Overview

As you maybe remember from our first article, our configuration is based on an mATX case in order to maintain a small size. Unfortunately, mATX motherboards with socket LGA 2011-3 are quite rare these days but we managed to find a perfect model for our project. The ASRock Fatal1ty X99M Killer, which we reviewed in detail few months ago, uses 12+4 phase power design and a complex solution which consists of Dual-Stack MOSFET's (DSM), NextFET MOSFETs and 12K Platinum caps. The motherboard is able to support up to 64GB of DDR4 3000 (O.C.) / 2800 (O.C.) / 2666 (O.C.) / 2400 (O.C.) / 2133 (O.C.) memory.

The layout of the ASRock Fatal1ty X99M Killer is almost perfect for our purpose, as it features ten angled SATA ports that provide excellent cable management inside the case and also the chance to use a large amount of drives. As all the most modern motherboards, the ASRock Fatal1ty X99M Killer also features several 3-pin and 4-pin PWM fan headers located close to the most critical points of the motherboard such as the CPU. In addition, this model also comes with Purity 2 audio chip, a solution based on Realtek ALC1150 audio codec and features 115dB SNR. It also comes with EMI shielding for the main chip as well as an onboard isolation. In order to improve signal quality, the motherboard features excellent Nichicon onboard capacitors.

In order to meet the needs of hardcore gamers, ASRock also included a dual Ethernet port on the X99M Killer, in other words, you get a classic Ethernet port based on Intel (I218V) chip as well as a second Ethernet port based on Killer E2200 chip (Qualcomm Atheros).

Last but not the least, the PCB also comes with power and reset buttons as well as a display debug. Motherboard also comes with three PCI Express slots, which are well spaced and allow you to make an SLI or Crossfire configuration without any problems. In addition there is also an M.2 x4 slot that allows you to install the latest SSDs on the market.

Looking at the external connectors located directly at the back-panel, ASRock equipped the Fatal1ty X99M Killer with one PS2 mouse/keyboard connector, four USB 3.0/2.0 ports, four USB 2.0/1.1 ports, one Intel Gigabit Ethernet port, Killer E2200 Ethernet port, an eSATA connector, an optical out and an analogue audio panel. Furtheremore, you will also find a clear CMOS button.