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A satisfying gaming experience needs the support of powerful internals and a solid investment that guarantees high-end gaming experience to go a long way.
X99 motherboard CPUs offer one of the highest-end gameplay and extreme performances.
The following article reviews the best X99 CPUs which meet the needs of professional gamers.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for X99 Cpu
- OUR TOP PICK: Intel Core i7-5820K
- RUNNER-UP: Intel Boxed Core i7-6950X Processor Extreme Edition
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Intel Boxed Core i7-6900K Processor
Comparison of the Best X99 CPUs
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What Are the Components of an X99 CPU
A gaming PC is a significant investment made to serve for a long time. That is why the components of a PC need to be given a fair share of attention to ensure you are buying a system that would fit all your digital needs. Here we have explained a few of the most essential components that make or break a PC.
Direct Media Interface
To develop a connection between itself and the processor, the X99 chipset uses a Direct Media Interface (DMI) 2.0 x 4 link providing a total bandwidth of 20Gbits/s to all connectivity points offered by the chipset.
Intel Core i7-5820K
PCI Express 3.0 Lanes
The PCI Express 3.0 lanes are configurable, and a layout is provided by the processor that is supported by the X99 chipset. Although the number of lanes provided depends upon the processor, however, the lanes may be bifurcated into two x16 links and one x8 link.
Serial ATA 3.0 Controllers
The X99 chipset is integrated two Serial ATA (SATA) controllers providing up to 10 ports for storage speeds with up to 6bits of supporting speed per port. Along with that, hardware support is also provided for Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI). After the integration of one Extensible Host Controller Interface (xHCI) and two Enhanced Host Controller Interface (EHCI) controllers, a total of 14 USB ports are provided by the system.
What to Look For When Buying an X99 CPU
Choosing a CPU is a challenging task. All things work in unison to process loaded games and produce high-end graphics. A few components dominate the others and cannot be compromised upon. Here we have discussed a few of the features which make a CPU great.
The Processor
For an X99 motherboard, Intel is the only way to go. Intel compressors are more robust when it comes to gaming compared to AMD. From amongst the full range of well-performing Intel processors, the X99 is compatible with Core i7 compressors. If you are building your own CPU with X99 as a motherboard, be sure to choose the Core i7 compressor.
The Memory
The X99 supports memories up to 3200 MHz. It also fully supports the DDR4 memory system as well as the quad-core memory system to enhance the bandwidth to 256bits or higher for higher performance.
Memory Cards
With the X99, you can support multiple GPUs as well as crossfire them. Usually, it supports three Graphics Cards, but models like ASUS X99_-A can support up to four Graphic Cards for an ultra-rich and impressive gaming experience.
Review of the Best X99 CPUs
Here you will find the reviews of some of the most prominent and well-performing units in the market.
Best Overall:
Intel Core i7-5820K
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The buyers have found the CPU to be exceptionally fast. The 1 TB SSD drive along with the 15 MB Smart Cache made for a very strong memory system, the results of which were appreciated by all gamers who had previously experienced a delay in graphics processing and general hiccups during the game.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With six cores, each with two threads, the speed of the CPU is exceptional. The CPU also supports enough PCle for a three-card crossfire. These combined with the memory systems make a CPU that would provide gamers with what they expect in terms of high performance and what they expect from Intel and X99 as an unbeatable gaming duo.
Who Will Use This Most
Serious gamers who are willing to spend a few bucks to enhance their gaming experience would be happy with this CPU. It runs most modern games without a problem. Supports cross-firing up to 3 cards as well as the latest VR technology, which increases its usability as a gaming PC.
Bottom Line
This intel core CPU draws a bargain between price and performance that is reachable by a wider gaming audience. It utilizes the best of the components and performs equally well. The six-core processor makes it a real workhorse that would support the latest games and technologies for the users to experience all.
Runner-up:
Intel Boxed Core i7-6950X Processor Extreme Edition
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The performance of this Intel Boxed CPU has reinforced its name in terms of performance i.e., extreme. The ten core processing is no joke and gives a turbo paced performance without hiccups or distortions. The buyers have rendered the CPU worth the money.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It is hard not to take notice of a ten core processor, and an L3 25MB SmartCache is packed in one system. What results is a mechanical beast that delivers a digital performance that is good as it gets. 128GB worth of memory with DDR4 memory type gives a structure that is efficient in retrieving mountains of data.
Who Will Use This Most
This a high-end CPU, one that is not limited in functionality to only gaming. With a core performance as strong as this, any user who is looking for a sturdy performance CPU for performing parallel processing, next-level video editing with heavy files that need to be run at the highest quality or indulging an exceptional gaming affair would love this CPU's capabilities.
Bottom Line
Overall, this product is guaranteed to provide an entirely new generation of enthusiast-grade processors that, despite their price, are adorned by all gamers globally. The price is justified by the features it offers and the results it delivers.
Best for the Money:
Intel Boxed Core i7-6900K Processor
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This product is backed by several positive customer reviews and also enjoys a very wide audience due to its capabilities. All classes of users have found it easy to install, exceptionally fast with frequencies boosted to 4.0GHz in a few cases. Apart from the heating problem, the CPU is reliable in both structure and function.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The features supported by this unit make it the best bang for the money. The CPU is a powerhouse aimed at end desktops and prosumers. It does not stumble in performance and provides room for overclocking with fully unlocked Broadwell-E processors.
Who Will Use This Most
Core i7-6900K processor would enjoy a very wide audience. It is designed to carry out heavily loaded tasks at fast rates and would be as suitable for gamers as it is for CAD/CAM designers and data analysts. Hyperthreading makes it ideal for all jobs requiring dealing with a large amount of data. The deliverance is further helped by expandability that comes with the 40PCle.
Bottom Line
A system that balances price and performance such that it is not limited to a confined audience is indeed a rare find. But in the Core i7 6900K processors, you find just that. Its speed combined with load management supported by a quad-core memory suitable for a lot of different users.
Cheapest X99 CPU:
Intel Boxed Core i7-6850K Processor
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent Buyers have found the system to be pretty fast for a six-core. It runs multifunctional tasks without any delays or hitches. The CPU provides reasonable power to run 4K games at suitable FPS. The stretchability offered by a large number of PCle 3.0 lines makes connecting high-speed components to widen the CPU’s usability a lot easier.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We think that this processor is one of the cheapest X99 supported CPU, but that does not mean it lacks in its performance. It supports hyperthreading through 6 cores that are incredibly fast. A Quad-core memory of 128GB combined with 15MB cache makes it capable of performing tasks of all sorts and magnitudes.
Who Will Use This Most
Despite its low price, it finds usability among a large number of users who require a system that would handle multitasking fairly well and deliver high speed. The processor is suitable for video and picture editing. It runs Adobe Applications swiftly without hanging up and gives a remarkable performance as a gaming processor as well.
Bottom Line
The low price does not compromise on the effectivity associated with X99 motherboards. This processor is still one of the finest choices of CPU for heavy-duty tasks managed at high speed without crashing the system. The Turbo Boost Technology also works fairly to boost the core's performance to hit new levels of deliverance.
Best X99 Dual CPU Motherboard:
Asus Rampage V Extreme
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The users seem to enjoy a lot that is offered by the system. The SSD Trim support is great for SSD raids. The quality of the board build is exceptionally high. It works fast, is easy to overclock and monitor the system after with the OC panel and does not overheat beyond measure thanks to LN2 system.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We find the system supporting Wi-Fi, and is Bluetooth enabled an impressive feature. Second, it combines TPU, EPU, DIGI+ Power Control, and Fan App functions resulting in 5-way optimization to push and boost Xpert 3 and Turbo Apps. It challenges the processor's capability for good by overclocking with ease thanks to the OC panel. With 1300 Mbps of transfer speed, it sure makes a presence awed by most users.
Who Will Use This Most
Users who are planning on upgrading from mid-range systems to something more high end would reap novel benefits if they choose the Asus CPU. They would enjoy not only the high transfer rates but also the comfort of a DDR4 system. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled the system to provide a performance to suit gamers, multimedia processors, and users who use designing or any other demanding software.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the system has a charm of its own that is backed up by great deliverance. The improved audio system and Wi-FI and Bluetooth activity are modern solutions provided by the system to enhance productivity. It would suit anyone who wishes to use a system capable of performing demanding tasks and would survive boosts provided to the system.
Pros and Cons of X99 CPUs
If you are not convinced or confused about which X99 CPU to invest in, then here is a list of some pros and cons to help you decide better.
Pros
The following are some pros of this kind of X99 CPU:
Increased Core Count
Multiple core architecture enhances the productivity of a system running concurrent applications where each core could handle a different thread of data. Hyperthreading capability additionally enhances the functionality, even more, allowing each core to handle more than one thread.
Multiple GPU Support
The X99 motherboard can support up to 3 GPUs allowing crossover to greatly enhance the gaming experience without causing graphical delays or system crashes.
More PCle Lanes
The X99 system have the capacity to support a considerable amount of PCle 3.0 lanes for expanding the capabilities of the system. To the lines, high-end components could be connected to carry out some of the most intensive tasks and at exceptionally great speeds.
Cons
However, it comes with some drawbacks, including:
Price
The X99 motherboard is a powerful device that utilizes the best components in its built and offers services that are expected of a high-end motherboard. Its usability is, however, limited to a confined fraction because of the very large sum of money it is sold for.
Heat Generation
With so many cores working to their fullest with the rest of the components being challenged beyond thresholds as well, quite a lot of heat is generated by the system. Which also limits the overclocking possibilities. The systems mostly lack heat sinks or cooling systems to counter the problem.
How to Install an X99 CPU
Follow the following steps to install the X99 CPU correctly:
1. Unbox your CPU sockets and get the motherboard ready as well.
2. On the motherboard, you'll see two levers, left and right, that will lock your CPU in place.
3. Press on the left lever and slide right to free it from the locks. Similarly, press on the right level and slide it left.
4. The socket cover would now open.
5. Notice a mark on the bottom left corner of the CPU that will correspond to a mark on the motherboard.
6. Match the corners with the marks and guide the CPU onto the motherboard.
7. Gently drop it over the motherboard, and without applying any force to the CPU, let it sit there.
8. Remove the plastic covering from the socket cover by gently popping it upwards.
9. Pull up the locking levers and put the socket cover back in place.
10. Lock the lever in place.
11. Make sure not to allow any dust to enter the socket during the operation.
12. Save the plastic cover in case you need to RMA the motherboard as the shopkeepers won’t accept any motherboard that is missing the cover.
Conclusion
The X99 CPUs are dynamic multiprocessing units, high-speed systems that can support heavy data processing and display incredible outputs. They are compatible with the best available devices and allow expandability for an enhanced experience. Efficient and high-speed data processing is what they were built for, and their deliverance matches their price.
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