Review: msi x99s sli plus

When assembling a high-end equipment such as the 2011-3 socket with X99 chipset, the first question we have is which motherboard to choose? It is true that at the moment the oven for many buns is not available and jumping on this platform can be allowed by a specific range of computer siberites.

Within the range of "cheap" motherboards of this socket we find the MSI X99S SLI Plus that have a minimalist design, Military Class components and a price that is close to € 200 very tempting.

Product transferred by MSI Ibérica:

Technical characteristics

FEATURES MSI X99S SLI PLUS
CPU	Supports new Intel ® Core i7 ™ Extreme Edition processors for LGA2011-3 socket. Please check CPU support for CPU compatibility; the above description is for reference only.
Chipset	Intel ® X99 Express Chipset.
Memory	Supports eight DDR4 2133/2200 (OC) / 2400 (OC) / 2600 (OC) / 2666 (OC) / 2750 (OC) / 3000 (OC) / 3110 (OC) / 3333 (OC) MHz DIMMs, up to 128 GB Max. Supports Quad-Channel architecture. Supports non-ECC, un-buffered memory. Supports Intel ® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP).
Multi-GPU Compatible	4 x PCIe 3.0 x16, supports 3-way mode: 1-way mode: x16 / x0 / x0 / x0. 2-way mode: x16 / x16 / x0 / * x0, 16 / x8 / x0 / x0 ** 3-way mode: x16 / x16 / x0 / x8 *, x8 / x8 / x8 / x0 ** * For CPUs that support 40 PCIe threads. ** For CPUs that support 28 PCIe threads. Multi-GPU support: Supports 3-Way NVIDIA ® SLI ™ Technology. Supports 3-Way CrossFire AMD® CrossFire ™ Technology *. * Supports Windows 7 and Windows 8 / 8.1.
Storage	Intel ® X99 Express Chipset. 10 x 6 Gb / s SATA ports (2x ports reserved for the SATA express port). * Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 on SATA1 through 6 ports. SATA7 to 10 ports only support IDE mode and AHCI mode. Supports Intel ® Smart Response Technology (Windows 7/8 / 8.1). 1 x SATA Express port. * 1 x M.2 port, supports up to 32Gb / s speed. ** M.2 supports 4.2cm / 6cm / 8cm length module. M.2 PCIe interface does not support RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10. * SATA Express port or SATA5 to 6 ports will not be available when M.2 SATA interface module is installed on M.2 port. ** Intel RST does not support PCIe SSD M.2 with Legacy ROM.
USB and ports.	6 x USB 3.0 ports (2 ports on the rear panel, 4 ports available through the internal USB 3.0 connectors *) 6 x USB 2.0 ports (2 ports on the rear panel, 4 ports available via internal USB 2.0, connectors) ASMedia ASM1042AE: 2 x USB 3.0 ports on the rear panel. VIA VL805: 4 x USB 3.0 ports on the rear panel.
LAN	Intel I218 Gigabit LAN.
Audio	Internal JUSB1 connector supports MSI Super Charger. Audio: Realtek ® ALC892 codec. 7.1 channels High Definition Audio. Supports S / PDIF output.
Connectors	- 1 x PS / 2 keyboard / mouse combo. - 2 x USB 2.0. - 1 x Clear CMOS button - 8 x USB 3.0. - 1 x LAN (RJ45). - 1 x Optical S / PDIF OUT. - 5 x OFC audio jacks.
Format.	ATX format: 30.5cm x 24.4cm
BIOS	The on-board BIOS provides "Plug & Play" that detects peripheral devices and expansion cards automatically. The motherboard provides a Desktop Management Interface (DMI) function that records the specifications of the motherboard.

MSI X99s SLI PLUS

The packaging is pretty good with a standard size box that highlights its “ minimalist ” touch with a black background and silver colored letters. Already on the back we have all the most important specifications of this fantastic motherboard. The bundle is made up of:

• X99S SLI PLUS motherboard. Instruction manual. CD with drivers and software. 4 cable sets. Back plate.

Initially we know that it is the cheapest motherboard on the market but that does not imply that it is not a good option in the sector. The MSI X99S SLI PLUS has an ATX format: 30.5cm x 24.4cm. Its design is quite elegant thanks to the full touch of black both on the PCB and on heatsinks and expansion ports. This is a point in favor when combining colors from other components: RAM, graphics card…

In August the first images were leaked and I thought that the heatsinks would be somewhat weak, because once seen in person I have to tell you that they have surprised me. They are large and thick enough to sink a moderate overclock. It also features Military Class 4 technology with new "Super Ferrite Chokes" and solid state capacitors. Another advantage of this technology is protection against voltage spikes, extreme temperature, protection against humidity and ESD protection for input / output connections. Power supply we have the 24-pin ATX connection and the auxiliary 8-pin EPS.

Another of the details that I liked is that we find 8 sockets of DDR4 RAM, that is, it allows us to install up to 128GB with frequencies of up to 3333 mhz.

In the expansion ports we have 4 PCI Express x16 ports and two PCI Express x1 ports. I don't like the layout… I think they could have improved the layout a lot.

• 1 graphics card 1-way mode: x16 / x0 / x0 / x0. 2 graphics cards: x16 / x16 / x0 / * x0, 16 / x8 / x0 / x0 ** 3 graphics cards: x16 / x16 / x0 / x8 *, x8 / x8 / x8 / x0 **

* For CPUs that support 40 PCIe threads (5930K & 5960X).

** For CPUs that support 28 PCIe threads (5820k).

The socket has not been modified and is the one that comes by default by Intel.

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The control panel is simple but functional… power button, reset and OC Genie. Also by having dual bios through a switch we can choose the desired BIOS.

We have 10 SATA connections, two of them shared with a high-speed SATA Express connection. In the first image we can see the somewhat far-fetched situation and in the second the 8 remaining SATA connections and a lying USB 3.0 connection.

Already in the rear connections we have:

• PS / 28 USB 3.0 connections. Gigabit network card. 7.1 sound card.

Test bench and tests

TESTING BENCH
Processor:	Intel i7 5820k
Base plate:	MSI X99S PLUS
Memory:	16 GB KINGSTON PREDATOR 3000 MHZ.
Heatsink	Noctua NH-D15
HDD	Crucial M500 250GB
Graphic card	GTX 780
Power supply	Antec HCP 850

To check the stability of the processor and motherboard, we have overclocked up to 4300mhz with Prime 95 Custom and air cooling. The graphics that we have used is an Nvidia GTX780, without further distractions let us see the results obtained in our tests with a 1920 × 1080 monitor:

TESTS
3dMark FireStrike	9991
Vantage	45141
tomb Raider	90 FPS
CineBench R11.5 / R15	13.71 / 1178 -
Metro Last Night	91.5 FPS.

BIOS

We've put together a little tour of the BIOS. See the following video:

Final words and conclusion

The MSI X99S SLI PLUS is a mid / high end motherboard for the 2011-3 socket with x99 chipset. It is positioned in the cheapest board in the MSI range but in addition to its excellent price, it has more benefits such as 8 quality digital phases, Military Class 4 technology and fantastic aesthetics.

In our tests we have seen that with a GTX 780 graphics card it has been able to perform at a great level, at the height of its older sister the MSI X99S Gaming 7 that we analyzed a few weeks ago. We see it as the perfect companion for mounting an SLI for air dissipation, or a 3 Way for liquid cooling. Although they could improve the layout of the PCI Express connections.

The BIOS is very cool and is identical to the serious full Gaming? Good job!

In short, if your budget is limited and you want a good, beautiful and cheap motherboard, the MSI X99S SLI PLUS must be among the chosen one. Its sale price is € 199.

ADVANTAGE	DISADVANTAGES
+ SOBER DESIGN	- NO WIFI AC CONNECTION.
+ 8 DIGITAL PHASES.	- IMPROVE THE LAYOUT OF PCI EXPRESS PORTS.
+ SATA EXPRESS AND M.2 CONNECTION.
+ MODERATE OVERCLOCK.
+ STABLE BIOS
+ EXCELLENT PRICE.

The Professional Review team awards you the gold medal and recommended product:

MSI X99S SLI PLUS

COMPONENTS

REFRIGERATION

BIOS

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

PRICE