OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

GIGABYTE X299X AORUS Xtreme Waterforce review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£1,500CPU socket:LGA 2066Chipset:Intel X299Form factor:XL-ATX

GIGABYTE X299X AORUS Xtreme Waterforce Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 5 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

GIGABYTE X299X AORUS Xtreme Waterforce
7.5/10

Overall score

Score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 69% of models
Score components

40%

7.5

Technical score

20%

7.5

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

7.5

User score

▲Better than 69% of motherboards
6.0

Value for money

Value for money
6.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

2.6

Price

▼Worse than 99%
7.5

Technical score

Technical score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 76% of models
Score components

19%

8.6

Memory

16%

8.2

Platform

16%

5.4

Storage

15%

9.1

Network

13%

6.6

Ports

8%

4.1

Expansion

8%

8.4

Power & Cooling

5%

9.3

Audio

▲Better than 76%
7.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 62% of models

7.5

Mark 8.2 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.2

Average grade

20%

8.5

Popularity

Grades by review (5)
2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
▼Worse than 62%
7.5

User score

User score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 61% of models

7.5

Mark 8.0 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

8.8

Rating

30%

5.9

Popularity

▼Worse than 61%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • gigabyte-x299x-aorus-xtreme-waterforce
  • gigabyte-x299x-aorus-xtreme-waterforce
  • gigabyte-x299x-aorus-xtreme-waterforce
  • gigabyte-x299x-aorus-xtreme-waterforce
  • gigabyte-x299x-aorus-xtreme-waterforce
  • gigabyte-x299x-aorus-xtreme-waterforce
gigabyte-x299x-aorus-xtreme-waterforce
gigabyte-x299x-aorus-xtreme-waterforce
gigabyte-x299x-aorus-xtreme-waterforce
gigabyte-x299x-aorus-xtreme-waterforce
gigabyte-x299x-aorus-xtreme-waterforce
gigabyte-x299x-aorus-xtreme-waterforce
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the GIGABYTE X299X AORUS Xtreme Waterforce

Based on 2 · 4

Reviewers mostly criticize the water block, find the board bulky and heavy, and are unimpressed by the M.2 storage.
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard GIGABYTE X299X AORUS Xtreme Waterforce

Technical score
Technical score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 76% of models
Score components:

19%

8.6

Memory

16%

8.2

Platform

16%

5.4

Storage

15%

9.1

Network

13%

6.6

Ports

8%

4.1

Expansion

8%

8.4

Power & Cooling

5%

9.3

Audio

7.5
Reviews score
7.5
User score
7.5
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

2.6

Price

6.0
CPU socket
LGA 2066
This motherboard uses LGA 2066, which is more up-to-date than 51.5% of Motherboards and the same as 2% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel X299
This motherboard uses Intel X299, which is less capable than 65.8% of Motherboards and as capable as 2% of Motherboards.
Form factor
XL-ATX
Integrated graphics support
no
This motherboard does not support integrated graphics. 89.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This motherboard uses DDR4, which is more modern than 13.4% of Motherboards and the same as 50.4% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
8
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 8 Memory slots, which is more than 93.9% of motherboards and equal to 5.8% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
256 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 256 GB of memory, which is more than 82.5% of motherboards and equal to 16.7% of motherboards.
capacity depends on supported CPU
Memory channels
4
Maximum RAM speed
2,933 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 2,933 MT/s, which is lower than that of 75.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.2% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
2
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 34.5% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, which is slower than 67.6% of Motherboards and the same as 3.8% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
8
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
VROC key required for some configurations
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
3
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 3 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 82.7% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x16/x16
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x16/x16, which is more generous than 97.8% of Motherboards and the same as 0.3% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.6% of motherboards and equal to 30.3% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
18
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 18 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 81.8% of motherboards and equal to 5.2% of motherboards.
includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
2
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 84.2% of motherboards and equal to 12.2% of motherboards.
Thunderbolt / USB4 Type-C ports counted.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
4
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 4 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 95.6% of motherboards and equal to 2.8% of motherboards.
includes internal USB-C header.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
Thunderbolt excluded.
Show more
LAN speed
10 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 10 Gbps, which is higher than that of 95.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.3% of motherboards.
also includes 1GbE secondary port
LAN controller
?
N. of RJ45 ports
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.3% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi 6.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is newer than 60.3% of Motherboards and the same as 11.2% of Motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220-VB
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC1220-VB, which is higher-end than 80.4% of Motherboards and the same as 3.8% of Motherboards.
with ESS DAC.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
130 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 130 dB, which is higher than that of 97.9% of motherboards and equal to that of 2% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 50.6% of motherboards and equal to 36.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
16
This motherboard has 16 VRM phases, which is more than 79.6% of motherboards and equal to 3.4% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
8
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.2% of motherboards and equal to 15% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.6% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say

GIGABYTE X299X AORUS Xtreme Waterforce vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (256 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    capacity depends on supported CPU
    256 GB vs 128 GB
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This motherboard has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 4 more memory slots
    This motherboard has more memory slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    8 vs 4
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    rear Type-C is USB4/Thunderbolt
    2 vs 0
  • 4x higher LAN speed
    This motherboard has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    also includes 1GbE secondary port
    10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • 1 more rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    Thunderbolt / USB4 Type-C ports counted.
    2 vs 1
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220-VB vs Realtek ALC897).
    with ESS DAC.
    Realtek ALC1220-VB vs Realtek ALC897
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    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
  • Integrated I/O shield
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.6% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 2066 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 2,066 vs LGA 1,151
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
    Rear-panel Clear CMOS button.
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (256 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    capacity depends on supported CPU
    256 GB vs 128 GB
  • 4 more memory slots
    This motherboard has more memory slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    8 vs 4
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    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 generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes more generously than the average motherboard (x16/x16/x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x16/x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 2 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    rear Type-C is USB4/Thunderbolt
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    Thunderbolt / USB4 Type-C ports counted.
    2 vs 1
  • 3 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (18 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
    18 vs 15
  • 3 more total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    includes internal USB-C header.
    4 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    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
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 0
  • 2 more Thunderbolt 3 ports
    This motherboard has more Thunderbolt 3 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 Thunderbolt 3 port/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 2.0 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This motherboard has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 4x higher LAN speed
    This motherboard has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    also includes 1GbE secondary port
    10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220-VB vs Realtek ALC897).
    with ESS DAC.
    Realtek ALC1220-VB vs Realtek ALC897
  • 15 dB higher audio SNR
    This motherboard has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (130 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    130 dB vs 115 dB
  • 2 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (5 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    5 vs 3
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    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 VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (16 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    16 vs 10
  • 2.5 more fan headers
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    8 vs 5.5
  • 1 more RGB headers
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X299 vs Intel B860).
    Intel X299 vs Intel B860
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No integrated graphics support
    This motherboard does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.8% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • Noisier chipset cooling
    This motherboard uses noisier chipset cooling than the average motherboard (Active vs Passive).
    integrated monoblock
    Active vs Passive
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 37.6% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,933 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    2,933 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 10x more expensive
    GIGABYTE X299X AORUS Xtreme Waterforce is more expensive than the average motherboard (£1,500 vs £150).
    £1,500 vs £150
  • 10x more expensive
    GIGABYTE X299X AORUS Xtreme Waterforce is more expensive than the average motherboard (£1,500 vs £150).
    £1,500 vs £150
  • 28.3% worse value for money
    GIGABYTE X299X AORUS Xtreme Waterforce has worse value for money than the average motherboard (6 vs 7.7).
    6 vs 7.7
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X299 vs Intel B860).
    Intel X299 vs Intel B860
  • No integrated graphics support
    This motherboard does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.8% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • 37.6% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,933 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    2,933 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.4).
    5 vs 5.4
  • Noisier chipset cooling
    This motherboard uses noisier chipset cooling than the average motherboard (Active vs Passive).
    integrated monoblock
    Active vs Passive

Video reviews

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

8.0
Actually Hardcore Overclocking
≈ estimated
28/08/2021
Salvaged board check · cleaning and memory boot tests
Verdict
The GIGABYTE X299X AORUS Xtreme Waterforce works normally after cleaning and bent-pin repair, and is a bargain for buyers who don't need the water block.
8.0
OC3D TV
≈ estimated
25/11/2019
Hands-on review · performance, cooling and overclocking tests
Verdict
The GIGABYTE X299X AORUS Xtreme Waterforce offers strong performance and looks, but VRM temperatures disappoint and the price is very high.
7.0
Actually Hardcore Overclocking
≈ estimated
09/11/2019
Teardown and PCB review · layout and design analysis
Verdict
The GIGABYTE X299X AORUS Xtreme Waterforce is a good board overall, but the required water block and automatic BIOS recovery hold it back.
7.0
Gear Seekers
≈ estimated
22/10/2019
First look · unboxing and feature overview
Verdict
The GIGABYTE X299X AORUS Xtreme Waterforce is not for everyone, but it is worth having for buyers who want a board this extreme.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
hardwarecooking.fr
≈ estimated
25/12/2019
Full review · Premium water-cooled board
Verdict
The X299X AORUS XTREME Waterforce suits buyers who want top design and performance at any price, though many cases reject its XL-ATX size.
9.6
profesionalreview.com
✓ explicit
03/12/2019
Full review · Water-cooled X299 board
Verdict
The X299X AORUS XTREME Waterforce is an eye-catching board whose water block cools CPU, VRM, chipset and M.2, but it only suits custom water loops.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about GIGABYTE X299X AORUS Xtreme Waterforce

  • Integrated Monoblock: High-quality 2KG monoblock provides extensive cooling for the CPU, VRMs, and chipset out of the box.
  • Premium Aesthetics: Features a striking design with extensive RGB lighting and a polished metal finish.
  • Rich Feature Set: Includes Thunderbolt 3, 10GbE LAN, and high-end ESS Sabre DAC for superior audio quality.
  • Comprehensive Bundle: Comes with extras like the Aorus Fan Commander and a four-bay M.2 expansion card.
  • Build Quality: Robust construction with a protective backplate that adds structural strength and prevents PCB flexing.

What customers don't like about GIGABYTE X299X AORUS Xtreme Waterforce

  • Extreme Price: One of the most expensive X299 motherboards, often exceeding £1,000/$1,000.
  • Installation Complexity: The weight and size of the monoblock make assembly awkward and require careful cable management for RGB headers.
  • M.2 Inaccessibility: Swapping the primary M.2 drives requires complete removal of the waterblock, risking damage to thermal pads and plugs.
  • Sub-optimal VRM Cooling: Under heavy overclocking, some reviewers found the VRM section didn't receive enough water flow compared to active air-cooled alternatives.
  • E-ATX Form Factor: Requires a very large case due to its extended width and massive cooling hardware.

Verdict

The Gigabyte X299X Aorus Xtreme Waterforce is a flagship E-ATX (XL-ATX) motherboard designed for Intel Core X-series processors on the LGA 2066 socket, featuring a massive 16-phase digital VRM with 70A power stages. Its defining characteristic is the world's first all-in-one monoblock that liquid-cools the CPU, VRM, SSDs, and PCH, equipped with a leak detection circuit for safety. Key pros include high-end connectivity like dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, 10GbE Aquantia LAN alongside Intel Gigabit LAN, and Wi-Fi 6, as well as premium audio via dual ESS SABRE 9218 DACs. Main cons are its extremely high price point, the mandatory requirement of a custom liquid cooling loop since it lacks traditional heatsinks, and the large XL-ATX form factor that may limit case compatibility.

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