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 X99A Gaming Pro Carbon review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£260CPU socket:LGA 2011-3Chipset:Intel X99Form factor:ATX

MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 10 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon
7.0/10

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 52% of models
Score components

40%

5.7

Technical score

20%

8.7

Reviews score

20%

?

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

10%

9.4

Sentiment score

10%

5.7

User score

â–²Better than 52% of motherboards
7.7

Value for money

Value for money
7.7/ 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 54% of models
Score components

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 54%
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

19%

6.8

Memory

16%

7.4

Platform

16%

4.4

Storage

15%

3.2

Network

13%

6.7

Ports

8%

3.5

Expansion

8%

5.8

Power & Cooling

5%

8.7

Audio

â–¼Worse than 58%
8.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.7/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 88% of models

80%

8.6

Average grade

20%

9.1

Popularity

Grades by review (10)
7 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–²Better than 88%
5.7

User score

User score
5.7/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models

5.7

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

70%

8.6

Rating

30%

6.7

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 77%
?

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-x99a-gaming-pro-carbon
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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 X99A Gaming Pro Carbon

Based on 7 · 3

Reviewers love the strong overclocking, solid build and polished BIOS, but complain about limited PCIe slots, storage options and memory support.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components:

19%

6.8

Memory

16%

7.4

Platform

16%

4.4

Storage

15%

3.2

Network

13%

6.7

Ports

8%

3.5

Expansion

8%

5.8

Power & Cooling

5%

8.7

Audio

5.7
Reviews score
8.7
User score
5.7
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 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 54% of models
Score components:

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

7.7
CPU socket
LGA 2011-3
This motherboard uses LGA 2011-3, which is less up-to-date than 84.4% of Motherboards and the same as 2.4% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel X99
This motherboard uses Intel X99, which is less capable than 67.9% of Motherboards and as capable as 2.3% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
no
This motherboard does not support integrated graphics. 89.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
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
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.1% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
4
Maximum RAM speed
3,466 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 3,466 MT/s, which is lower than that of 61.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.5% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of M.2 sockets
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 1 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 69.5% of motherboards and equal to 18.9% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, which is slower than 74.3% of Motherboards and the same as 10.4% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
10
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 10 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 96.6% of motherboards and equal to 3.3% 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.
SATA only
NVMe RAID support
no
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
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/x16/x0/x8, x8/x16/x8/x8, x16/x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x8/x4, x16/x8/x0/x0, x8/x8/x8/x0, x16/x0/x0/x0
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x16/x0/x8, x8/x16/x8/x8, x16/x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x8/x4, x16/x8/x0/x0, x8/x8/x8/x0, x16/x0/x0/x0, which is more generous than 97.2% of Motherboards.
Depends on CPU.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Requires BIOS mod.
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)
21
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 21 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 94.3% of motherboards and equal to 2.8% 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.
10Gbps excluded.
Show more
LAN speed
1 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 51.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 48.9% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Intel I218-V
This motherboard has a Intel I218-V LAN controller, which is faster than 55.5% of Motherboards and equal to 1.9% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1150
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC1150, which is higher-end than 53% of Motherboards and the same as 9.1% 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
115 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 115 dB, which is higher than that of 47.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 7.6% 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
8
This motherboard has 8 VRM phases, which is fewer than 69.9% of motherboards and equal to 7.1% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.2% of motherboards and equal to 54.9% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
5
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
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.6% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 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
  • 6 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (21 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    21 vs 15
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 19.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.7/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 88% of models

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    9.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (10)
    7 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.7 vs 7.3
  • 25.3% higher sentiment score
    9.4 vs 7.5
  • 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.
  • 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 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
  • 6 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (10 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    10 vs 4
  • More generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes more generously than the average motherboard (x16/x16/x0/x8, x8/x16/x8/x8, x16/x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x8/x4, x16/x8/x0/x0, x8/x8/x8/x0, x16/x0/x0/x0 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    Depends on CPU.
    x16/x16/x0/x8, x8/x16/x8/x8, x16/x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x8/x4, x16/x8/x0/x0, x8/x8/x8/x0, x16/x0/x0/x0 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
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 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
  • 6 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (21 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    21 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 USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C port/s.
    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.
    1 vs 0
  • 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
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I218-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I218-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 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
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
    integrated Mystic Light support
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X99 vs Intel B860).
    Intel X99 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 2
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
    Requires BIOS mod.
  • 23.0% lower user score
    User score
    5.7/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models

    5.7

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

    70%

    8.6

    Rating

    30%

    6.7

    Popularity

    5.7 vs 7.4
  • 73.3% more expensive
    MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon is more expensive than the average motherboard (£260 vs £150).
    £260 vs £150
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X99 vs Intel B860).
    Intel X99 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.
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    This motherboard is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.4% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • Narrower Windows support
    This motherboard supports a narrower range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • More dated socket
    This motherboard uses a more dated socket than the average motherboard (LGA 2011-3 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 2,011-3 vs LGA 1,151
  • 26.2% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,466 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    3,466 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 30.7% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,466 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    3,466 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 2
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
    Requires BIOS mod.
  • 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
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • Fewer VRM phases
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (8 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    8 vs 10
  • 0.5 fewer fan headers
    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

9.0
Tech YES City
≈ estimated
24/10/2016
Hands-on review · performance, audio and power tests
Verdict
MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon is highly recommended for its performance, RGB software and audio, though it is premium-priced.
8.0
PC Centric
≈ estimated
05/10/2016
Hands-on review · build use and problems
Verdict
MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon is a good, solid board with a full feature set, though a RAM slot problem and header layout cause trouble.
9.5
BeginnersTech
≈ estimated
29/07/2016
Hands-on review · Broadwell-E test and GPU compatibility
Verdict
MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon is worth the upgrade for X99 buyers and strongly recommended, despite missing RGB control options.
8.0
LORELYNF
≈ estimated
29/09/2016
Unboxing and first look · feature walkthrough · LED demo
Verdict
MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon is worth considering, with strong overclocking, a solid build and easy overclock controls.
8.0
TechteamGB
✓ explicit
20/07/2016
First look · features and BIOS walkthrough
Verdict
MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon is a strong motherboard with a well laid out BIOS, earning a gold award.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Brand video
Not graded
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
hexus.net
≈ estimated
31/05/2016
Hands-on test · X99 motherboard
Verdict
The MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon is a striking, uncluttered X99 board for clean builds, though it skips Wi-Fi and shares bandwidth between its U.2 and M.2 ports.
7.0
bit-tech.net
≈ estimated
25/07/2016
Product review · X99 motherboard
Verdict
The MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon suits single-GPU or water-cooled X99 builds with excellent RGB lighting, but air-cooled two-GPU systems are cramped and it has no Wi-Fi.
10
techpowerup.com
✓ explicit
17/08/2016
Product review · X99 motherboard
Verdict
The MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon is a gaming-focused X99 board whose Game Boost knob overclocks with a single turn, though memory tops out at 128GB.
8.0
tomshardware.com
≈ estimated
16/06/2017
Lab test · X99 motherboard
Verdict
The MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon is a great-value X99 overclocking board with solid three-GPU support, though its GPU release tabs are awkward.
9.0
guru3d.com
≈ estimated
16/09/2016
Benchmark review · Gaming X99 board
Verdict
The MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon is a dark, good-looking X99 board with strong features, a fast M.2 slot and quality audio, best for gamers who want RGB styling.
9.0
hardwarezone.com.sg
≈ estimated
28/07/2016
Benchmark review · Mid-range X99 board
Verdict
The MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon looks sleek and performs the same as the ASUS ROG Strix X99 Gaming, a solid mid-range X99 pick with a few extra features.
9.0
profesionalreview.com
✓ explicit
31/05/2016
Hands-on test · X99 motherboard
Verdict
The MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon is a striking X99 board with strong overclocking, plenty of storage ports and sound good enough for most users.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon

  • Sleek aesthetic with carbon fiber accents and highly customizable 'Mystic Light' RGB lighting.
  • Strong support for Intel Broadwell-E processors out of the box without needing a BIOS update.
  • Excellent connectivity options including internal USB 3.1 Type-C header and onboard U.2 port.
  • Reinforced 'Steel Armor' on PCIe and RAM slots to prevent GPU sag and improve durability.
  • Solid overclocking performance supported by an 8-phase power design and dedicated hardware dials.
  • User-friendly BIOS (Click BIOS 5) with clear profiles and a hardware monitor.

What customers don't like about MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon

  • Reported issues with USB 3.0/3.1 stability, including sporadic device disconnections.
  • Lack of integrated Wi-Fi, which is often expected in this price range.
  • Tight spacing between PCIe slots can cause thermal throttling in air-cooled multi-GPU (SLI/Crossfire) setups.
  • Limited fan control, with only one header supporting full PWM and basic software options for the rest.
  • Missing some enthusiast features like socketed firmware chips or dedicated voltage check points.
  • High MSRP relative to some competitors that offer similar features for less.

Verdict

The MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon is a high-performance ATX motherboard designed for the Intel X99 chipset and LGA 2011-3 socket, supporting Core i7 Extreme Edition and Broadwell-E processors. Key specifications include 8 DDR4 DIMM slots supporting up to 128GB of quad-channel memory overclocked to 3466+ MHz, and 4 PCIe 3.0 x16 slots optimized for 3-way NVIDIA SLI or AMD CrossFire. It features advanced storage connectivity through a Turbo M.2 slot (32Gb/s), a U.2 port, and 10 SATA 6Gb/s ports, alongside modern I/O like USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A/Type-C and a unique internal front-panel USB 3.1 Type-C header. Main pros include its robust 'Military Class 5' build with 'Steel Armor' reinforcements, highly customizable 'Mystic Light' RGB system, and strong overclocking potential aided by the physical 'Game Boost' knob. Notable cons include limited manual control for specific fan headers, a lacks of underside reinforcement plates, and a relatively high launch price point compared to some competitors.

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