Built with a USB 3.1 controller, the X99A Godlike Gaming Carbon LGA 2011-3 Extended ATX Motherboard from MSI is designed to fit in cases that support an Extended ATX (EATX) form factor. This 12.0 x 10.7" motherboard supports Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition processors, the LGA 2011-3 socket, and the Intel X99 Express chipset. The supported operating systems are Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7.
The EATX form factor of the X99A Godlike Gaming Carbon has eight DIMM slots that are able to support up to 128GB of non-ECC and unbuffered quad-channel memory, as well as Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules. While select RDIMM modules are supported, they will operate in non-ECC mode. The supported memory speeds are 3400 (OC), 3333 (OC), 3110 (OC), 3000 (OC), 2800 (OC), 2750 (OC), 2666 (OC), 2600 (OC), 2400 (OC), 2400 (OC), 2200 (OC), and 2133 MHz. There are also a total of ten SATA III 6 Gb/s ports, one SATA Express port, and one M.2 port. Additionally, there are five PCIe 3.0 x16 slots which support 1, 2, 3, and 4-way modes, with the type of support dependent on whether the installed CPU supports 28 or 40 PCIe lanes. USB 3.1 connectivity is integrated with one Type-C port and one Type-A port, both of which are on the back panel. The back panel also has four USB 3.0 ports and internally, there are four USB 3.0 ports available through the internal connector. Using the Realtek ALC1150 8-Channel High Definition audio codec, this motherboard can support 8-channel (7 speakers + 1 subwoofer) HD audio.
The X99A Godlike Gaming Carbon supports multi-GPUs under Windows 8.1, 8, and 7 using 4-Way AMD CrossFire technology, 4-Way NVIDIA SLI technology (for CPUs with 40 PCIe lanes), and 3-Way NVIDIA SLI technology (for CPUs that support 28 PCIe lanes). MSI has also designed this motherboard with features such as Killer Double Shot-X3 Pro Ethernet, Killer Wireless AC 1535 Wi-Fi, Audio Boost 3 Pro, USB audio power, OC Genie 4, MSI's Super Charger and USB Redriver, ESD protection, increased PCB layers, DigitALL Power, overcurrent protection, Military Class 4 components, an unlimited RAMDisk, a gaming device port, and more. Included with this motherboard are I/O panel port labels, a 1-year subscription to XSplit Gamecaster, a two month license to WTFast, and an unlimited RAMDisk. Protection is provided by a limited 3-year warranty.
General Features
Black with Carbon Skin
Carbon Meets Godlike
This motherboard is built using a carbon-fiber reinforced polymer
Performance & Stability
DDR4 Boost & Steel Armor Technology
With traditional memory designs, signals are often distorted by electromagnetic signals from other components, making the system perform slower or become unstable. MSI's DDR4 Boost technology with optimized traces and fully isolated memory circuitry helps ensure the memory signals stay pure for optimal performance and stability.Steel Armor technology is now also available for DDR4 Boost, offering better EMI-shielding and even better signal strength, for optimal memory performance
Mystic Light
Customize and set up your own color scheme with Mystic Light to make your build look on fire or cold as ice. You can select any of the colors from the palette to match your system's design. If you're tired of always using the same color, change it to another one using Mystic Light app available on PC, phone, and tablet
Godlike Design with Heavy Plated Armor
Dragon Cover
The Dragon cover helps protects I/O devices against Electro Magnetic Interference, ensuring pure signals
Extended Dragon Armor
This protective shield helps to keep the audio signal pure by preventing interference from other components
Enhanced Heatpipes
Designed to withstand almost anything, the heatsinks found on this motherboard represent style & performance
Dragon Heatsink
Heavy plated armor helps make sure your system stays cool during long gaming sessions or extreme overclocking
Gaming LAN
Killer Double Shot-X3 Pro
Killer DoubleShot-X3 Pro allows the 2x Killer Ethernet connectors and the Killer Wi-Fi adapter to work together for improved speeds. The Killer Network Manager decides which apps run on which connection for gaming traffic optimization, giving users throughput as high as 2.867 Gbps
Killer WIRELESS AC 1535 with ExtremeRANGE
Killer Wireless-AC 1535 with ExtremeRange Technology helps deliver fast speeds, intelligence, and control for PCs. Killer's Lag and Latency Reduction technology combined with Killer's ExtremeRange technology drives better throughput, lower latencies, and longer Wi-Fi ranges. Play your game, stream your game, and enjoy your HD video.Benefits
- Lag and Latency Reduction
- ExtremeRange Technology
- 802.11ac performance (up to 867 Mbps)
- Bluetooth 4.1 (up to 25 Mbps)
- Advanced Stream Detection
- Visual Bandwidth control
Dual Killer Gaming LAN
Designed with gaming DNA, Killer LAN is optimized for championship level online and LAN eSports. This Gaming motherboard features 2 Killer dedicated gaming network ports.The Killer E2400 Intelligent Networking Platform, featuring Advanced Stream Detect, is built for advanced networking performance for online games and high-quality streaming media. Killer LAN automatically detects and accelerates game traffic ahead of other network traffic for smoother in-game performance
Gaming Optimized Bandwidth Management
Built for a better online gaming experience with optimized traffic prioritization and low latency, Killer Network Manager with Advanced Stream Detect automatically classifies and prioritizes the latency-sensitive applications for online games.The Killer Network Manager
- Automatically prioritizes games above other applications
- Allows users to change applications' traffic priority
- Allows users to customize each applications' bandwidth
Studio Grade Sound with Audio Boost 3 Pro
6.35mm Golden Dedicated Headphone Out
With a golden 6.35mm audio connector, users can get improved signal output with less chance of distortion
Nahimic Sound Technology
Nahimic Sound Technology offers virtual 7.1 sound in high definition using stereo equipment
Golden Audio Jacks
With golden audio connectors, users get a high quality signal with less chances for distortion
EMI-Shielded HD Audio Processor
Audio Boost 3 Pro is fueled by an EMI-shielded HD audio processor which helps to ensure users experience pure sound
Isolated Audio PCB
Audio Boost 3 Pro acts as a dedicated soundcard by physically isolating the audio circuitry to provide a clearer audio signal
Chemi-Con Audio Capacitors
These deliver high fidelity and crystal clear sound with strong acoustics and realism
Dual Headphone Amplifiers
The built-in dual headphone amplifiers provide studio-level quality sound up to 600 ohms
ESS ES9018K2M DAC
The studio-grade ESS ES9018K2M DAC recreates natural analog sounds with low distortion to help deliver a realistic display of sound
Front & Rear Dedicated AMP Switch
The headphone amplifier switch lets users select between the front or rear dedicated headphone output
Front Dedicated Headphone Out
The front dedicated headphone out allows use of the front panel for audio output while retaining high quality amplified sound
Nahimic Audio Enhancer
Push the Limits of Reality
Nahimic sound technology has been approved for its quality and precision in projects undertaken by the military field and the aeronautics industry. It offers immersive virtual 7.1 sound in high definition using stereo equipment
USB Audio Power
USB Audio Power
Most motherboards will be unable to deliver a strong 5V power signal to all USB ports at the same time, which affects audio output quality. MSI USB Audio Power is able to continuously deliver a stable 5V to the USB ports, making sure users can continue to enjoy crystal clear audio.Benefits
- Enhances USB Audio Quality
- Stable 5V Power & Better Signal Transmission over USB
OC Genie 4
OC Genie 4 is a built-in hardware overclocking technology for motherboards. Press the button and your system gets an adrenaline shot that delivers up to 20% of free extra performance for the CPU and memory
USB 3.1 (aka USB 3.1 Gen 2)
10 Gb/s USB 3.1
Transferring games, music, and movies over USB has never been faster. USB 3.1 enables fast transfer speeds up to 10 Gb/s.Benefits
- 2x faster than 5 Gb/s USB 3.0 (USB 3.1 Gen 1)
- 20x faster than 480 Mb/s USB 2.0
- Up to 10 Gb/s data transfer bandwidth
- Boost transfer rate for your PC and peripherals
Type-C with Reversible Design
Get the performance benefits from USB 3.1 combined with the convenience of the USB Type-C connector. This reversible connector allows for simple connecting of compatible USB devices
Super Charger
With MSI Super Charger, users can deliver more power than regular USB chargers to their smartphone, tablet, USB game controller, or portable console. They can quickly charge these devices when they're not gaming on their PC, eliminating the need for wall power sockets
USB Redrivers
USB 3.0 signal integrity suffers with longer cables. The special USB 3.0 redrivers enable users to use longer USB 3.0 cables, especially in larger chassis
Front USB 3.0
With a USB 3.0 front pin header on MSI motherboards, users can connect up to four USB 3.0 devices directly to the front of their chassis, eliminating having to use the hard-to-reach USB ports at the rear
Double ESD Protection
The front USB 3.0 ports on MSI motherboards are protected by a set of protective ICs to help prevent damage caused by Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) from plugging/unplugging USB devices
Storage
SATA Express
SATA Express offers a solution in high speed storage through PCI Express, providing more bandwidth for SSDs up to 10 Gb/s
Turbo M.2
Delivering speeds up to 32 Gb/s using PCIe Gen3 x4, Turbo M.2 is more than 5 times faster than a regular SATA III 6 Gb/s connection. Enjoy a fast system boot up and the fast loading of applications and games
U.2 Host Card
The U.2 Host Card delivers performance up to 32 Gb/s and allows support for next gen 2.5" SSDs using the U.2 connector. A redriver chip is added to increase data transfer speed
Overclocking
OC PCB
This MSI motherboard features 50% more PCB layers that help remove interference and deliver stable signals with improved efficiency, even in the extreme overclocking conditions:
- Increased number of PCB layers
- Increased humidity resistance
- Tight weave Fiberglass PCB
- Increased ESD protection
DigitALL Power PWM
DigitALL Power digitally steers and receives feedback through a DigitALL PWM controller. This allows for pinpoint voltage delivery and lower power consumption
Increased Number of Power Phases
With a large number of premium power phases to support heavy overclocking with highly increased voltages, systems will remain more stable under extreme circumstances
Overcurrent Protection
If you've pushed your overclocking endeavors too far, the Overcurrent Protection featured on this motherboard helps ensures you won't damage it, so you can easily start again where you left off
OC Thermal Design
OC Thermal Design was developed to deliver the high cooling potential in even the most extreme conditions. It's optimized to work in low-airflow situations, making it the well suited for use with water cooling setups.
- Premium materials
- Optimized for overclocking
- SuperPipe
- Metal screws
Extreme OC Socket Design
Extreme OC Socket Design helps makes sure you can use virtually any cooling solution. Using less components around the socket makes it easier to insulate the motherboard for use with LN2 and improves PCB signal tracing to deliver better efficiency and higher OC results
OC Engine
Thanks to the OC Engine, MSI motherboards support more flexible BCLK adjustments, from 100 / 125 / 167 MHz straps, and using these straps opens doors to achieve higher overclocking. All MSI X99 motherboards come with the next generation Clock Generator offering even lower jitter and power consumption resulting in even higher stability under extreme conditions
OC Essentials
OC essentials is a set of tools that are essential to get higher performance out of your motherboard. These features increase stability, assist in trouble shooting, allow users to keep their complete system in check, and allow for simple management
Easy Button 3
Allows fast and easy reset and power up / power down of your system while overclocking. The buttons are conveniently placed and light up so you can easily find them in a dark environment
Debug LED
A 2-Digit Debug LED is present for easy diagnostics. While operational, it also displays the CPU package temperature
V-Check Points 2
Accurately monitor your voltages while overclocking. V-Check points 2 supports up to 3 multimeters at once for optimal monitoring of voltages
Clear CMOS Button
Conveniently placed on the backside of the motherboard, the Clear CMOS button lets you easily reset the BIOS when your overclocking attempts fail, saving you the hassle from opening your case and removing the jumper
MultiBIOS II
With a flick of a switch you can change between different BIOS chips for testing or recovery when one BIOS crashes. An easy LED next to the chip shows which BIOS is active
SteelSeries Certified
SteelSeries Certified
Enthusiast gaming gear brand SteelSeries has officially approved MSI Gaming motherboards as 'SteelSeries Certified (SSC)'. This certification is based on the performance demands and stability of MSI Gaming motherboards and SteelSeries products
Military Class 4
Military Class 4 Components
Military Class 4 is the next step in high quality components. The Hi-c CAP, Super Ferrite Choke, and Dark CAP will help make sure that your PC runs more stable under extreme gaming conditions
DrMOS
DrMOS is the next-gen Mosfet which is used to deliver the power for the CPU. MSI DrMOS does not waste much power, stays cool, and is more power efficient than other power-saving solutions. Because DrMOS is a 3-in-1 chip, it delivers more power with less components needed
Hi-c CAP
A Hi-c CAP is a very small but efficient capacitor. Besides ensuring enough spacing around a CPU socket to install large coolers, it also allows for 93% energy efficiency
Super Ferrite Choke
Super Ferrite Choke uses a Ferrite core that is Super-Permeable. This allows the Super Ferrite Choke to run at a 95°F / 35°C lower temperature, have a 30% higher current capacity, a 20% improvement in power efficiency, and better overclocking power stability
Dark CAP
With their aluminum core design, Dark CAP's have been a staple in mainboard designs and provides lower Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR)
Guard-Pro
Humidity Protection
Reduction in moisture absorption helps prevent "Conductive Anodic Filament." Untreated PCB's can have up to a 10x higher failure rate
High Temperature Protection
Key components used in MSI motherboards have passed military testing to ensure stable operation in the harshest environments
Circuit Protection
Carefully selected materials, multiple PCB layers, and shielding result in the improved circuit protection
ESD Protection
Each and every I/O port is protected against the hazards of Electro Static Discharge
EMI Protection
All MSI motherboards comply with strict American FCC regulations and help reduce the impact of Electromagnetic Interference
Optimized for Multiple Graphics Cards
SLI /CrossFire Support
This motherboard supports SLI / CrossFire and PCI-Express slot placement allows for better fitting and airflow
MSI Steel Armor
Steel Armor has more solder points on the PCB for more strength and protects the PCI-Express signals against electromagnetic interference for a smooth gaming experience and higher GPU overclocking
Click BIOS 4
The MSI Click BIOS 4 is a UEFI BIOS with optimizations for Windows 8. It reacts faster, runs smoother, and has better mouse support
XSplit Gamecaster & Broadcaster V2
XSplit Gamecaster & Broadcaster V2 lets you record gaming moments and broadcast live gameplay sessions to Twitch, YouTube, UStream, and more
Record & Stream
Use XSplit Gamecaster to stream all gaming activities
Video Editor
Edit your recordings
Realtime Notes
Draw attention whilst casting with in-game annotations
TriDef SmartCam
A fully automatic chroma key that can work on almost any background
Adaptive Bitrate
Automatically adjusts bitrates according to network conditions
Game Detection
Game Capture Auto Detect allows for automatic streaming when starting a game
WTFast
WTFast is the Gamers Private Network that is like a global automated army of IT specialists all working together to optimize gaming connections from end to end. WTFast reports rich connection stats for your online game, so you can see exactly what is happening with your game connection.
- Built just for MMO gamers
- Reduce average ping
- Greatly reduce connection flux, spikes, and packet loss
- MSI Exclusive free 2-month premium license
Gaming App
Overclocking Made Easy
Outperform your competition with the MSI Gaming App which allows simultaneous control of both your motherboard and graphics card's overclocking. Simply select a preferred mode with the click of a button, allowing the system to be tuned without any technical knowledge of overclocking:
Dragon Eye
A Different View on Gaming
MSI Dragon Eye allows you to watch a YouTube video or Twitch Stream while playing a game. Simply add a link or stream to the Dragon Eye application and select the size, position, volume, and transparency and start gaming. With a few hotkeys you can also start/pause your video or set the volume
CPU-Z (MSI Gaming Edition)
CPU-Z
MSI has worked with CPUID to develop this special edition of CPU-Z featuring the MSI Gaming Dragon. Use CPU-Z to gather key information on the main devices of your system, such as your CPU speed, memory speed and timings, motherboard BIOS version, and much more
Software RAMDisk
RAMDisk
Get an unlimited RAMDisk for free (worth $35) with MSI Gaming motherboards. RAMDisk allows you to create a virtual drive from your system memory, enabling speeds up to 25x faster than a modern SSD. You can load complete games and speed up your browser or your page file, increasing system performance. You even increase your SSD's lifespan by using RAMDisk as it reduces unnecessary read and write operations to your SSD
Turbo Socket
Providing extra pins (2036 in total) opens doors for better overlocking of Intel Extreme processors and DDR4 memory. Turbo socket allows for additional tuning of DDR4 memory and ring voltages, resulting in increased DDR4 memory overclocking performance, lower latencies, and enhanced stability while overclocking
Gaming Device Port
MSI's Gaming Device Port is optimized to deliver the improved connectivity for high end gaming mice to fully utilize their speed. This results in a much faster and smoother mouse response in games.Gaming Benefits
- More responsive
- Smoother gameplay
- Faster reactionsTechnical Benefits
- 3x more gold than regular connectors
- 10x longer lifetime when plugging/unplugging
- Helps prevent oxidation