OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Motherboards Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v1.0

ASUS X99 S Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price:~£220CPU socket:LGA 2011-3Chipset:Intel X99Form factor:ATX

ASUS X99 S Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

5.4

Overall score

Score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

90%

5.4

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 74% of motherboards
5.4

Technical score

Technical score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

19%

5.9

Memory

16%

6.7

Platform & Features

16%

4.8

Storage

15%

3.7

Network

13%

4.3

Ports & USB

8%

5.2

Expansion

8%

6.5

Power & Cooling

5%

8.5

Audio

â–¼Worse than 71% of motherboards
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £220

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of motherboard ASUS X99 S

Technical score
Technical score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components:

19%

5.9

Memory

16%

6.7

Platform & Features

16%

4.8

Storage

15%

3.7

Network

13%

4.3

Ports & USB

8%

5.2

Expansion

8%

6.5

Power & Cooling

5%

8.5

Audio

5.4
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
ASUS X99 S has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 79.1% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components:

60%

5.4

Overall score

40%

9.4

Price

6.6
Brand name
Asus
CPU socket
LGA 2011-3
CPU socket
LGA 2011-3
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
This motherboard uses the LGA 2011-3 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 84.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.5% of motherboards.
Also described as ASUS OC Socket.
CPU platform
Intel
CPU platform
Intel
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard is built for the Intel CPU platform, which is more versatile than that of 31.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 68.4% of motherboards.
Chipset
Intel X99
Chipset
Intel X99
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
This motherboard uses the Intel X99 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 67.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.4% of motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Form factor
ATX
â–² Better than 48% of models
This motherboard has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
DDR memory version
DDR4
â–¼ Worse than 36% of models
This motherboard uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 50.8% of motherboards.
Memory slots
8
Memory slots
8
★ Better than 94% of models
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 8 Memory slots, which is more than 94% of motherboards and equal to 5.7% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 62.6% of motherboards and equal to 24.3% of motherboards.
Memory channels
4
Memory channels
4
★ Better than 93% of models
This motherboard supports 4 memory channels, which is more than 92.9% of motherboards and equal to 6.8% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
2,133 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
2,133 MT/s
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 2,133 MT/s, which is lower than that of 87.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.4% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
1
N. of M.2 sockets
1
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 1 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 69.3% of motherboards and equal to 19.1% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
This motherboard offers 1x PCIe 3.0x4 for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 72.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.3% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
8
N. of SATA 3 connectors
8
â–² Better than 85% of models
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.4% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 32% of motherboards and equal to 68% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
no
NVMe RAID support
no
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.5% of motherboards and equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.5% of motherboards and equal to 55.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
8
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
8
★ Better than 100% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 8 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 100% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x16/x8, x16/x8/x4
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x16/x8, x16/x8/x4
★ Better than 96% of models
This motherboard uses x16/x16/x8, x16/x8/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 95.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.3% of motherboards.
Depends on CPU.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.4% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.2% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
20
Total USB ports (including headers)
20
★ Better than 91% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 20 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 91.3% of motherboards and equal to 2.9% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.6% of motherboards and equal to 35.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.7% of motherboards and equal to 30.3% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18.3% of motherboards and equal to 81.7% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
1 Gbps
LAN speed
1 Gbps
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.2% of motherboards.
LAN controller
?
N. of RJ45 ports
1
N. of RJ45 ports
1
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1150
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1150
â–² Better than 53% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC1150 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 52.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 9.2% of motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
Audio channels
7.1
â–² Better than 5% of models
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
112 dB
Audio SNR
112 dB
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 112 dB, which is lower than that of 52.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.1% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
Headphone amp support
yes
â–² Better than 41% of models
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 40.8% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
â–² Better than 50% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.6% of motherboards and equal to 37% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
8
VRM phases
8
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
This motherboard has 8 VRM phases, which is fewer than 69.9% of motherboards and equal to 7.1% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
N. of CPU power connectors
2
â–² Better than 55% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.1% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
6
N. of fan headers
6
â–² Better than 50% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
?
Pump header max current
0 A
Pump header max current
0 A
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 76% of motherboards and equal to that of 24% of motherboards.
Show more

ASUS X99 S vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 4 more memory slots
    Memory slots
    8
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <2 – >4
    This motherboard has more memory slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    8 vs 4
  • 5 more total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    20
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (20 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    20 vs 15
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • Includes POST code display
    POST code display
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
    Q-Code display.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 headers (USB-A)
    2
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    N. of SATA 3 connectors
    8
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <4 – >8
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    8 vs 4
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16/x16/x8, x16/x8/x4
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    This motherboard has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x16/x8, x16/x8/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    Depends on CPU.
    x16/x16/x8, x16/x8/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • Supports ECC memory
    ECC memory support
    yes
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This motherboard supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 21% of motherboards support ECC memory.
    ECC unbuffered; compatible CPU required.
  • Includes POST code display
    POST code display
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
    Q-Code display.
  • Includes onboard power button
    Onboard power button
    yes
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    Onboard reset button
    yes
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
    Power and reset buttons.
  • 4 more memory slots
    Memory slots
    8
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <2 – >4
    This motherboard has more memory slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    8 vs 4
  • Supports ECC memory
    ECC memory support
    yes
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This motherboard supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 21% of motherboards support ECC memory.
    ECC unbuffered; compatible CPU required.
  • More memory channels
    Memory channels
    4
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This motherboard has more memory channels than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 memory channel/s.
    4 vs 2
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    N. of SATA 3 connectors
    8
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <4 – >8
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    8 vs 4
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16/x16/x8, x16/x8/x4
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    This motherboard has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x16/x8, x16/x8/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    Depends on CPU.
    x16/x16/x8, x16/x8/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 7 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
    8
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    8 vs 1
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    2
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 5 more total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    20
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (20 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    20 vs 15
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 headers (USB-A)
    2
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 4 more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 ports (USB-A)
    8
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <0 – >6
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    8 vs 4
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    N. of USB4 / Thunderbolt headers (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    TB_HEADER connector
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    N. of USB 2.0 ports
    4
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    4 vs 2
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC1150
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel X99
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X99 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel X99 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    LAN speed
    1 Gbps
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    1x PCIe 3.0 x4
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    1x PCIe 3.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No NVMe RAID support
    NVMe RAID support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    64 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 2
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    Wi-Fi connectivity
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 6.26x less popular
    ASUS X99 S is less popular than the average motherboard (1 vs 6.3).
    1 vs 6.26
  • 12% worse value for money
    ASUS X99 S has worse value for money than the average motherboard (6.62 vs 7.4).
    6.62 vs 7.41
  • 37.5% more expensive
    ASUS X99 S is more expensive than the average motherboard (£220 vs £160).
    £220 vs £160
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel X99
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X99 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel X99 vs Intel B860
  • No integrated graphics support
    Integrated graphics support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    This motherboard does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.5% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • Not suitable for gaming
    Suitable for gaming
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This motherboard is not suitable for gaming, while the average motherboard is. 85.2% of motherboards are suitable for gaming.
    workstation/server-focused
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    Windows 11 ready
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    This motherboard is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 76.9% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • Narrower Windows support
    Supported Windows versions
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    This motherboard has narrower Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • Older CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA 2011-3
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    This motherboard has older CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 2011-3 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    Also described as ASUS OC Socket.
    LGA 2,011-3 vs LGA 1,151
  • 7 older release date
    Release date
    2014
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This motherboard is older than the average motherboard (2014 vs 2021). The average motherboard was released in 2021.
    October 2014
    2014 vs 2021
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    64 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • 54.9% lower maximum RAM speed
    Maximum RAM speed
    2,133 MT/s
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2133 MT/s vs 4733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4733 MT/s.
    2,133 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • 35.1% lower overclocked RAM speed
    Maximum overclocked RAM speed
    3,200 MT/s
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <2.7k MT/s – >8.2k MT/s
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (3200 MT/s vs 4933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4933 MT/s.
    maximum depends on CPU configuration
    3,200 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    1x PCIe 3.0 x4
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    1x PCIe 3.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No NVMe RAID support
    NVMe RAID support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 2
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    N. of PS/2 ports
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer HDMI outputs
    N. of HDMI outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
    no onboard video outputs
    0 vs 1
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    LAN speed
    1 Gbps
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    Wi-Fi connectivity
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    Wi-Fi antenna included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 3 dB lower audio SNR
    Audio SNR
    112 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (112 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    112 dB vs 115 dB
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    N. of ARGB headers (3-pin)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • Fewer VRM phases
    VRM phases
    8
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (8 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    8 vs 10
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    Onboard RGB lighting
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.4% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    N. of RGB headers (4-pin)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    Pump header max current
    0 A
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 A – >3 A
    This motherboard has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (0 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    0 A vs 2 A

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Third-party reviews

What we like about ASUS X99 S

  • Excellent overclocking potential with the proprietary OC Socket
  • Comprehensive storage options including 32Gb/s M.2 x4 and SATA Express
  • High-quality build with effective heatsinks for VRM and PCH cooling
  • User-friendly and polished UEFI BIOS with detailed manual tuning
  • Clean white-and-black aesthetic that fits many build themes
  • Supports quad-channel DDR4 memory with high frequency potential

What we don't like about ASUS X99 S

  • High overall platform cost (X99 chipset and DDR4 RAM requirements)
  • Some SATA ports do not support RAID or Intel Rapid Storage Technology
  • Certain PCIe slot configurations can block access to onboard buttons and headers
  • Using the M.2 slot may disable specific PCIe slots due to shared bandwidth
  • Overcrowded CPU socket area can complicate the installation of large air coolers

Verdict

The ASUS X99-S is a high-performance ATX motherboard built on the Intel X99 Express chipset, featuring the LGA2011-v3 socket for Intel Core i7 and Xeon E5-1600/2600 v3 processors. It is equipped with eight DDR4 DIMM slots supporting up to 64GB (later up to 128GB via BIOS updates) in a quad-channel configuration with overclocking speeds exceeding 3200MHz. Key characteristics include five PCIe 3.0 x16 slots supporting up to 3-Way SLI/CrossFireX, a 32Gb/s M.2 x4 slot, ten SATA 6Gb/s ports, and Crystal Sound 2 audio. Its main pros are the patent-pending OC Socket for enhanced CPU and RAM overclocking stability, 5-Way Optimization for one-click system tuning, and robust power delivery. However, it lacks onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth found in higher-tier models like the X99-Deluxe, and the vertical M.2 slot design can be awkward for some builds.

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