STRIX X99 Gaming is designed to work with Intel’s Core-i7 processors aka Haswell-E, as well as the next-gen Broadwell-E chips. We therefore have the 2011-v3 Socket which supports 14nm CPUs and the next-generation of Turbo Boost technology – 3.0.

As with other ASUS X99 motherboards, the STRIX X99 Gaming takes advantage of OC Socket – adding extra pins to the socket area which tie in to a proprietary circuit to enhance the overall system performance.


The edge of the mounting plate utilises four screw holes for use with LGA2011 ready CPU coolers - this motherboard also benefits from having a multitude of fan headers in the top corner which include: twin-CPU fan headers and H_AMP (high speed fan support) and W_PUMP headers for an LCS.

Around the CPU socket there is single heatsink design which sits over the MOSFETs. STRIX X99 Gaming uses an all-digital design via DIGI+ Power control to bring about better power efficiency and stability, with an 8+2 phase configuration.


On either side of the socket there are four slots for DDR4 memory. These eight slots support up to 128GB and speeds of up to 3333MHz (OC). Quad-channel support and XMP is available as expected.

Around the memory region there are some additional features which include MemOK! – ASUS’ exclusive memory compatibility tool, after pressing this button problematic bootups with unsupported memory are resolved. Beside the 24-pin ATX power, there is also two SATA 3 (6GB/s) ports and a single USB 3.0 header.


Further along the edge we have even more storage options. These include:

• Four SATA 3 (6GB/s) ports
• Two SATA Express ports
• One U.2 (PCIe 3.0 x4) port

Having such flexible storage options means that we aren’t stuck with one particular standard. The inclusion of U.2 future-proofs the motherboard considerably. If SATA Express aren’t being used the additional four SATA ports can be used separately.


Located just behind the SATA ports is a large heatsink which sits over the X99 chip. Just below this heatsink there is a single M.2 slot for an M.2 SSD offering up to 32GB/s.

Even further down there an EXT_fan for ASUS’ own external fan card and TB_header for ASUS’ thunderbolt add-in card (not supplied) along with an EZ XMP switch allowing the user to enable XMP on-the-fly for the installed DDR4 kit.


Next we arrive at the PCI Express slot region. One of the five X16 slots is reinforced with a steel protector. Each of the latches on the slots feature LED indicators which light up when the system has power. Available in this area we have:

• 4 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16
• 2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1

For those interested in the modes for each of the x16 slots – users can take advantage of:

• Slots 1 & 3 – x16/x16
• Slots 2 & 4– x8/x8

STRIX X99 Gaming has a clear advantage over other motherboards by offering dual-graphics accommodation by way of dual X16 mode.

Along with these slots there is SLI and CrossFireX support.

Running through the bottom-edge of Deluxe-II we have a series of onboard buttons which include:

• Power/reset buttons – fast power management
• Q-CODE panel – displays codes throughout POST for diagnostics
• USB 3.0 header – an additional front panel header
• RGB header – enables RGB strips to be installed


After detaching the plastic shroud, we can inspect the audio components in closer detail. The basis for the audio is SupremeFX – a modified variant of Realtek ALC 1150. This codec is renowned for its solid performance, and is a popular choice for motherboard manufacturers. Along with the ALC1150, we also have an isolated area for all the audio components to prevent interference, dual headphone amp, and premium Japanese-made audio CAPs.

This audio package can be managed via Sonic Radar II.


Casting an eye over the rear IO section of STRIX X99 Gaming we have:

• USB BIOS Flashback Button(s)
• PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
• 4 x USB 2.0 (one port can be switched to USB BIOS Flashback)
• Gigabit LAN port (via Intel i218V controller)
• 4 x USB 3.0 (blue)
• 1 x USB 3.1 (red)Type-A
• 1 x USB 3.1 (black)Type-C
• Wi-Fi GO! module (Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth v4.0
• 5 x Audio jack(s)

So, quite a variety of ports to use which should give flexibility to the overall functionality.