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Review: MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon

by Parm Mann on 31 May 2016, 07:00

Tags: MSI, Intel (NASDAQ:INTC)

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qac262

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Conclusion

Well built and dressed to impress, this is one of the best-looking X99 boards to date, with or without the lights.

The arrival of Intel's Broadwell-E High-End Desktop (HEDT) processors has provided impetus for motherboard vendors to refresh their X99 portfolio with modernised additions.

While most existing X99 boards will function with the new Broadwell-E parts via a simple BIOS patch, users seeking the latest features will be steered toward updated boards armed with everything from USB 3.1 Type-C to U.2 storage and, of course, a plethora of RGB LEDs.

Getting in on the act in a timely fashion, MSI is jumping on the back of today's Core i7-6950X launch with availability of its renovated X99A Gaming Pro Carbon. Well built and dressed to impress, this is one of the best-looking X99 boards to date, with or without the lights.

MSI's choice of features is well suited to the target audience, though the lack of WiFi may be missed by some, and if you're a fan of the company's BIOS, there are plenty of reasons for the X99A Gaming Pro Carbon to be near the top of your list for an ultra-high-end Broadwell-E build.

The Good
  
The Bad
Sleek black-and-silver design
Gaming-focussed feature set
Every PCIe x16 slots reinforced
USB 3.1, U.2 and M.2 all available
Game Boost makes overclocking easy
Front USB 3.1 Type-C connector
  
Lighting software is basic
Should WiFi come as standard?



MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon

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The MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon is available to purchase from Scan Computers.

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At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.



*UK-based HEXUS community members are eligible for free delivery and priority customer service through the SCAN.care@HEXUS forum.


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HEXUS Forums :: 2 Comments

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Posted by Nifl - Tue 31 May 2016 07:50
Imo WiFi should not be required on a gaming mobo. If someone needs it, he can still get a PCIe or USB device. But any actual “pro” gamer (real or self-proclaimed) will not use WiFi.
Posted by Sandler73 - Thu 02 Jun 2016 01:12
I'll second the prior poster's comment on WiFi not being a necessity. It is a nicety for those that don't need it and for those that will, I seriously doubt that they will be building their own rig.

For me I loved the look and specs of this board up until I saw the RGB lighting. The images of the base board without the lighting looked perfect for a subdued build. I was thinking that finally there here was a board that didn't waste space, chips, weight, electricity (the list could go on) for lighting and kept it to the main necessities. Then I saw they through in a million colors. It is unfortunate. The shiny is not necessary if you can top the mark on performance. All of that extra unnecessary stuff also adds pointless cost in design, manufacturing and ultimately sticker price to the board. I'd wager $20-30 less without the lights all things considered.