**MSI x299 Motherboards: A Comprehensive Overview**
The MSI booth at recent trade shows showcased an impressive array of x299 motherboards, each with its unique features and configurations. This article will provide an in-depth look at these motherboards, covering their key specifications, designs, and technologies.
**Gaming Pro Carbon Motherboard**
One of the most interesting motherboards on display was the Gaming Pro Carbon. This board primarily focuses on things like RGB LEDs, making it a gamer-targeted motherboard rather than an enthusiast HDT-type board. The color scheme is silver or black with black accents, and it simplifies features such as memory armor and PCI armor on the x16 slots.
The Gaming Pro Carbon has two x16 PCIe slots, with an X8 X8 configuration for the other two PCIe slots. The M2 Shields are also available in this lineup, featuring digital LEDs for display purposes. One of the notable features of this board is its use of an aluminum heat sink, which provides improved thermal conductivity and a 3mm thick thermal pad for enhanced cooling.
**M7 Motherboard**
The M7 motherboard is another interesting offering from MSI. This board has a digital LED chipset cover and a unique PCIE configuration with two x16 slots and one X8 slot. The M2 Shields on this board feature mechanical action, closing like a lid to protect the device inside.
One notable feature of this board is its use of an 8+2 VRM phase design, which provides improved power delivery to the CPU. However, some features have been stripped away to lower the price, such as voltage plus and minus buttons. The board also uses IR 35201 voltage controllers and all IR MOSFETs for the vrm phases.
**M7 M2 Shield**
The M7 M2 Shield is another component showcased by MSI on their x299 motherboard lineup. This shield features a mechanical action that closes like a lid, protecting the device inside. It also uses a 3mm thick thermal pad and an aluminum heat sink for improved cooling.
One notable feature of this shield is its use of digital LEDs for display purposes. The M7 M2 Shield has been improved upon from previous models, with enhanced thermal conductivity and a new design that provides better airflow to the PCB.
**Tomahawk Motherboard**
The Tomahawk motherboard is MSI's lower-cost x299 model, simplifying features such as memory armor and PCI armor on the x16 slots. The color scheme changes to gray and black compared to other models, which have silver or black accents.
This board primarily focuses on providing a more affordable option for gamers and enthusiasts who want to build an x299 system without breaking the bank. However, it lacks some of the features found in higher-end models, such as the Gaming Pro Carbon motherboard.
**S Plus Motherboard**
The S Plus motherboard is MSI's mid-range x299 model, offering a balance between performance and price. This board has simplified LEDs compared to other models, featuring only two armor slots on the PCIe slots.
One notable feature of this board is its use of an A+1 phase design for vrm, which provides improved power delivery to the CPU while reducing production costs. The S Plus motherboard also lacks some features found in higher-end models, such as voltage plus and minus buttons.
**MSI x299 Motherboards: Conclusion**
In conclusion, MSI's x299 motherboard lineup offers a range of options for enthusiasts and gamers looking to build an x299 system. From the high-end Gaming Pro Carbon motherboard to the more affordable Tomahawk model, there is something for everyone. Each board has its unique features and technologies, such as improved cooling solutions like the aluminum heat sink on the Gaming Pro Carbon. With prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, MSI's x299 motherboards are definitely worth considering for anyone looking to build an x299 system.
**Price**
The prices for these motherboards vary depending on the retailer and region. As mentioned earlier, there is no price information available for any of these motherboards at this time.
**Further Reading**
For more information about MSI's x299 motherboard lineup, please visit the link in the description below. We will also be posting a detailed article with notes from engineers and PMs on our Patreon page.
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