Server-infused expensive VRMs and 10 Gigabit LAN. There are plenty of high-end connectivity options worthy of X299 including Aquantia 10 Gigabit LAN, dual M.2 slots with cooling, dual U.2 slots, USB 3.1 Type-A and C and Realtek ALC 1150 based audio. The real surprise is Supermicro’s decision to fit onboard RGB lighting, which can be controlled by the “SuperO Booster” software, as this suggests more thought has gone into the consumer positioning of this motherboard than just branding.

A quick skim of Supermicro’s C422 chipset offerings, that’s the chipset that uses the same LGA2066 socket as X299 but for Xeon enterprise processors only, confirms that no obvious rebranding has taken place. Let’s see how Supermicro’s purpose-built consumer motherboard for Intel X299 stands up to scrutiny.