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 X99S Gaming 9 AC review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£330CPU socket:LGA 2011-3Chipset:Intel X99Form factor:E-ATX

MSI X99S Gaming 9 AC Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 7 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI X99S Gaming 9 AC
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 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–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

40%

5.5

Technical score

20%

8.6

Reviews score

20%

?

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

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

User scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.9, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 52% of motherboards
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 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 66% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

8.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 66%
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 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 61% of models
Score components

19%

6.8

Memory

16%

7.0

Platform

16%

4.1

Storage

15%

4.3

Network

13%

4.9

Ports

8%

3.4

Expansion

8%

6.0

Power & Cooling

5%

8.7

Audio

â–¼Worse than 61%
8.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.6/ 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 78% of models

80%

8.6

Average grade

20%

8.8

Popularity

Grades by review (7)
6 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 1 video review, 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 78%
?

User score

User score
7.9/ 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
No ratings from across the web yet, so it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
No ratings from across the web yet
?

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-x99s-gaming-9-ac
msi-x99s-gaming-9-ac
Where to buy
    N/A~ £330
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 X99S Gaming 9 AC

Based on 6 · 1

Reviewers like the networking, streaming features and audio, but multi-GPU support and cooler clearance draw complaints.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI X99S Gaming 9 AC

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 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 61% of models
Score components:

19%

6.8

Memory

16%

7.0

Platform

16%

4.1

Storage

15%

4.3

Network

13%

4.9

Ports

8%

3.4

Expansion

8%

6.0

Power & Cooling

5%

8.7

Audio

5.5
Reviews score
8.6
User score
?
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 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 66% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

8.8

Price

7.5
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
E-ATX
Integrated graphics support
no
This motherboard does not support integrated graphics. 89.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This motherboard uses DDR4, which is more modern than 13.4% of Motherboards and the same as 50.4% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
8
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 8 Memory slots, which is more than 93.9% of motherboards and equal to 5.8% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
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
3,333 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 3,333 MT/s, which is lower than that of 61.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.6% of motherboards.
Show more
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.
some SATA ports disabled with certain M.2 use
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.
NVMe RAID support
no
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
5
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 5 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 97.4% of motherboards and equal to 2.1% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0, x8/x8
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0, x8/x8, which is less generous than 76.4% of Motherboards and the same as 2.9% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% 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)
18
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 18 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 81.8% of motherboards and equal to 5.2% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.2% of motherboards and equal to 35.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.5% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% 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.
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
Killer E2205
This motherboard has a Killer E2205 LAN controller, which is slower than 95.9% of Motherboards and equal to 1.5% 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
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is newer than 49.8% of Motherboards and the same as 10.4% of Motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
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.
supports up to 600Ω.
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
What reviewers say
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
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% 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
no
This motherboard does not have a pump header. 77.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
0 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 76.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 23.8% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI X99S Gaming 9 AC 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
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • 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.
  • 3 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (18 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    18 vs 15
  • 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
  • 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.
    some SATA ports disabled with certain M.2 use
    10 vs 4
  • 17.8% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.6/ 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 78% of models

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    8.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (7)
    6 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 1 video review, 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.
    8.6 vs 7.3
  • 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
  • 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.
    some SATA ports disabled with certain M.2 use
    10 vs 4
  • 4 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (5 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    5 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
  • 3 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (18 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    18 vs 15
  • 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
  • 4 more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    8 vs 4
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek 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
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • 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 BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • 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
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • No integrated graphics support
    This motherboard does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.8% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • 2.2x more expensive
    MSI X99S Gaming 9 AC is more expensive than the average motherboard (£330 vs £150).
    £330 vs £150
  • 2.8% worse value for money
    MSI X99S Gaming 9 AC has worse value for money than the average motherboard (7.49 vs 7.7).
    7.49 vs 7.7
  • 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 BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • 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
  • 29.1% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,333 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    3,333 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 33.3% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,333 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    3,333 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
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16/x0, x8/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x0, x8/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    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 rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    no onboard video outputs
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    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
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (4 vs 5.4).
    4 vs 5.4
  • Less capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a slower LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E2205 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Killer E2205 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 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
  • No pump header
    This motherboard does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77.9% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • 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
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (0 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    0 A vs 2 A
  • 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

9.5
WccftechTV
≈ estimated
10/09/2014
Hands-on review · game benchmarks and streaming tests
Verdict
The MSI X99S Gaming 9 AC is the best X99 board tested so far, with strong gaming performance and useful streaming support.
Shop video
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.5
wccftech.com
≈ estimated
29/08/2014
Lab test · X99 board
Verdict
The MSI X99S Gaming 9 AC is a strong first X99 board, with a tidy BIOS and excellent audio, though overclocked chips run very hot on air cooling.
9.0
vortez.net
≈ estimated
30/08/2014
Launch review · X99 chipset
Verdict
The MSI X99S Gaming 9 AC suits enthusiasts who want X99's new features, with fast memory support and many ports, though the 5820 CPU gets fewer PCIe lanes.
6.0
hexus.net
≈ estimated
13/10/2014
Review · Gaming X99 board
Verdict
The MSI X99S Gaming 9 AC includes gamer features like a dedicated streaming chip and Killer networking, but tight cooler clearance and an oversized layout are real drawbacks.
9.0
allround-pc.com
≈ estimated
24/02/2015
Lab test · Gaming board
Verdict
The MSI X99S Gaming 9 AC suits gamers who record or stream, its hardware encoder keeping game speed steady, but most games use only part of its eight cores.
9.0
geeknetic.es
✓ explicit
04/10/2014
Full review · Gaming board
Verdict
The MSI X99S Gaming 9 AC is among the most expensive and fully equipped gaming boards on the market, but some large coolers block its first PCIe slot.
9.0
hardmaniacos.com
≈ estimated
23/04/2015
Review · Gaming board
Verdict
The MSI X99S Gaming 9 AC suits gamers who stream, thanks to a dedicated streaming chip and Killer network controller, but its stock results needed BIOS tweaks.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI X99S Gaming 9 AC

  • High-quality 'Military Class 4' components and Japanese audio capacitors for durability and sound clarity
  • Onboard Streaming Engine provides hardware-level recording to reduce CPU load
  • User-friendly and responsive Click BIOS 4 with a dedicated simple mode for overclocking
  • Extensive accessory package including a color-coded I/O backplate and multiple cables
  • Excellent visual design with a clean matte black PCB and red Dragon-themed accents
  • Robust fan control system that works instantly on both 3-pin and 4-pin fans
  • Multiple high-end features like Wi-Fi AC, Killer LAN, and M.2 Gen3 x4 support

What customers don't like about MSI X99S Gaming 9 AC

  • High retail price compared to other X99 motherboards
  • Larger E-ATX width can cause cable routing issues in standard ATX cases
  • Streaming Engine hardware is limited to 1920x1080 resolution, which may restrict users with 1440p or 4K monitors
  • Awkward I/O cover placement that uses the same screw holes as the motherboard mounting
  • Lack of color coding on DDR4 slots to easily identify quad-channel operation
  • Unconventional placement of the CMOS battery which can be difficult to access

Verdict

The MSI X99S Gaming 9 AC is a high-end E-ATX motherboard designed for the Intel LGA 2011-3 socket, featuring the X99 Express chipset and support for quad-channel DDR4 memory up to 128GB at 3333MHz (OC). Key specifications include five PCIe 3.0 x16 slots supporting up to 4-Way SLI/CrossFire, a Turbo M.2 slot with 32Gb/s bandwidth, and ten SATA 6Gb/s ports. Its standout feature is a dedicated 'Streaming Engine' hardware chip for H.264 encoding to reduce CPU load during gaming broadcasts. Main pros include its robust Military Class 4 power delivery, Audio Boost 2 with a built-in headphone amplifier, and integrated Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.0. However, notable cons include the high initial launch price, its larger E-ATX form factor requiring a compatible case, and the fact that using the M.2 slot disables certain SATA ports.

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