Intel’s Basin Falls platform (X299) is just about to be announced. Although Computex 2017 has not yet started, images of an ASUS STRIX X299-E Gaming motherboard have leaked online. This model is aimed at the upper mid-range market and therefore come with quite a bunch of features.
At the moment there are only a few details available. The full list of specifications as well as detailed pictures can most likely be expected to surface during the next weeks, since by then the NDA is supposed to be lifted. Like the same model based on Intel’s Z270 chipset, the STRIX X299-E is features an ATX form factor, yet this time ASUS is using all the area the PCB has to offer. There are three full-sized PCIe slots with steel reinforcements, two PCIe x4 slots and one PCIe x1 slot. Apart from that "Aura" RGB lighting is supported, which allows for changing the illumination of the board from within Windows.
In the case of storage you’ll find eight angled SATA ports and at least one M.2 slot covered with a big heatsink that’s been integrated into the PCH cooling block. Looking for additional features we find a debug display, support for USB 3.1 and a good mix of connectors at the I/O panel. According to Techpowerup, ASUS might add a LCD screen on the motherboard as well, which could be useful showing operating frequencies and temperatures. So far we don't know if this accessory will ultimately be included and we’d guess that during the upcoming days we’ll find out.