MSI X299M A Pro Review | 107 Data compared
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MSI X299M A Pro Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£150
  • Avg. price in US: ~$170
  • CPU socket: LGA 2066
  • Chipset: Intel X299
  • Form factor: microATX

MSI X299M A Pro review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

5.8

Overall score

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 components:

90.0%

5.6

Technical Score

10.0%

7.1

User score

Good
5.6

Technical Score

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 components:

19.0%

5.8

Memory

16.0%

6.4

Platform & Features

16.0%

6.4

Storage

15.0%

3.7

Network

13.0%

5.3

Ports & USB

8.0%

4.2

Expansion

8.0%

5.3

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.1

Audio

Good
7.1

User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

4.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(11)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(13)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Very good
  • 3.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.5

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    5.5

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    1.0

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    2.5

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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

Verdict

The MSI X299M-A PRO is a Micro-ATX motherboard designed for the Intel X299 chipset and LGA 2066 socket, specifically tailored for Kaby Lake-X processors such as the Core i7-7740X and i5-7640X. It features four DDR4 DIMM slots supporting dual-channel memory up to 64GB at 4400MHz (OC), alongside two M.2 slots (32Gbps), eight SATA III ports, and three PCIe 3.0 x16 slots for multi-GPU configurations like 2-way NVIDIA SLI or AMD CrossFireX. Main pros include its high-performance Realtek ALC1220 7.1-channel audio, Intel Gigabit LAN, and a more affordable price point compared to full-sized X299 boards. However, significant cons include its lack of support for higher-core Skylake-X processors and a limitation to dual-channel memory rather than the quad-channel typical of the X299 platform.

Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI X299M A Pro

Technical Score

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 components:

19.0%

5.8

Memory

16.0%

6.4

Platform & Features

16.0%

6.4

Storage

15.0%

3.7

Network

13.0%

5.3

Ports & USB

8.0%

4.2

Expansion

8.0%

5.3

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.1

Audio

5.6
MSI X299M A Pro has a technical score of 5.63 points, which is lower than that of 66.8% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

4.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(11)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(13)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

7.1
MSI X299M A Pro has a user score of 7.06 points, which is lower than that of 88.8% of products in this category.
Popularity
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.
4.4
MSI X299M A Pro has a popularity of 4.4 points, which is lower than 67.5% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

5.8

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

7.0
MSI X299M A Pro has a quality-to-price ratio of 7 points, which is lower than 63.5% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: LOW

MSI
CPU socket
What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

Importance: HIGH

LGA 2066
MSI X299M A Pro uses the LGA 2066 CPU socket, which is more advanced than that of 51.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 2% of motherboards.
CPU platform
What it is: The processor platform supported by the motherboard, indicating compatibility with Intel or AMD processors.
When it matters: When choosing a motherboard to match your chosen processor brand (Intel or AMD).

Importance: LOW

Good value: Intel

Intel
MSI X299M A Pro 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
What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

Importance: HIGH

Intel X299
MSI X299M A Pro uses the Intel X299 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 65.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 2% of motherboards.
Form factor
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: LOW

microATX
MSI X299M A Pro has the microATX form factor, which is less versatile than that of 52.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.4% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
MSI X299M A Pro uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 50.8% of motherboards.
Memory slots
What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=4

4
MSI X299M A Pro has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

64 GB
MSI X299M A Pro supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 62.6% of motherboards and equal to 24.3% of motherboards.
Memory channels
What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

Importance: LOW

2
MSI X299M A Pro supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

2,667 MT/s
MSI X299M A Pro supports memory speeds up to 2,667 MT/s, which is lower than that of 78% of motherboards and equal to that of 1% of motherboards.
maximum depends on CPU configuration
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

2
MSI X299M A Pro has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.8% of motherboards and equal to 34.4% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: MEDIUM

2x PCIe 3 x4/SATA
MSI X299M A Pro offers 2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 67.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.8% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=6

8
MSI X299M A Pro has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.4% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
some SATA ports disabled with certain M.2 use
Supported RAID levels
What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

Importance: LOW

0/1/5/10
MSI X299M A Pro supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 32% of motherboards and equal to 68% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MSI X299M A Pro supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=1

0
MSI X299M A Pro 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
What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=1

0
MSI X299M A Pro 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
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: LOW

3
MSI X299M A Pro has 3 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 82.7% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: LOW

x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x0, x8/x4/x4
MSI X299M A Pro uses x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x0, x8/x4/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 71.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.4% of motherboards.
Depends on CPU.
PCIe bifurcation support
What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
MSI X299M A Pro supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.4% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x4/x4.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=8

8
MSI X299M A Pro 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)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

14
MSI X299M A Pro has 14 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 52.5% of motherboards and equal to 12.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

1
MSI X299M A Pro has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.5% of motherboards and equal to 48.7% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

1
MSI X299M A Pro has 1 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 30.4% of motherboards and equal to 21.3% of motherboards.
includes internal USB-C header.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=1

0
MSI X299M A Pro 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
What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

1 Gbps
MSI X299M A Pro 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
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel I219-V + Intel I211-AT
MSI X299M A Pro uses the Intel I219-V + Intel I211-AT LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 68.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.8% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: MEDIUM

1
MSI X299M A Pro has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
MSI X299M A Pro does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

N/A
Show more
Audio codec
What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek ALC1220
MSI X299M A Pro uses the Realtek ALC1,220 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 65.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 12.9% of motherboards.
Audio channels
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

7.1
MSI X299M A Pro offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=120 dB

120 dB
MSI X299M A Pro has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 56% of motherboards and equal to that of 40.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
MSI X299M A Pro supports a headphone amp. 40.8% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

5
MSI X299M A Pro has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.6% of motherboards and equal to 37% of motherboards.
also has optical S/PDIF out
Show more
VRM phases
What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=12

4+2
MSI X299M A Pro has 4+2 VRM phases, which is fewer than 88.4% of motherboards and equal to 5.4% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

1
MSI X299M A Pro has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.5% of motherboards and equal to 54.5% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=6

5
MSI X299M A Pro has 5 fan headers, which is fewer than 50% of motherboards and equal to 14.6% of motherboards.
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
MSI X299M A Pro has a pump header. 21.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

0 A
MSI X299M A Pro 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

MSI X299M A Pro vs the average motherboard

  • More advanced LAN controller
    MSI X299M A Pro has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I219-V + Intel I211-AT vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI X299M A Pro has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I219-V + Intel I211-AT vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.Intel I219-V + Intel I211-AT vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • Newer CPU socket
    MSI X299M A Pro has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 2066 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
    What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
    When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI X299M A Pro has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 2066 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.LGA 2066 vs LGA 1151
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    MSI X299M A Pro 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.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster rear USB-C connectivity.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1

    MSI X299M A Pro 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
  • Better audio codec
    MSI X299M A Pro has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1,220 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI X299M A Pro has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1,220 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    MSI X299M A Pro 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
    What it is: The number of internal USB 3.2 Gen1 headers for front-panel Type-A ports.
    When it matters: When your case has front USB-A ports to connect.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1

    MSI X299M A Pro 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.2 vs 1
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    MSI X299M A Pro has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    some SATA ports disabled with certain M.2 use
    What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=6

    MSI X299M A Pro has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.8 vs 4
  • Supports Bluetooth
    MSI X299M A Pro supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes built-in Bluetooth for wireless peripherals and accessories.
    When it matters: When you want to connect wireless peripherals without an adapter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    MSI X299M A Pro supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    MSI X299M A Pro has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
    When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=120 dB

    MSI X299M A Pro 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
  • Newer CPU socket
    MSI X299M A Pro has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 2066 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • Includes onboard power button
    MSI X299M A Pro has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    MSI X299M A Pro has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 2 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    MSI X299M A Pro has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    MSI X299M A Pro 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 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    MSI X299M A Pro 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.
  • More advanced LAN controller
    MSI X299M A Pro has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I219-V + Intel I211-AT vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    MSI X299M A Pro supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Better audio codec
    MSI X299M A Pro has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1,220 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    MSI X299M A Pro has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • 61 mm shorter
    MSI X299M A Pro is shorter than the average motherboard (244 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.

Total
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI X299M A Pro has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X299 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    MSI X299M A Pro does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.9% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • No integrated graphics support
    MSI X299M A Pro does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.5% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • Not suitable for gaming
    MSI X299M A Pro is not suitable for gaming, while the average motherboard is. 85.2% of motherboards are suitable for gaming.
    business/productivity-focused
  • Fewer useful accessories
    MSI X299M A Pro has fewer useful accessories than the average motherboard (SATA cables, I/O shield, GPU bridge vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable). The average motherboard comes with 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable.
  • Less versatile form factor
    MSI X299M A Pro has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (microATX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
  • 4 older release date
    MSI X299M A Pro is older than the average motherboard (2017 vs 2021). The average motherboard was released in 2021.
    October 2017
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    MSI X299M A Pro has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
  • 43.7% lower maximum RAM speed
    MSI X299M A Pro has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,667 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,733 MT/s.
    maximum depends on CPU configuration
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    MSI X299M A Pro has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    MSI X299M A Pro has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x0, x8/x4/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.
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    MSI X299M A Pro has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    MSI X299M A Pro has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
  • 1 fewer total USB connections
    MSI X299M A Pro has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (14 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 1 fewer HDMI outputs
    MSI X299M A Pro has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    MSI X299M A Pro 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.
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    MSI X299M A Pro does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    MSI X299M A Pro does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • No optical S/PDIF out
    MSI X299M A Pro does not have optical S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does. 55.8% of motherboards include optical S/PDIF out.
  • Fewer VRM phases
    MSI X299M A Pro has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (4+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    MSI X299M A Pro has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    MSI X299M A Pro does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.4% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    MSI X299M A Pro 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.
  • 0.5 fewer fan headers
    MSI X299M A Pro has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI X299M A Pro has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X299 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
    When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI X299M A Pro has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X299 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel X299 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    MSI X299M A Pro 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.
    What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 2.5GbE

    MSI X299M A Pro 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
    MSI X299M A Pro has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI X299M A Pro has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.2x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    MSI X299M A Pro has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
    When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    MSI X299M A Pro 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
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    MSI X299M A Pro does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
    When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    MSI X299M A Pro does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    MSI X299M A Pro does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
    What it is: Shows whether the external Wi-Fi antenna is included with the motherboard package.
    When it matters: When the board has Wi-Fi and you want it ready to use right away.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI X299M A Pro does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    MSI X299M A Pro does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.9% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard can update BIOS without needing a fully installed or supported CPU to boot first.
    When it matters: When you may need to update BIOS before the system can boot.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    MSI X299M A Pro does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.9% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • Fewer VRM phases
    MSI X299M A Pro has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (4+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
    When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=12

    MSI X299M A Pro has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (4+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.4+2 vs 10
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling

Graphic comparison of MSI X299M A Pro and other products in the Motherboards category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
11 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
13 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about MSI X299M A Pro?

  • Excellent value and competitive price point compared to similar X299 boards
  • Easy initial setup and configuration process
  • Robust graphical BIOS interface (MSI Click BIOS 5) that is user-friendly for navigating settings
  • High performance for workstation tasks like VR, video editing, and content creation
  • Compact Micro-ATX form factor with high-end features like metal-reinforced PCIe slots
  • Includes a handy onboard analog screen for real-time CPU temperature monitoring

What customers dislike about MSI X299M A Pro?

  • Limited CPU compatibility; specifically supports only certain LGA 2066 processors (like i7-7740X/i5-7640X)
  • Initial BIOS versions were reported to cause memory parity errors and system crashes
  • Lacks modern integrated features found on higher-end variants, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • Single internal USB 2.0 header may be insufficient for users with multiple internal peripherals
  • Longer than average boot times reported by some users

Video reviews

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