Used this for my first ever custom build.

I've used this motherboard for 3 months now and it has been the biggest headache and the most problematic hardware I've owned within the last 20 years. The good thing is that when it worked it was very stable and hardly crashed.

I picked this board for my computer build after another manufacturer's board failed. It seems to deliver on all fronts. I haven't tried the overclocking features yet, but I plan to do so.

Worked fine for two weeks then quit. Just won't power up at all. Waiting for RMA replacement to arrive and install. While it was working it was quite good. Didn't have any boot, BIOS, or operating issues.

Intel's X299 platform is an appealing choice to consumers requiring high core count CPUs and plentiful system memory. Yet an X299 system build can get seriously expensive with the motherboard comprising a large share of that expense.

Competitively priced X299 motherboard; Neutral aesthetics with RGB lighting; Abundant overclocking and diagnostic tools; Dual Gigabit Ethernet; Great all-round connectivity; M2 Shield

RGB lighting software needs optimisation; White LED zone is bewildering; Extra CPU fan header would be ideal

So the X299 SLI Plus ends up being in a weird spot. It isn't really a budget board, you are still getting nearly all of the same features as the high-end X299 boards without all of the flashy fluff. It has a ton of USB connection options, both on the rear I/O and inside with 5 different USB headers.

MSI has gone and stripped "GAMING" and "X-POWER" from its motherboard, and what's left is what we've got to look at today. MSI's X299 SLI PLUS is exactly what its name says it is and not much more... or is it more than anyone could have hoped for?

With the launch of Intel's Core X Series processors we have the brand new X299 chipset and with it a

– Has all of the core X299 features you want; – Good overall performance; – Solid overclocking; – MSI App Manager; – Price

– RGB LEDs really aren't needed; – Command Center app has wrong readings for our memory

This is a functional motherboard. Receiving a dead board, on top of two complications with the board that I attribute to poor design, I would not recommend the board. I haven't installed a new motherboard in about 3 years, so perhaps I am out of date, but these design decisions seem to cause...

Will update when replacement from Newegg arrives; Likely won't go above 3 eggs; (keeping 1 egg

-First board received DOA

If you're building around Intel's new Core X CPUs on a budget, MSI's X299 SLI Plus is worth checking out. The board delivers solid features and even a little style without going overboard.

Internal and external USB 3.1 Type-C; Two M.2 connectors and a U.2 connector; Classy RGB LED lighting with MSI Mystic Light software; Clearly marked headers and connectors

Lacks Wi-Fi; Video card can block chipset LED; "SLI" focus in name; but some users will want more gaming features