Question 1

How to install the 4 sticks of ram? all four one one side or 2 on each side?

Accepted Answer

If you are using quad core processor (Core i5-7640X or Core i7-7740X) - then use DDR on one side (right). If you are using Core i7-7800X or above - use both sides.

If you use both sides, then install DDR in chess order (leave empty slot between DDR). And check manual, to ensure which slots are first on channel.

After installation i would recommend run some DDR benchmarks (AIDA64 or userbenchmark).

Question 2

Does this motherboard come ready to have an SSD isntalled?

Accepted Answer

This motherboard has 2 slots for m2 drives. One is flat against the board and the other is perpendicular. It comes with the proper hardware to mount drives in both directions. The board also comes with some seta cables for seata drives.

Question 3

do the m.2 slots stick straight out of the board?

Accepted Answer

The primary lays flat and is under a heat sync (to the right of the middle vid slot).  The secondary one does stand straight up and it's to the right of the right RAM bank.

Question 4

I am buying this mb with the I 9 processor. Since there are 8 slots, can I fill 6 slots, 3 sets of 32gb (2x16) memory?

Accepted Answer

You can, but you'll be hindering performance. You want to to take advantage of the quad channel capabilities of this board, and so you should use 4*Xgb quad channel kits. Either fill up 4 slots or all 8, nothing in between. In your case you could do a 4x16gb kit and you'd be pretty well off with a 64gb quad channel setup.

Question 5

What is the difference between STRIX X299-E and STRIX X299-XE?
X=extra accessories?

Accepted Answer

I have a X299-E and looking at the specs for both boards I honestly don't see any difference that would justify the $140 price difference. The "XE" appears to come with a few more accessories, like a programmable LED light strip, but this isn't worth $140. Not obvious to me why they produced this board & why it's $140 more.

Question 6

can I use windows 7 pro with this board and the i9 processor ?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there should not be an issue with it.  Drivers on the disk should work, otherwise go to ASUS website and get specific drivers for Windows 7.

Question 7

Does it come with the wi-fi antenna? If not, where do I get?

Accepted Answer

It's included.

Question 8

Does this board have a Thunderbolt Port?  I didn't see one mentioned in the specs?

Accepted Answer

It has a Thunderbolt header to connect a PCIe Thunderbolt add-on card.  The "Asus ThunderboltEX 3" is sold separately.

Question 9

hi. is this compatible with i7-7700K Kaby Lake Quad-Core 4.2 GHz LGA 1151?

Accepted Answer

No it is defiantly not. Only the 7th generation LGA2066 socket Intel Core X-Series are compatible with this.

Question 10

Will this work with the i7 9800x?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The 9800x is an LGA2066 processor and Asus officially lists it as being compatible (see asus product page for this board>Support>CPU / Memory support)

Questions & Answers