EVGA X99 Classified Motherboard Review

Some of the most popular EVGA motherboards followed a classic color scheme featuring a jet black PCB and red expansion slots.  Well, the X99 Classified is once again breaking with tradition and has rescinded the red color to be a muted accent leaving black to speak volumes. 

The PCB features a respectable 8 layer design which helps prevent the board from flexing under stress and improves signal integrity for better overclocks.

Flipping the motherboard over can tell you a lot about how it is constructed including where some of the major chips are located and slot layout.  Every PCI Express slot is fully wired meaning that the full slot width is soldered to the PCB.  That doesn't always mean each slot comes with full set of PCI Express lanes but does simplify the board design a little.

EVGA has chosen a traditional VRM design that places all of the power phases above the processor socket between the memory banks.  Keeping the VRM cool was a cornerstone in making sure the old X79 would remain stable when overclocked.  Given the power demands of the Haswell-E I’m sure the same will be true of the X99.  EVGA has included a large ornate heatsink that covers the entire 10-phase VRM and is even connected to the MCP via heatpipe.

LN2 insulation could be tricky given the proximity between CPU socket and everything else, just make sure to take your time and cover the gaps.

Moving towards the CPU socket we can see that EVGA went with a typical heatsink retention system with the threaded holes on top of the PCB and attached to the CPU socket.  These CPU sockets are quite strong so there is very little chance you’ll bend one.  That is unless you are really trying or happen to drop your motherboard with a CPU pot attached.

Much to our surprise EVGA didn't opt for the black chrome mounting hardware.  Of course you won’t see the CPU socket once the heatsink is installed but, they say curb appeal does account for some of the purchase decision.