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

MSI MEG X299 Creation review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£45CPU socket:LGA 2066Chipset:Intel X299Form factor:E-ATX

MSI MEG X299 Creation Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 4 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI MEG X299 Creation
7.7/10

Overall score

Score
7.7/ 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 76% of models
Score components

40%

7.6

Technical score

20%

8.3

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%

7.6

User score

▲Better than 76% of motherboards
8.4

Value for money

Value for money
8.4/ 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
▲ Better than 88% of models
Score components

70%

7.7

Overall score

30%

10

Price

▲Better than 88%
7.6

Technical score

Technical score
7.6/ 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 77% of models
Score components

19%

8.8

Memory

16%

7.7

Platform

16%

6.7

Storage

15%

8.8

Network

13%

6.6

Ports

8%

4.2

Expansion

8%

8.2

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

▲Better than 77%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 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
▲ Better than 50% of models

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

8.3

Popularity

Grades by review (4)
2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 2 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.
▲Better than 50%
7.6

User score

User score
7.6/ 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

7.6

Mark 8.2 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

8.7

Rating

30%

7.0

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
  • msi-meg-x299-creation
  • msi-meg-x299-creation
msi-meg-x299-creation
msi-meg-x299-creation
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 MSI MEG X299 Creation

Based on 2 · 2

Reviewers mostly agree the expansion options are generous, with little else drawing consistent praise or criticism.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI MEG X299 Creation

Technical score
Technical score
7.6/ 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 77% of models
Score components:

19%

8.8

Memory

16%

7.7

Platform

16%

6.7

Storage

15%

8.8

Network

13%

6.6

Ports

8%

4.2

Expansion

8%

8.2

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

7.6
Reviews score
8.3
User score
7.6
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.4/ 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
▲ Better than 88% of models
Score components:

70%

7.7

Overall score

30%

10

Price

8.4
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
E-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.
Memory channels
4
Maximum RAM speed
4,200 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 4,200 MT/s, which is lower than that of 55.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.2% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
3
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 3 M.2 sockets, which is more than 65.1% of motherboards and equal to 18.9% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
3x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 3x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, which is slower than 57.8% of Motherboards and the same as 0.9% of Motherboards.
bundled card slots excluded.
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.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
VROC key required for some configurations
Show more
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
4
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 4 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 93.9% of motherboards and equal to 3.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x16/x8, x8/x8/x16/x8, x16/x0/x8/x4, x8/x8/x8/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x16/x8, x8/x8/x16/x8, x16/x0/x8/x4, x8/x8/x8/x4, which is more generous than 97% of Motherboards.
Depends on CPU.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.7% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
25
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 25 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 99.8% of motherboards and equal to 0.1% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 48.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 33% of motherboards.
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
2.5 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.4% of motherboards.
also includes 1GbE secondary port
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I219-V
This motherboard has a Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I219-V LAN controller, which is faster than 86.2% of Motherboards and equal to 0.2% of Motherboards.
dual LAN
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 version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is newer than 49.8% of Motherboards and the same as 10.4% of Motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC1220, which is higher-end than 65.5% of Motherboards and the same as 12.9% of Motherboards.
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
120 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 41% 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
13+1
This motherboard has 13+1 VRM phases, which is more than 70.6% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
3
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 3 CPU power connectors, which is more than 99.8% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
6
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
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
3 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 77.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.2% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI MEG X299 Creation 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.
    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
  • 2 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    3 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 rear USB ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    10 vs 8
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    dual LAN
    Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 10 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (25 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    25 vs 15
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 13.7% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 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
    ▲ Better than 50% of models

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    8.3

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 2 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.
    8.3 vs 7.3
  • 3.33x cheaper
    MSI MEG X299 Creation is cheaper than the average motherboard (£45 vs £150).
    £45 vs £150
  • 8.7% better value for money
    MSI MEG X299 Creation has better value for money than the average motherboard (8.37 vs 7.7).
    8.37 vs 7.7
  • 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.
    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
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 more U.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more U.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 U.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 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/x0/x16/x8, x8/x8/x16/x8, x16/x0/x8/x4, x8/x8/x8/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    Depends on CPU.
    x16/x0/x16/x8, x8/x8/x16/x8, x16/x0/x8/x4, x8/x8/x8/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 3 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    4 vs 1
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    10 vs 8
  • 10 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (25 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    25 vs 15
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 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 USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    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.
    supports Thunderbolt add-in card
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
    Gen 2 Type-C header
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    6 vs 4
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    2 vs 1
  • 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
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    dual LAN
    Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    This motherboard has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    120 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
  • 2 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    3 vs 1
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (13+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    13+1 vs 10
  • 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.
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a higher pump header current than the average motherboard (3 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    3 A vs 2 A
  • 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 (3x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    bundled card slots excluded.
    3x 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.
  • 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
  • 1 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    1 vs 2
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.4).
    5 vs 5.4
  • 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.
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    bundled card slots excluded.
    3x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 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
  • 1 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    1 vs 2

Video reviews

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

8.0
Craft Computing
≈ estimated
13/02/2019
Hands-on review · build and content creation use
Verdict
MSI MEG X299 Creation fills a niche for creators, but it lacks workstation features for its price.
6.0
The Provoked Prawn
≈ estimated
01/05/2019
Hands-on overview · build use and problems
Verdict
MSI MEG X299 Creation is good-looking and capable, though setup and software problems came up during use.
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

10
techpowerup.com
✓ explicit
14/02/2019
Full review · High-end Intel board
Verdict
The MSI MEG X299 Creation is a high-end Intel board for heavy workloads, with steel-reinforced slots and an included card for extra M.2 drives, though its X299 platform is older.
9.0
hardware-journal.de
≈ estimated
21/09/2020
Hands-on test · BIOS review
Verdict
The MSI MEG X299 Creation's BIOS is tidy and deep, with per-slot lane settings and a detailed fan monitor, though its overclocking options are countless.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI MEG X299 Creation

  • Incredible storage expansion with up to 7 M.2 slots (via included Xpander-Aero card)
  • Robust power delivery with a 13+1 phase VRM and triple 8-pin power connectors
  • High-end connectivity including 2.5G LAN, Intel Wi-Fi, and an included Thunderbolt 3 card
  • Excellent cooling for NVMe drives thanks to M.2 Shield Frozr and dedicated expansion card heatsinks
  • Premium build quality with steel-reinforced DIMM and PCIe slots
  • Aesthetically pleasing design with subtle, natural-looking RGB implementation

What customers don't like about MSI MEG X299 Creation

  • Extremely high price point (approx. $500–$600 at launch)
  • Significant SATA port sharing where using certain M.2 slots disables specific SATA ports
  • Lacks 5G or 10G Ethernet, which some competitors offer at this price tier
  • Software suite (Dragon Center and Mystic Light) can be buggy or difficult to sync
  • Unusual RAM slot spacing requires strictly following the manual for quad-channel setup
  • Legacy BIOS settings can cause issues with modern Windows 10/11 features like Fast Boot if not manually toggled to UEFI

Verdict

The MSI MEG X299 Creation is a high-end E-ATX motherboard designed for Intel Core X-Series processors on the LGA 2066 socket, featuring a robust 13+1 phase digital power design and triple 8-pin CPU power connectors for extreme stability. It offers exceptional expansion and storage capabilities, including eight DDR4 DIMM slots supporting quad-channel memory up to 4200MHz (OC), four PCIe 3.0 x16 slots for 4-way SLI/CrossFire, three onboard M.2 slots with Shield Frozr, and a U.2 port. Key pros include its extensive connectivity suite with 2.5G and Gigabit LAN, Wi-Fi 6, and premium included accessories like the Thunderbolt M3 card and the M.2 Xpander-Aero for up to seven total M.2 drives. However, its main drawbacks are its very high price point, the large E-ATX form factor that may limit case compatibility, and the presence of older USB 2.0 ports on a premium creative workstation board.

Compare MSI MEG X299 Creation with other products in the Motherboards category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of MSI MEG X299 Creation and other products in the Motherboards category

No results found