Intel X299 AORUS Motherboard with 12-Phases Digital VRM, Fins-Array Heatsink with 6mm Heatpipe, 2.5GbE LAN and Intel LAN, 802.11ac Wireless with High-Gain Antenna, Triple M.2 with Thermal Guards, ESS SABRE 9218 DAC, Front & Rear USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C
- Supports 9th Gen Intel® Core™ X Series Processors
- Quad-Channel Non-ECC Unbuffered DDR4, 8 DIMMs
- Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready
- 12-Phase Digital VRM Solution with Smart Power Stage
- Advanced Thermal Design with Fins-Array and 6mm Heatpipe
- Realtek 2.5GbE Onboard and Intel® Gigabit LAN with cFosSpeed
- Onboard Intel 802.11ac 2x2 Wi-Fi & AORUS Antenna
- 130dB SNR AMP-UP Audio with High-End ESS SABRE 9218 DAC, ALC1220 and WIMA Audio Capacitors
- USB TurboCharger for Mobile-Device Faster-Charging Support
- RGB FUSION with Multi-Zone RGB LED Light Show Design, Support Addressable LED & RGB LED Strips
- Smart Fan 5 Features Multiple Temperature Sensors and Hybrid Fan Headers with FAN STOP
- Front USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C™ Header
- Triple Ultra-Fast M.2 with PCIe Gen3 x4 interface with Triple Thermal Guards
- USB DAC-UP 2 with Adjustable Voltage
The falcon utilizes its powerful wings to soar through the skies and lock down its prey. The AORUS Core takes inspiration from the falcon's aerodynamic wings, incorporating a multi-layered design which features wing-shaped contours and also resembles the falcon's high-velocity ascension while diving through the skies. With sleek and metallic armor, the AORUS Core symbolizes advancement in technology with its futuristic style.
- 12-Phase Digital VRM Solution with Smart Power Stage
- Advanced Thermal Design
- Active Cooling Fan
- Fins-Array Heatsink
- 6mm Heatpipe
- 5 W/mK Thermal-Conductivity Pad
- Thermal Baseplate
- Onboard 2.5GbE LAN
Intel® i219v GbE LAN
- cFosSpeed Internet Accelerator
- Intel® 802.11ac 2x2 WIFI & BT 4.2
- Integrated I/O Shield
- Power/ Reset & Clear CMOS Buttons
- Triple M.2 Connectors
- PCIe 3.0 x4
- Triple Thermal Guards
- Audio Solutions
- ALC1220-VB Audio
- ESS 9218 SABRE DAC
- Gold-Plated Audio Jacks
- High-End Audio Capacitors
- DualBIOS™ with Socketed BIOS
- Ultra Durable PCIe Armor
- 4-Way Dual Wide PCIE Lane
- Front USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C™
- USB TurboCharger
- Quad-Channel DDR4, 8 DIMMs with Ultra-Durable Memory Armor
- XMP Support
- Supports 9th Gen Intel® X Core™ Processors
- Solid Pin Power Connectors
- 24-Pin ATX Power Connector
- 8+8 Pin CPU Power Connectors with Metal Shielding
- RGB FUSION
- Addressable LED header*2
- RGB LED header*2
The X299 AORUS MASTER motherboard uses a 12-phase digital CPU power design which includes two digital PWM Controller. The 100% high-quality digital controller and additional 8+8 solid-pin CPU power connectors offer incredible precision in delivering power to the motherboard's most power-hungry and energy-sensitive components, allowing enthusiasts to get the absolute maximum performance from the new 9th generation Intel Core processors.
GIGABYTE's exclusive 2X Copper PCBs design provides sufficient power trace paths between components to handle greater than normal power loads and to remove heat from the critical CPU power delivery area. This is essential to ensure the motherboard is able to handle the increased power loading that's necessary when overclocking.
X299 AORUS MASTER uses a Fins-Array heatsink which increases the heat dissipation area by 300% compared to traditional heatsinks of the same size. By using a LAIRD 1.5mm thick, 5W/mK high thermal conductivity pad, it can transfer 2.7x more heat than traditional thermal pads in the same time period. The 6mm heatpipe helps to transfer heat between two heatsinks which improves the overall thermal balance of the MOSFETs.
Fins-Array
300% increase of the heat dissipation area compared to traditional heatsinks of the same size.Active Fan
Built-in active cooling fan for faster MOSFET heat dissipation while automatically adjusting fan speed based on VRM temps.6mm Heatpipe
The heatpipe helps to transfer heat between two heatsinks which improves overall thermal balance of the MOSFETs.High Thermal Conductivity Pad
By using a 1.5mm thicker 5W/mK thermal conductivity pad, 2.7x more heat is transferred compared to standard thermal pads.Thermal Baseplate
By using thermal pads between the PCB back-side components and baseplate, heat is transferred and dissipates safely by the large metal plate.
Durable Design and Easy Installation
- With an integrated base plate, GIGABYTE motherboards give users a strong foundation to build their gaming PCs.
- With an integrated I/O shield, building a GIGABYTE ultra-durable PC is now even easier.
- Integrated Power/Reset/Clear CMOS buttons on the I/O shield enable users with easier debugging and operation.
- 3- and 4-Way graphics provide up to 40 PCIe lanes of bandwidth.
- X299 AORUS MASTER features a unique PCI Express design that utilizes all 44 lanes from the CPU for full bandwidth.
- The placement allows users to install 4 dual wide PCIe cards at the same time.
AORUS gaming motherboards are focused on delivering M.2 technology to enthusiasts who want to maximize their system's potential.
Extreme Performance with Gen3 x4 NVMe PCIe SSDs
X299 AORUS motherboards offer the industry's best compatibility in terms of NVMe storage for users who demand high capacity and seek the best performance. AORUS' unique design can be configured in RAID for record speeds up to 3551 MBps (Sequential Read), making AORUS the obvious choice for the ultimate PC build.
GIGABYTE Ultra-Efficient M.2 Thermal Guard
With durability in mind, GIGABYTE provides a thermal solution for M.2 SSD devices. The M.2 Thermal Guard prevents throttling and bottlenecks from high speed M.2 SSDs as it helps to dissipate heat before it becomes an issue.
Thermal Throttling as Temperature Rises
AORUS is offering a tested and proven platform that ensures proper compatibility with profiles up to 4000MHz and beyond. All users need to do to attain this performance boost is to ensure that their memory module is XMP capable and that the XMP function is activated and enabled on their AORUS motherboard.
AORUS works very closely with memory vendors from around the world to ensure that virtually all modules offered by popular memory brands are compatible with AORUS motherboards. AORUS has verified over 1000+ different modules to ensure performance in an AORUS built system.
Hi-Fi Audio solutions can now be grouped into 2 parts.
The audio signal process is no longer a distorted digital signal, as it now goes through ESS 9218 Sabre DAC for Digital/Analog conversion with 130dB SNR, 112dB THD+N while supporting higher impedance up to 600O headphones. Furthermore, audiophile-grade capacitors and gold-plated audio jacks ensures non-compensated audio performance. Audio Signal Optimization along with the TXC Oscillator provide precise time triggers to Digital-Analog Converters while WIMA capacitors deliver crystal and balanced sound.
Audio Signal Process
True Hi-Fidelity Music
Enjoy surround sound audio and have the ability to enable DSD music playback.
ESS SABRE Reference DAC 9218
- Support QUAD DAC™ to deliver superb 124dB DNR and -112dB THD+N.
- True 2vrms outputs are capable of driving professional high-impedance headphones and deliver professional line-level outputs.
- Analog volume control delivers 130dB SNR at low listening levels by reducing noise as the audio signal decreases.
- High-res music supports up to 32-bit 384kHz PCM
Audiophile-Grade Capacitors
Deliver true acoustic sound.
Gold-Plated Audio Jacks
These come with high resistance to corrosion and oxidation.Audio Signal Optimization
Precise TXC Oscillator
Provides precise time triggers to digital-analog converters.
Audiophile-Grade Capacitors
Famous WIMA capacitors are used as feedback signal processing to deliver crystal and balanced sound.All-New Realtek High-End HD Audio Codec
The ALC1220 120dB(A) SNR HD Audio with Smart Headphone Amp technology automatically detects impedance of your head-worn audio devices, preventing issues such as low volume and distortion.
With the new VB series audio controller, stream your voice to the world vibrantly with both front/rear microphone SNR up to 110/114dB(A).
Microphone input with higher front dynamic range allows gamers to hear more clearly. No more misunderstandings, no more confusing GO! GO! GO! as NO! NO! NO!
2X Faster than ever
- Get boosted by up to 2.5GbE network connectivity with at least 2 times faster transfer speeds compared to general 1GbE networking. It's the perfect match for gamers seeking the ultimate online gaming experience.
- Supports Multi-Gig(10/100/1000/2500Mbps) RJ-45 Ethernet.
Intel® GbE LAN features cFosSpeed, a network traffic management application which helps to improve network latency and maintain low ping times to deliver better responsiveness in crowded LAN environments.
The onboard 802.11ac WiFi module from Intel® supports up to 867Mbps wireless networks and BLUETOOTH 4.2. The bonded 2.4GHz/5GHz dual-band and 2T2R antenna expands your coverage.
- The all-new antenna supports dual-band 802.11ac 2.4GHz & 5GHz for better signal strength compared to traditional antenna designs.
- The AORUS antenna with smart-antenna functions provide the best WiFi signal transmitting.
- Multiple-angle tilt and magnetic base for the best signal strength direction and location.
GIGABYTE's patent-pending USB TurboCharger technology allows users to recharge their mobile devices with stunning speed, up to 50% in less than 30 minutes.* By connecting the front USB 3.0 Type-A chassis cable to our motherboard, users can utilize the USB TurboCharger to recharge both Android devices with QC 3.0 and Apple devices that have the Apple Fast-Charge function.
*Charge time varies with each device's hardware design, battery size, front USB 3.0 cable-quality, power-saving settings (CEC 2019, ERP), and environmental factors—actual results will vary.
The X299 AORUS Platform supports Intel's latest Optane technology. Optane fuels storage performance by acting as a cache drive, giving users a significant boost compared to traditional mechanical drives.
Equipped with next generation connectivity, GIGABYTE motherboards already support the chassis of the future. The onboard USB Type-C header for USB 3.1 Gen2 makes access convenient when connecting a USB 3.1 Gen2 drive or charging your new mobile device.
Connecting the Future - USB Type-C
Intel's native USB 3.1 host controller provides USB 3.1 ports with speeds up to 10Gbps .With twice the bandwidth compared to its previous generation as well as backwards compatibility with USB 2.0 and 3.0, the much-improved USB 3.1 protocol is available along with the new reversible USB Type-C and the traditional USB Type-A connector for better compatibility over a wider range of devices.
- The World's Next Universal Connector
- Reversible USB Type-C with USB 3.1 Gen 2
With AORUS motherboards, RGB Fusion is even better with addressable LEDs.** RGB Fusion offers users the option to control onboard RGB and external RGB/addressable LED light strips for their PC. Being that its already feature-filled with colors and patterns, RGB Fusion on X299 series AORUS motherboards has now been upgraded with addressable LED support. With external addressable LED strips,* where each LED is digitally addressable, users can experience even more patterns, styles and illuminations.
AORUS motherboards will support either 5V or 12V Addressable LED lighting strips and up to 300 LED lights. RGB Fusion with addressable LEDs comes with new patterns and various speed settings with more to come.
**Addressable LEDs are available only on select motherboards. External LED strips and addressable LED strips are not included with this motherboard purchase.
Now offering more LED customizations than ever, users can truly adapt their PC to represent their lifestyle. With full RGB support and a redesigned RGB Fusion application, end users have complete control over the LEDs that surround the motherboard.
With the all-new RGB Fusion software, users have access to different pre-set LED lighting configurations with choice of colors on all supported products. You can even set the LEDs to synchronize with your favorite music or have them change colors to indicate the current CPU temperature. For true lighting experts there is a dedicated product setting, which can be fully customized by individual areas with their own effects.
Don't just make your PC shine, make it a work of art that friends will envy. With the GIGABYTE RGB Fusion mobile app users can watch as they control the lighting within their gaming PC. This gives users ease of access as they try and adjust colors and speeds for different modes All this can be achieved away from the keyboard and monitor of their PC.
With a dazzling array of product-support, RGB Fusion is the software that brings it all together, letting your accessories synchronize to the same beat. Customize all your LEDs how you like—have them match, dazzle and impress.
With Smart Fan 5, users can ensure that their gaming PC can maintain its performance while staying cool. Smart Fan 5 allows users to interchange their fan headers to reflect different thermal sensors at different locations on the motherboard. Not only that, with Smart Fan 5 more hybrid fan headers that support both PWM and Voltage mode fans have been introduced to make the motherboard more liquid-cooling friendly.
Different models have different numbers of fan-pin headers and temperature sensors. Smart Fan 5 functionality may vary by model.
- 8 Fan/Water-Pump Connectors
- 7 Temperature Sensors
- 2 External Temperature Sensors
- Hybrid Fan Headers
- Support GPU Temperature as a Source
- Interoperable Fans and Sensors
- Supports High Current Fans Up to 24W(2AX12V) with Over-Current Protection
- Intuitive UI for Fan Control
Achieve fan silence. With Fan Stop, map any fan to stop completely when temperatures drop below a specified threshold. Which fan stops, based on readings from which sensor, and at what temperature—all of it can be customized to your liking.
Hybrid Fan-Pin Headers
Assume complete control over your liquid cooling setup! Smart Fan 5 receives up-to-the-second information on flow-rate and water-temperature through the Hybrid Fan-Pin Headers or external thermistor sensors—giving you absolute mastery over your PC.
• All Hybrid-Fan Headers can automatically detect the type of cooling device whether its a fan or pump with different PWM or Voltage modes.
New Smart Fan 5 Software
Choose from different modes, Quiet to Full Speed, to match your system-usage preferences.
For each fan or pump, you can use the intuitive fan curve to define trigger thresholds and corresponding fan speeds.
X299 AORUS motherboards feature solid-plated ATX 24-pin & ATX 12V 8-pin + 8-pin power connectors to offer a stable power supply during CPU overloading.
Solid-Pin Power Connector Advantages
- Larger Contact Area for Electricity
- More Metal Quantity to Sustain Higher Power and Generated Heat
- Ultra Durable and Longer Lifespan
AORUS' exclusive one-piece stainless steel shielding design prevents against PCB distortion/twisting and plate bending, in addition to preventing any possible ESD interference.
Hardware Troubleshooting at a Glance
Onboard LEDs controlled by the system BIOS indicate if a malfunction is occurring, allowing users to quickly diagnose which major component (CPU/RAM/VGA/HDD) is malfunctioning so they may take action promptly.
Photo is for reference only.
GIGABYTE Ultra Durable™ motherboards feature GIGABYTE DualBIOS™, an exclusive technology from GIGABYTE that protects arguably one of your PC's most crucial components, the BIOS. GIGABYTE DualBIOS™ means that your motherboard has both a 'Main BIOS' and a 'Backup BIOS', protecting users from BIOS failure due to virus, hardware malfunction, improper OC settings or power failure during the update process.
The tiny cables of the front panel connectors can be hard to manipulate as space is restricted and indicators are tiny. With the G Connector, you can connect all the FP cables at once, simplifying the process of building your next PC and saving you frustration.
BIOS
New User Interface
The all-new EASY MODE shows important hardware information in one page including: CPU clock, memory, storage and fan.
My Favorites
Add constantly-used items into the favorites menu for quick access.
Storage Information
Show all kinds of storage information including SATA, PCIE and M.2 interface.
Changelog
List all changes before saving and exiting bios. Quickly review overall settings modifications.
Optimized Memory Installation Reminder
Displays an incorrect installation reminder message when user installs two memory modules but run it single channel mode.
Intuitive Load Line Curve
Clearly shows each loadline calibration setting in an intuitive curve graph.
APP CENTER
The GIGABYTE APP CENTER is a useful portal of all the GIGABYTE motherboard's utilities and drivers, you can choose any utility you want to install from APP CENTER and stay updated with the latest utilities and drivers.
EasyTune
GIGABYTE's EasyTune™ is a simple and easy-to-use interface that allows users to fine-tune their system settings or adjust system and memory clocks and voltages in a Windows environment. With Smart Quick Boost, one click is all it takes to automatically overclock your system, giving an added performance boost when you need it the most.
@BIOS
The GIGABYTE @BIOS app allows you to update your system's BIOS from within Windows using a simple and slick graphical user interface. @BIOS can automatically download the latest version from the GIGABYTE servers or you can update your BIOS from a file on your computer. @BIOS also allows you to save your current BIOS to a file, recover your previous BIOS from an image and back up your BIOS to an image.
System Information Viewer
The GIGABYTE System Information Viewer is a central location that gives you access to your current system status. Monitor components such as the clocks and processor, preferred fan speed profiles, created alerts when temperatures get too high, or a recorded log of your system's behavior—these are the possibilities of the System Information Viewer.
Now set up your very own stage to share the greatest gaming moments with XSplit Gamecaster + Broadcaster! Fully-optimized social-media integration is ready for real-time chats—keeping you notified yet focused in the game. It takes just one click to stream your gameplay to Twitch. Host your game like a pro!
Free 14-day XSplit Gamecaster + Broadcaster Premium License.
- Enjoy 14-days of FREE seamless connections to any game server in the world.
- Experience up to a 60% overall connection improvement.
- Receive FREE unlimited access to the PC Gaming Launchpad, supporting over 800 MMO games.
- Monitor your game ping and overall connection statistics continuously.
Pros: Solid motherboard, the shields over the M.2 slots are a nice touch. The built-in lighting is nice and the board went in easily. It does have a full shield along the back, so if there are clearance issues in your case, make sure you verify.
Cons: The 2.5Gb NIC is pretty much useless as anything else other than a 1Gb NIC. It would have been nice if both NIC's were Intel so they could be teamed up as a port channel. If you have multiple monitors, be careful which one powers up or is seen by the MLB first, as that's where your boot screen will appear and it will be difficult to move (you'll have to actually unplug all other monitors first) . The usual quasi-buggy software for all the add-ins and such but aren't really required unless you want to use the Aura RGB lights.
Overall Review: Great board, very good performance.