If users want to add some flare, they are able to do so by adjusting the included ASRock RGB LED software or use one or both of the onboard RGB headers with the appropriate RGB strip (5050 RGB LED – max. With the board being black outside of the PCIe Steel Slots, it should fit into most build themes fairly easily. Surprisingly the only RGB LED on this board sits under the PCH heatsink. Visual InspectionĪSRock used a jet black PCB with some light gray ‘racing stripes’ printed on it where the three Ultra M.2 slots reside. It would be interesting to see what the overall user response to some of these add-ins would be. Again, this is arguably just the basics, likely to help reduce costs - we have seen other gaming focused products provide 'gaming' brand additions. Last but not least, three screws for the M.2 Sockets. Customers also receive two antennas to connect with their integrated Wi-Fi solution for better reception. Items such as four SATA cables to connect any SATA based devices, a couple of SLI bridge cards – a SLI HB bridge for two cards, and a 3-Way SLI bridge card as well are included. Quick Installation Guide, Support CD (drivers, Utilities, AV Software, etc), I/O ShieldĪSRock has included what a user needs to get going in the box, but not much more.Perhaps a combination of an Intel GbE, Rivet Networks Killer E2500 GbE, and an Aquantia 10GbE which would have encompassed more of its tarket market. Network traffic shaping is still possible through software, although Rivet Networks would likely claim they offer an optimized solution if their chip had been used. ASRock Fatal1ty X299 Professional Gaming i9ġ x 2T2R Intel 802.11ac w/BT4.2 (Intel 3165)ġ x Chassis Opt/Water Pump 1.5A Max (4-pin)Ĭuriously, for a motherboard which has 'gaming' in the title and having three network ports, we were surprised not to see a Killer Network based NIC which finds its way on to several other gaming motherboards. Instead of using the Creative Sound Blaster Cinema 3 for audio control, it uses Purity Sound 4 with DTS connect. As with the Professional Gaming i9 the 3-Way SLI and Crossfire capabilities are still there along with the included 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, and use of the Realtek ALC1220 codec. Most boards top out at 4133 or even less. The improved efficiency, ASRock says, which comes from such a setup is lower temperatures, as well as having a higher memory speed support of DDR4 4400+(OC). The board carries over its 8 Layer PCB using four 2oz copper inner layers to help stabilize power. The mid-range Taichi is going to make a name for itself by being a jack of all trades and mastering none.

Fatal1ty x299 professional gaming i9