The second iteration of EVGA’s mATX X99 motherboard now includes USB 3.1 (with Type-C connector), improved layout and more SATA ports than the first.
The second iteration of EVGA’s mATX X99 motherboard now includes USB 3.1 (with Type-C connector), improved layout and more SATA ports than the first.
We may all be looking ahead to the launch of Intel’s next mainstream CPU and Chipset but EVGA aren’t taking their eyes off the ‘High End Desktop’ market just yet. Last year they released the X99 Micro, a compact motherboard for Intel’s premium platform, but since then features have progressed and their understanding of both the platform and user requirements have matured. A new revision is warranted, hence today’s news.
The EVGA X99 Micro2 is a follow-up to the X99 Micro, a micro-ATX motherboard based on the X99 chipset for Haswell-E (LGA 2011v3) CPUs. The headline chance in this new revision is the inclusion of the new high-speed USB 3.1 Type-C interface, widening the range of supported peripherals and future-proofing it to a certain extent. This connector and protocol allows for transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps, almost twice that of USB 3.1, whilst the new reversible connector cuts down on fuss. Although it’s not a widely-used standard at present it is seen as a must for the platform to remain competitive in the coming years.
Updated USB isn’t the only improvement. EVGA have increased the number of native SATA III ports to 10 (of which 4 support ACHI), complementing a 6-channel raid controller. Also, a M.2 slot is present for next-generation storage, which remains a relative rarity on mATX form factor designs and unlocks storage speeds in excess of SATA III when paired with a compatible SSD.
Features such as these required a certain amount of re-jigging of the PCB layout to ensure that space is more efficiently used. It’s still a relatively busy layout (mATX motherboards often are) but it still retains the previously mentioned M.2 slot and superior audio isolation. Furthermore an 8-layer PCB certainly helps, especially under heavy load.
Finally, in an effort to improve the user experience EVGA have also updated the UEFI BIOS. The new streamlined UI makes it a simpler, more powerful tool for novices and experts alike.
Motherboard Features
· Intel X99 Express Chipset
· Up to 3-Way SLI Support
· mATX Form Factor
· Highly Efficient 6-Phase Digital VRM
· Onboard Power, Reset and Clear CMOS
· Onboard CPU Temperature Monitor
· Black Nickel CPU ILM
· Built in USB 3.1 Type-C Port
· 10x SATA 6G Ports
· Audio Isolation for Superior Sound
· M.2 Socket M Supports up to 32Gbps
· Up to 3-Way SLI Support
· mATX Form Factor
· Highly Efficient 6-Phase Digital VRM
· Onboard Power, Reset and Clear CMOS
· Onboard CPU Temperature Monitor
· Black Nickel CPU ILM
· Built in USB 3.1 Type-C Port
· 10x SATA 6G Ports
· Audio Isolation for Superior Sound
· M.2 Socket M Supports up to 32Gbps
For more detailed information on the EVGA X99 Micro2 visit http://eu.evga.com/articles/00941/EVGA-X99-Micro2-Motherboard/. No detailed pricing is yet avaible but expect it to be near the £210 asking price of the current X99 Micro.
