or dual 120mm Corsair/NZXT/Asetek all in one liquid cooling system.
Your computer case should be able to move cool air in and out as quickly as possible. Rather than using a case with a loud set of front fans, or one so large it needs 6 fans to keep air moving, go with a good mid-tower with two front fans, one rear fan, and top mounted radiator if possible. Expelling the air through the top will be fine.
Just keep your system cool with well fed with clean power and it'll last you quite some time.
Thanks for the review Morry. Stunning is all can say about this motherboard! Ahh, and that Cmos battery placement, nice!
Anyone know where the termistor plugs into?
"You simply plug it in to the on board header"
I looked everyone on the MB and there are two possible places it could go where I see 2 pin headers. I don't want to guess and neither are labeled. I searched the documentation and everywhere I could online and nothing says where it goes.
The safest way to connect the thermistor to the board would be through the connections on the included Fan Extension Card. Just make sure to connect the card to the port on the board so that the readings are picked up by the ASUS app.
Good luck...
Hi everyone,
Does anyone knows if the D-15 will work on this x99-deluxe board with an Asus 780 GTX video card? The GPU in the picture seems so close to the D-15's radiator... it makes me hesitate an consider liquid CPU cooling.
Thanks!
There is not a alot of room between the side of the D15 and the back of the video card, but there is a gap. If you are very worried, use a backplate on the video card for extra protection.
The pictures shown are outside of a case, so the card is no held as firmly in place as it would be when the board is a case.
Good luck...
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You can just use the card in another x16 slot with the exact same results. I always do that so as to keep the CPU, phases and whatnot cooler.
Thanks for the answer. Can you tell me what is the GPU in the picture?
Éric
It seems that all reviews I read can find no faults with this board. For once I like to read some real reviews instead of just promoting them. For one the design was meant for the DDR3 platform.(read the manual) But Haswell e was probably pushed onto DDR4 to gain more sales so they had to change the sockets (would it performed better on the DDR3 platform?). Even the Board layout and design always lack of putting at least one pci slot before pci x16 as this is always a issue for other devices not getting used or constantly having heat from the graphic card. Duly noted here about the spacing of the cooler.It seems everybody knows about the issues but never say anything so we don't get better products. I would also like to see some benchmarks on air as most have been water cooled, most people don't have water cooled systems.
Could it be if we buy this board with lets say 2x8gb ram(16gb) and then later having in mind buying two 16gb-sticks(32bg) then updating to 8x16(128gb) in total that we must give up this idea, because a new MOBO would allow? It time for asus to enlighten us. werent the new sticks already tested? or not yet successfully?
Thank you very much for the review, I had problems finding the RAM to fit under that monster :D
I have 2 GPU 970 with SLI config, 1 PCIe SSD x4 on M2 slot and the question is "Can I add more Thunderbolt EX II card into this?"
The board supports addition of a single Thunderbolt EX II card hook into the onboard port, but you theoretically could run multiple of those cards in the board. Only one would be monitored/hooked into the board though...
Thanks for the comprehensive and thorough overview of the UEFI.
I am searching for the ASUS X99 approved SSD and memory current website.
Asus X99_Series_DRAM_QVL_20150326.pdf
google for this PDF
if you mean the M.2 socket SSD...
this is what I found
1 x M.2 Socket 3, , with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (Support PCIE SSD only)
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/X99AUSB_31/specifications/
it seems very hard to get in the netherlands. the s/pdif module and the fan extention card.
even when I can get the fan extention card, it looks like there is only 1x thermistor sensor.
but I need 3x.
what are the specs of that thermistor??
the mb I bought is the Asus X99-A/usb3.1
and maybe... where can I buy??
1 Asus S/PDIF module
2 Asus fan extention card
3 2 extra thermistors
When installing the X99 should I be using standoffs? Not sure as I don't see any special receiving area on the motherboard..
Thanks.
I'm not sure what you mean by that question. standoff's are little screw extentions, to keep the mainboard of the floor of your case. normally they come with the computer-case
This all looks good, but not going to spend this amount of money for a board that doesn't have USB 3.1. I'll wait until the next version that has USB 3.1 in the back and a header for USB 3.1 in the front.
Other than that it looks like a great purchase/build option...
Thanks for the review.
New released X99/U3.1 series Asus mainboards support USB3.1 through expansion PCI-E card as This module just has 2 pcs. USB3.1 ports. I'm wondering If use this expansion module on PCI-E x4 port, how can Thunderbolt II or M.2 x4 module be assembled on mainboard same time?
HEY guys, quick question. My little brother just got an ASUS delux x99 mother board. He only has 2sticks of ddr 4 ram, (8gig sticksx2) which two slots do they go in? right now it says he only has 4 gigs of memory, meaning its not reading both sticks. Please help, Thank you in advance.
Isn't the M2 placement in this board extremely stupid? Blocks a lot of airflow into the CPU cooler plus has to be extremely annoying to have that thing there with all the power and sata cables.
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