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

MSI X299M Gaming Pro Carbon AC Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price:~£290CPU socket:LGA 2066Chipset:Intel X299Form factor:microATX

MSI X299M Gaming Pro Carbon AC Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

6.4

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 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 53% of models
Score components

90%

6.4

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 53% of motherboards
6.4

Technical score

Technical score
6.4/ 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–² Better than 50% of models
Score components

19%

6.9

Memory

16%

7.8

Platform & Features

16%

6.4

Storage

15%

5.1

Network

13%

5.6

Ports & USB

8%

4.8

Expansion

8%

6.0

Power & Cooling

5%

8.9

Audio

â–²Better than 50% 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~ £290

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 MSI X299M Gaming Pro Carbon AC

Technical score
Technical score
6.4/ 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–² Better than 50% of models
Score components:

19%

6.9

Memory

16%

7.8

Platform & Features

16%

6.4

Storage

15%

5.1

Network

13%

5.6

Ports & USB

8%

4.8

Expansion

8%

6.0

Power & Cooling

5%

8.9

Audio

6.4
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:
MSI X299M Gaming Pro Carbon AC 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
7.2/ 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 60% of models
Score components:

60%

6.4

Overall score

40%

9.0

Price

7.2
Brand name
MSI
CPU socket
LGA 2066
CPU socket
LGA 2066
â–² Better than 52% of models
This motherboard 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
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 X299
Chipset
Intel X299
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
This motherboard 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
microATX
Form factor
microATX
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
This motherboard 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
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
4
Memory slots
4
â–² Better than 21% of models
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
capacity depends on supported CPU
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.
some CPUs use only 2 channels
Maximum RAM speed
4,200 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
4,200 MT/s
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Market range: <2k 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 0.3% of motherboards.
maximum depends on CPU configuration
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
2
N. of M.2 sockets
2
â–¼ Worse than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard 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
2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
M.2 slot interface per slot
2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This motherboard 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
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
yes
NVMe RAID support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% 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
3
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
3
â–² Better than 83% of models
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/x8
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x16/x8
★ Better than 95% of models
This motherboard uses x16/x16/x8 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 94.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.6% of motherboards.
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.
x8/x4/x4.
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)
17
Total USB ports (including headers)
17
â–² Better than 71% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 17 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 71.3% of motherboards and equal to 10.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
â–² Better than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard 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)
2
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
â–² Better than 52% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 32.9% 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.
10Gbps excluded.
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.
dual 1GbE ports
LAN controller
Intel I219-V + Intel I211-AT
LAN controller
Intel I219-V + Intel I211-AT
â–² Better than 68% of models
This motherboard 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
2
N. of RJ45 ports
2
â–² Better than 86% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.7% of motherboards and equal to 13.4% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 50% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
â–² Better than 50% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is newer than that of 49.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.7% of motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220
â–² Better than 65% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 65.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 12.9% 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
115 dB
Audio SNR
115 dB
â–² Better than 48% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 115 dB, which is higher than that of 48.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 7.6% 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
10
VRM phases
10
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
This motherboard has 10 VRM phases, which is fewer than 52.5% of motherboards and equal to 3.7% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
N. of CPU power connectors
1
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.5% of motherboards and equal to 54.5% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
5
N. of fan headers
5
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 5 fan headers, which is fewer than 50% of motherboards and equal to 14.6% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
Pump header
yes
â–² Better than 22% of models
This motherboard has a pump header. 21.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
Pump header max current
2 A
â–² Better than 45% of models
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.4% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI X299M Gaming Pro Carbon AC vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Intel I219-V + Intel I211-AT
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    This motherboard 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
    CPU socket
    LGA 2066
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This motherboard has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 2066 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    LGA 2,066 vs LGA 1,151
  • 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.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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
  • Includes dual BIOS
    Dual BIOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 23% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC1220
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 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
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    This motherboard has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x16/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16/x16/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • Newer CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA 2066
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This motherboard has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 2066 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    LGA 2,066 vs LGA 1,151
  • 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.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    Dual BIOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 23% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
    Rear-panel Clear CMOS button.
  • 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.
  • 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.
    some CPUs use only 2 channels
    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
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    This motherboard has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x16/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16/x16/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 2 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
    3
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    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
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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
  • 2 more total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    17
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (17 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    17 vs 15
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 headers (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    2
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    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
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Intel I219-V + Intel I211-AT
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    This motherboard 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
  • Supports Bluetooth
    Bluetooth connectivity
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC1220
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 61 mm shorter
    Height
    244 mm
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is shorter than the average motherboard (244 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.
    244 mm vs 305 mm
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel X299
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    This motherboard 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
    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.
    dual 1GbE ports
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 6.26x less popular
    MSI X299M Gaming Pro Carbon AC is less popular than the average motherboard (1 vs 6.3).
    1 vs 6.26
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    4.2
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (4.2 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
    4.2 vs 5.4
  • 6.26x less popular
    MSI X299M Gaming Pro Carbon AC is less popular than the average motherboard (1 vs 6.3).
    1 vs 6.26
  • 81.3% more expensive
    MSI X299M Gaming Pro Carbon AC is more expensive than the average motherboard (£290 vs £160).
    £290 vs £160
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel X299
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    This motherboard 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
  • 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.
  • Less versatile form factor
    Form factor
    microATX
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This motherboard has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (microATX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
    microATX vs ATX
  • 4 older release date
    Release date
    2017
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This motherboard is older than the average motherboard (2017 vs 2021). The average motherboard was released in 2021.
    August 2017
    2017 vs 2021
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 1 fewer U.2 sockets
    N. of U.2 sockets
    1
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer U.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 U.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    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
  • 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 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.
    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.
    dual 1GbE ports
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    4.2
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (4.2 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
    4.2 vs 5.4
  • 1 fewer RJ45 ports
    N. of RJ45 ports
    2
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 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
  • 0.5 fewer fan headers
    N. of fan headers
    5
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    Market range: <3 – >8
    This motherboard has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    5 vs 5.5

Video reviews

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

Third-party reviews

What we like about MSI X299M Gaming Pro Carbon AC

  • Excellent overclocking potential with stable multiplier-based performance
  • High-end connectivity including AC Wi-Fi, dual Gigabit Ethernet, and USB 3.1 Gen2
  • Stylish and customizable design with interchangeable heatsink covers (silver, gold, and carbon)
  • Robust feature set for a Micro-ATX form factor, including dual M.2 slots with thermal shields
  • Strong audio performance utilizing the Realtek ALC1220 codec
  • User-friendly BIOS (MSI Click BIOS 5) with easy navigation and clear diagnostic displays
  • High-quality build with reinforced PCIe and DIMM slots to prevent sagging and EMI

What we don't like about MSI X299M Gaming Pro Carbon AC

  • Small VRM heatsink which can lead to high temperatures under heavy overclocking loads
  • Plastic VRM covers can potentially insulate heat rather than dissipate it
  • Cramped layout common to Micro-ATX, making multi-GPU setups difficult
  • Software bugs reported with the MSI Mystic Light and Game Boost utilities
  • High power consumption, especially when paired with high-core-count i9 CPUs
  • Lack of pre-calculated fan profiles in the BIOS, requiring manual tuning for quiet operation
  • Expensive price point compared to some competing X299 options

Verdict

The MSI X299M Gaming Pro Carbon AC is a high-performance Micro-ATX motherboard designed for Intel Core X-series processors on the LGA 2066 socket, featuring the Intel X299 chipset. Key specifications include support for quad-channel DDR4 memory up to 128GB (at 4200+ MHz OC), dual M.2 slots with M.2 Shield thermal protection, and dual Intel Gigabit LAN paired with built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi. Its main pros are its robust overclocking capabilities with a 10-phase VRM, high-end Realtek ALC1220 audio, and extensive customization through Mystic Light RGB and swappable 3D-printable covers. However, potential cons include the VRM running hot under extreme 10-core overclocks, cramped conditions for multi-GPU setups common to the m-ATX form factor, and a higher power draw compared to simpler boards.

Compare MSI X299M Gaming Pro Carbon AC 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 X299M Gaming Pro Carbon AC and other products in the Motherboards category

No results found