OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v1.0

MSI X99S SLI Plus Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180CPU socket:LGA 2011-3Chipset:Intel X99Form factor:ATX

MSI X99S SLI Plus Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI X99S SLI Plus
5.7/10

Overall score

Score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components

90%

5.6

Technical score

10%

6.5

User score

â–¼Worse than 68% of motherboards
6.9

Value for money

Value for money
6.9/ 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 71% of models
Score components

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–¼Worse than 71%
5.6

Technical score

Technical score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components

19%

6.8

Memory

16%

7.2

Platform & Features

16%

4.8

Storage

15%

3.5

Network

13%

5.3

Ports & USB

8%

4.5

Expansion

8%

5.3

Power & Cooling

5%

8.2

Audio

â–¼Worse than 66%
6.5

User score

User score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

User ratings

30%

6.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 95%
  • msi-x99s-sli-plus
msi-x99s-sli-plus
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.
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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI X99S SLI Plus

Technical score
Technical score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components:

19%

6.8

Memory

16%

7.2

Platform & Features

16%

4.8

Storage

15%

3.5

Network

13%

5.3

Ports & USB

8%

4.5

Expansion

8%

5.3

Power & Cooling

5%

8.2

Audio

5.6
User score
User score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

User ratings

30%

6.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
6.5
Popularity
Popularity
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 51% of models
Popularity:
MSI X99S SLI Plus has a popularity score of 6.4 points, which is higher than that of 51.2% of products in this category.
6.4
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 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 71% of models
Score components:

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

6.9
Brand name
MSI
CPU socket
LGA 2011-3
This motherboard uses the LGA 2011-3 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 84.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.5% of motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
This motherboard is built for the Intel CPU platform, which is more versatile than that of 31.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 68.4% of motherboards.
Chipset
Intel X99
This motherboard 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
ATX
This motherboard 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.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This motherboard uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 50.8% of motherboards.
Memory slots
8
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 8 Memory slots, which is more than 94% of motherboards and equal to 5.7% 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 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
4
This motherboard supports 4 memory channels, which is more than 92.9% of motherboards and equal to 6.8% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
3,333 MT/s
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 3,333 MT/s, which is lower than that of 61.9% 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 69.3% of motherboards and equal to 19.1% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 74.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 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 3.4% of motherboards.
some SATA ports disabled with certain M.2 use
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 32% of motherboards and equal to 68% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
no
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.8% 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 31.5% of motherboards and equal to 68.5% 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 44.5% of motherboards and equal to 55.5% 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
This motherboard uses x16 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 81% of motherboards and equal to that of 16.1% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.4% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.5% of motherboards and equal to 15.5% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
18
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 18 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 81.7% of motherboards and equal to 5.3% 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 64.6% of motherboards and equal to 35.4% 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 69.7% of motherboards and equal to 30.3% 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 18.3% of motherboards and equal to 81.7% 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 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.2% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Intel I218-V
This motherboard uses the Intel I218-V LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 55.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 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 ALC892
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC892 audio codec, which is less advanced than that of 79.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 9% of motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
115 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 115 dB, which is higher than that of 48.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 7.6% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 40.8% 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 49.6% of motherboards and equal to 37% 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 45.5% of motherboards and equal to 54.5% 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. 21.9% 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% of motherboards and equal to that of 24% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI X99S SLI Plus vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & 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
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% 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
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 23% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • 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
  • More advanced LAN controller
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I218-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Intel I218-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 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
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 23% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
    Rear-panel Clear CMOS button.
  • More BIOS update options
    This motherboard 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.
    UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app, DOS vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • Includes onboard power button
    This motherboard has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    This motherboard has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
    Onboard 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
  • More memory channels
    This motherboard has more memory channels than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 memory channel/s.
    4 vs 2
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • More advanced LAN controller
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I218-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Intel I218-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    This motherboard 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
    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 M.2 slot interfaces
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    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. 59.8% 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
  • 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 Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    This motherboard has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 22.5% lower user score
    User score
    6.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    MSI X99S SLI Plus
    the average motherboard
    MSI X99S SLI Plus has a lower user score than the average motherboard (6.53 vs 8.000).
    6.53 vs 8
  • 7.7% worse value for money
    MSI X99S SLI Plus has worse value for money than the average motherboard (6.88 vs 7.4).
    6.88 vs 7.41
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    This motherboard 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
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.9% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • No integrated graphics support
    This motherboard does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.5% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    This motherboard is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 76.9% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • Fewer useful accessories
    This motherboard has fewer useful accessories than the average motherboard (SATA cables, I/O shield, GPU bridge vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable). The average motherboard comes with 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable.
    SATA cables, I/O shield, GPU bridge vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable
  • Narrower Windows support
    This motherboard 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.
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • Older CPU socket
    This motherboard has older CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 2011-3 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    LGA 2,011-3 vs LGA 1,151
  • 7 older release date
    This motherboard is older than the average motherboard (2014 vs 2021). The average motherboard was released in 2021.
    August 2014
    2014 vs 2021
  • 29.6% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,333 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,733 MT/s.
    3,333 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • 32.4% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard 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.
    3,333 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    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. 59.8% 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 flexible PCIe lane configuration
    This motherboard has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 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.
    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
  • 1 fewer HDMI outputs
    This motherboard has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    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% 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.
  • More basic audio codec
    This motherboard has more basic audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 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
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.4% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 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
  • 61 mm wider
    This motherboard is wider than the average motherboard (305 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
    305 mm vs 244 mm
  • 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
08/10/2014
Hands-on review · a week of use with a 5820K
Verdict
The MSI X99S SLI Plus is a strong value X99 board with many features, recommended for value-minded overclockers despite minor drawbacks.
9.0
Gaming Till Disconnected
≈ estimated
29/08/2014
Hands-on review · performance tests and software
Verdict
The MSI X99S SLI Plus is a solid budget X99 board with strong test results and useful software, best for early adopters.
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about MSI X99S SLI Plus

  • Exceptional value for an X99 chipset board, often priced lower than competitors
  • Aesthetic all-black design that fits easily into various build color schemes
  • Extensive feature set including Turbo M.2, SATA Express, and support for up to quad-channel DDR4 memory
  • Physical onboard power, reset, and OC Genie buttons are useful for open-air testing or overclocking
  • Solid overclocking performance for the price, effectively reaching stable high frequencies with compatible CPUs
  • Good connectivity options with a high count of USB 3.0 ports (up to 12 total including headers)

What customers don't like about MSI X99S SLI Plus

  • Slightly lower overclocking headroom compared to higher-end X99 boards (e.g., coming up ~50MHz shy of top-tier models)
  • Uses an older ALC892 audio codec instead of the more modern ALC1150 found on some competing boards
  • Initial reports of reliability issues or 'dead on arrival' units, though many users found replacements to be stable
  • Using the M.2 port disables specific SATA ports (5 and 6), which can limit storage configurations
  • Lacks some premium 'enthusiast' features like a secondary network interface or a 'Port 80' status code display
  • Reports of instability during shutdown or boot issues with specific RAM kits that required BIOS updates to resolve

Verdict

The MSI X99S SLI Plus is an enthusiast-grade ATX motherboard featuring the Intel X99 Express chipset and LGA 2011-3 socket, designed to support Haswell-E Core i7 and Xeon E5-1600/2600 v3 processors. It is equipped with eight DDR4 DIMM slots supporting up to 128GB of quad-channel memory at overclocked speeds of 3333MHz, along with four PCIe 3.0 x16 slots that enable 3-way NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFire configurations. Storage options are extensive, including a Turbo M.2 slot with Gen3 x4 speeds (up to 32Gb/s), ten SATA 6Gb/s ports, and a SATA Express connector. Key pros include its high-value price point for the X99 platform, a sleek all-black aesthetic, and user-friendly overclocking features like OC Genie 4 and a multi-BIOS switch. However, known cons include potential stability issues when using more than four RAM sticks, reported USB port lag or dropouts on certain units, and the lack of a built-in POST code display which can make troubleshooting difficult.

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