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MSI X99A SLI Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£150
  • Avg. price in US: ~$130
  • CPU socket: LGA 2011-3
  • Chipset: Intel X99
  • Form factor: ATX

MSI X99A SLI review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

5.7

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%

5.7

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
5.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

6.9

Memory

16.0%

6.4

Platform & Features

16.0%

5.0

Storage

15.0%

5.5

Network

13.0%

4.8

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.1

Expansion

8.0%

5.7

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.3

Audio

Good
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 4.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    9.0

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    3.3

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    4.6

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    3.4

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £150

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The MSI X99A SLI is an LGA 2011-3 socket motherboard built on the Intel X99 chipset, supporting Core i7 Extreme Edition processors and up to 128GB of quad-channel DDR4-3333 (OC) memory. Key specs include USB 3.1 Gen2 connectivity, Turbo M.2 (32Gb/s), SATA Express, and 4-Way NVIDIA SLI or AMD CrossFire support for high-end multi-GPU configurations. Its main pros are the Military Class 4 durability components and Guard-Pro protection for stable overclocking, though it lacks modern features like built-in Wi-Fi and integrated RGB lighting found on newer enthusiast boards.

Technical Specifications of MSI X99A SLI

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

?

Memory

16.0%

?

Platform & Features

16.0%

?

Storage

15.0%

?

Network

13.0%

?

Ports & USB

8.0%

?

Expansion

8.0%

?

Power & Cooling

5.0%

?

Audio

5.7
MSI X99A SLI has a technical score of 5.72 points, which is lower than that of 63.7% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
MSI X99A SLI has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 77.9% 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%

5.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

6.9
MSI X99A SLI has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.9 points, which is lower than 66.6% 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: MEDIUM

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 2011-3
MSI X99A SLI uses the LGA 2011-3 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 84.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.5% of motherboards.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
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 X99
MSI X99A SLI uses the Intel X99 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 67.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.4% 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: HIGH

ATX
MSI X99A SLI has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
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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 X99A SLI uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 51% 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: HIGH

Good value: >=4

8
MSI X99A SLI has 8 Memory slots, which is more than 94% of motherboards and equal to 5.7% 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

128 GB
MSI X99A SLI supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% 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: MEDIUM

4
MSI X99A SLI supports 4 memory channels, which is more than 92.8% of motherboards and equal to 6.9% 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: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

3,333 MT/s
MSI X99A SLI supports memory speeds up to 3333 MT/s, which is lower than that of 61.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.6% of motherboards.
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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

1
MSI X99A SLI has 1 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 69.2% of motherboards and equal to 19.1% 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: HIGH

1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
MSI X99A SLI offers 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 73.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.4% 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: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

10
MSI X99A SLI has 10 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 96.7% of motherboards and equal to 3.3% of motherboards.
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: MEDIUM

0/1/5/10
MSI X99A SLI supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% 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: LOW

no
MSI X99A SLI does not support NVMe RAID. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
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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: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI X99A SLI has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is 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: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI X99A SLI has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is equal to 55.6% 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: MEDIUM

3
MSI X99A SLI has 3 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 82.8% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
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: HIGH

?
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: MEDIUM

no
MSI X99A SLI does not support PCIe bifurcation. 61% of motherboards support this feature.
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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: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8

8
MSI X99A SLI has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.3% of motherboards and equal to 30.7% 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 X99A SLI has 14 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 51.8% of motherboards and equal to 12.9% 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 X99A SLI has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.4% of motherboards and equal to 48.8% 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: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

1
MSI X99A SLI has 1 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 21.3% of motherboards.
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: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI X99A SLI has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
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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 X99A SLI supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.1% 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

?
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: LOW

1
MSI X99A SLI has 1 RJ45 ports, which is 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: MEDIUM

no
MSI X99A SLI does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 49.1% 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: MEDIUM

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

N/A
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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

?
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 X99A SLI 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: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

115 dB
MSI X99A SLI has an audio SNR of 115 dB, which is higher than that of 46.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.2% 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

no
MSI X99A SLI does not support a headphone amp. 63% of motherboards support this feature.
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 X99A SLI has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.8% of motherboards and equal to 36.8% of motherboards.
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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: HIGH

Good value: >=12

?
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: HIGH

Good value: >=2

1
MSI X99A SLI has 1 CPU power connectors, which is 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: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

5
MSI X99A SLI has 5 fan headers, which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 14.5% 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: MEDIUM

no
MSI X99A SLI does not have a pump header. 77% 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 X99A SLI supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 74.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 25.7% of motherboards.
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MSI X99A SLI vs the average motherboard

  • 4 more memory slots
    MSI X99A SLI has more memory slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=4

    MSI X99A SLI 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
    MSI X99A SLI has more U.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 U.2 socket/s.
    What it is: The number of U.2 connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use enterprise-style U.2 storage devices.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI X99A SLI has more U.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 U.2 socket/s.1 vs 0
  • Includes POST code display
    MSI X99A SLI has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
    What it is: Shows whether the board includes a diagnostic POST code readout for boot troubleshooting.
    When it matters: When you troubleshoot boot issues and want clearer error information.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI X99A SLI has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    MSI X99A SLI has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes two BIOS chips for redundancy or recovery.
    When it matters: When BIOS safety and recovery matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI X99A SLI 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
    MSI X99A SLI 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: HIGH

    Good value: >=1

    MSI X99A SLI 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
    MSI X99A SLI 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: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    MSI X99A SLI 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
  • 6 more SATA 3 connectors
    MSI X99A SLI has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (10 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 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: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6

    MSI X99A SLI has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (10 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.10 vs 4
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    MSI X99A SLI has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
    What it is: A rear I/O button used to clear BIOS or CMOS settings quickly.
    When it matters: When you overclock or troubleshoot and want an easier reset method.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI X99A SLI has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Includes POST code display
    MSI X99A SLI has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    MSI X99A SLI has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    MSI X99A SLI has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • More BIOS update options
    MSI X99A SLI has more BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app, DOS vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
  • Includes onboard power button
    MSI X99A SLI has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    MSI X99A SLI has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • 4 more memory slots
    MSI X99A SLI has more memory slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
  • Supports ECC memory
    MSI X99A SLI supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
  • More memory channels
    MSI X99A SLI has more memory channels than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 memory channel/s.
  • 1 more U.2 sockets
    MSI X99A SLI has more U.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 U.2 socket/s.
  • 6 more SATA 3 connectors
    MSI X99A SLI has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (10 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    MSI X99A SLI has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 2 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    MSI X99A SLI 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 X99A SLI 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 X99A SLI 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 more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    MSI X99A SLI has more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    MSI X99A SLI has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.

Total
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI X99A SLI has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X99 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    MSI X99A SLI does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • No integrated graphics support
    MSI X99A SLI does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.4% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    MSI X99A SLI is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.1% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • Narrower Windows support
    MSI X99A SLI has narrower Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
  • 5 years older release date
    MSI X99A SLI is older than the average motherboard (2,016 vs 2,021). The average motherboard was released in 2,021.
    August 2016
  • 27.5% lower maximum RAM speed
    MSI X99A SLI has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,333 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • 32.4% lower overclocked RAM speed
    MSI X99A SLI has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,333 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4,933 MT/s.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    MSI X99A SLI has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x 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.
  • No NVMe RAID support
    MSI X99A SLI does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    MSI X99A SLI has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    MSI X99A SLI does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 61% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    MSI X99A SLI has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
  • 1 fewer total USB connections
    MSI X99A SLI 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 X99A SLI has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    MSI X99A SLI 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 antenna included
    MSI X99A SLI does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • No headphone amp support
    MSI X99A SLI does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 63% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    MSI X99A SLI has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • No pump header
    MSI X99A SLI does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    MSI X99A SLI does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.3% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    MSI X99A SLI has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    MSI X99A SLI 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.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI X99A SLI has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X99 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 X99A SLI has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X99 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel X99 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    MSI X99A SLI 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 X99A SLI 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 X99A SLI has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x 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: HIGH

    MSI X99A SLI has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x 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.1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No NVMe RAID support
    MSI X99A SLI does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
    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: LOW

    MSI X99A SLI does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    MSI X99A SLI has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    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

    MSI X99A SLI 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 BIOS flashback support
    MSI X99A SLI does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% 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: MEDIUM

    MSI X99A SLI does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    MSI X99A SLI does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 61% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
    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: MEDIUM

    MSI X99A SLI does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 61% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    MSI X99A SLI 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 X99A SLI does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
Total
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI X99A SLI?

  • Excellent value for money, often cited as one of the most affordable X99 motherboards available.
  • Solid build quality featuring 'Military Class 4' components and a clean, all-black aesthetic.
  • Comprehensive connectivity including USB 3.1 Gen2 (10Gb/s), Turbo M.2 (32Gb/s), and SATA Express.
  • Robust multi-GPU support for up to 3-way NVIDIA SLI or AMD CrossFire configurations.
  • User-friendly overclocking features like the physical 'OC Genie' button and a well-designed UEFI BIOS.
  • High memory capacity with 8 DIMM slots supporting up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM.

What customers dislike about MSI X99A SLI?

  • Frequent reports of boot issues, including random failures to POST and debug boot loops.
  • Notable memory compatibility problems, particularly with high-speed G.Skill RAM sticks and XMP profiles.
  • Potential performance lagging or slow loading times when using NVMe M.2 drives.
  • Sharing of bandwidth means using the M.2 slot disables certain SATA ports.
  • Mixed feedback on cooling compatibility; some users found the built-in backplate interferes with standard air coolers.
  • Lacks premium integrated features like onboard Wi-Fi or Bluetooth compared to more expensive models.

Video reviews

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