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Intel X99

The is a (PCH) developed by Corporation, launched in the third quarter of 2014, and designed primarily for high-end desktop (HEDT) and enthusiast gaming systems. It serves as the I/O companion to unlocked i7 Extreme Edition processors in the Haswell-E (i7-58xx/59xx) and Broadwell-E (i7-68xx/69xx) families, as well as E5 v3 and v4 processors, utilizing the LGA 2011-v3 socket to enable up to 10-core configurations with for as many as 20 threads in compatible i7 processors, marking the first Intel desktop platform to support 10 cores. This chipset emphasizes extreme performance for , digital content creation, and gaming, incorporating technologies such as Max Technology 3.0 for on select cores, along with full support for unlocked multipliers on compatible CPUs to facilitate user-driven . It provides robust handling with quad-channel DDR4 support at speeds up to 2400 MHz, accommodating up to four unbuffered DIMMs per channel and densities of 4 or 8 per device for enhanced in memory-intensive workloads. In terms of expansion and connectivity, the X99 delivers up to 40 lanes of PCIe 3.0 directly from the processor for high-speed and , complemented by 8 lanes of PCIe 2.0 from the itself, supporting configurations of x1, x2, or x4. Storage options include 10 6.0 Gb/s ports with (RST) support for configurations (levels 0, 1, 5, 10), enabling accelerated data access and recovery features like Rapid Recover Technology. USB connectivity totals 14 ports, with 6 dedicated to (5 Gb/s) for faster peripherals, while integrated and high-definition audio further round out its enthusiast-oriented I/O profile. Fabricated on a with a low 6.5 W TDP and DMI 2.0 bus speed of 5 GT/s, the balances power efficiency with advanced capabilities like Intel Smart Response Technology for SSD caching and VT-d for , though it has been discontinued in favor of newer platforms. Its legacy endures in custom PC builds, where it remains valued for enabling multi-GPU setups via technologies like NVIDIA SLI and .

Development

Background

The Intel X79 platform, launched in 2011 as the high-end desktop solution for Sandy Bridge-E and Ivy Bridge-E processors, relied on quad-channel DDR3 memory support with capacities up to 64 GB at speeds of 1600 MHz or higher via overclocking, paired with the socket. However, it faced constraints such as the absence of native support—requiring third-party controllers for SuperSpeed connectivity—and only two 6 Gb/s ports from the chipset, limiting storage expansion without additional hardware. These limitations became increasingly evident as DDR3 reached maturity and failed to meet evolving bandwidth needs for demanding workloads. In the 2013-2014 period, the enthusiast and high-end market experienced growing demands for platforms that could accommodate higher counts to handle multi-threaded tasks in , , and , alongside faster subsystems and robust features to maximize performance in and applications. PC hardware sales remained resilient amid broader market contraction, reaching over $21.5 billion globally, driven by titles that increasingly stressed CPU resources and benefited from . Enthusiasts sought unlocked processors and scalable architectures to push beyond stock speeds, reflecting a shift toward more powerful, future-proof systems for professional and hobbyist use. To address these needs, Intel transitioned to DDR4 memory and PCIe 3.0 interfaces within the broader Haswell microarchitecture rollout, enabling higher bandwidth—up to 17.1 GB/s per channel for DDR4-2133—and improved I/O throughput for high-end configurations starting with the Haswell-E variant. This evolution marked the first consumer desktop integration of DDR4 outside server environments, prioritizing efficiency and scalability for multi-core processors. Initial roadmap details, including the X99 chipset and upcoming LGA 2011-v3 socket, were first detailed through leaks in 2013, signaling Intel's commitment to advancing HEDT capabilities.

Design

The Intel X99 chipset, codenamed Wellsburg for its (PCH), was fabricated on a node to deliver a thermal design power (TDP) of 6.5 W, prioritizing power efficiency in high-end desktop and enthusiast systems. This low TDP enabled compact integration while supporting robust I/O capabilities without excessive heat generation. Key to the X99's design was its pairing with Haswell-E processors, including the unlocked Core i7 Extreme Edition models like the i7-5960X, which featured fully unlocked multipliers to facilitate extensive for performance enthusiasts. This decision emphasized the platform's focus on customization and , distinguishing it from mainstream chipsets. For CPU-PCH communication, the X99 integrated a (DMI) 2.0 link configured as x4 lanes at 5 GT/s, yielding a raw of 20 Gbit/s to handle transfers efficiently. This interface choice balanced performance and compatibility with the LGA 2011-v3 socket ecosystem. The design also supported the shift to DDR4 , enabling higher configurations in compatible motherboards.

Release

Launch

The Intel X99 was officially announced and launched on August 29, 2014, coinciding with the release of the Haswell-E processor family, including the flagship Core i7-5960X eight-core CPU. This introduction marked Intel's entry into the high-end desktop market with support for DDR4 memory and enhanced connectivity, targeting enthusiasts and professionals seeking extreme performance. Initial motherboard implementations based on the became available from major partners shortly after the announcement, with launching the X99-Deluxe, X99-Pro, and X99-A models on the same day, followed by Gigabyte's X99 series, MSI's X99 SLI Plus, and 's X99 Extreme4 and WS variants in early 2014. These boards were readily available through retailers like and , with entry-level options such as the X99-A priced around $250 and more feature-rich models like the X99-Pro at approximately $300, while high-end variants like the X99-Deluxe and X99 WS reached $400 to $500 or more. Marketing for the X99 platform emphasized its quad-channel DDR4 memory support, enabling up to 128 GB of RAM at speeds starting from 2133 MHz, and the provision of 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes directly from the CPU, which facilitated multi-GPU configurations such as 4-way SLI or setups for and compute-intensive workloads. This focus positioned X99 as a premium upgrade path for users transitioning from previous platforms, highlighting bandwidth advantages for content creation and high-resolution graphics.

Processor support expansions

In May 2016, expanded the X99 platform's processor compatibility with the launch of the Broadwell-E series on May 31, featuring high-end desktop (HEDT) processors such as the Core i7-6950X, which included 10 cores and 20 threads. These processors provided minor instructions per clock () gains over the prior Haswell-E generation, primarily from architectural refinements and the shift to a node, enabling slightly better single-threaded performance at similar clock speeds. The Broadwell-E lineup maintained compatibility with the LGA 2011-v3 socket, allowing seamless integration into existing X99 motherboards after firmware updates. Motherboard manufacturers, including , , and , released BIOS updates in early 2016 to enable Broadwell-E support on pre-existing X99 boards, addressing and compatibility requirements for the new . Similar updates were necessary for the E5 v4 series (Broadwell-EP variants), as these server-grade processors required specific BIOS versions to ensure stable operation, including proper and initialization on consumer X99 platforms. Intel's official support for X99-compatible processors, including both Haswell-E and Broadwell-E models, concluded with the end of servicing updates on June 30, 2021, after which no further patches or driver enhancements were provided by the company. Despite this, third-party releases from vendors like continued into 2025, incorporating security fixes and stability improvements to prolong the platform's viability for legacy users.

Architecture

Wellsburg PCH

The Wellsburg (PCH) serves as the I/O controller for the Intel X99 , implemented as a single-chip that consolidates various peripheral interfaces to offload tasks from the . This architecture enables efficient management of storage, connectivity, and other subsystems, supporting high-performance desktop and workstation platforms. Fabricated on a with a of 6.5 W, Wellsburg integrates flexible I/O resources configurable via settings, allowing manufacturers to tailor port allocations for diverse system needs. Wellsburg provides up to 10 SATA 6 Gb/s ports, comprising six standard ports and four additional sSATA ports, all supporting speeds of 6 Gb/s, 3 Gb/s, or 1.5 Gb/s with features like hot-plug, Native Command Queuing (NCQ), and staggered spin-up for optimized drive initialization. These ports are highly configurable, such as allocating six to one controller and four to another, and include explicit support for emerging standards like and slots through multiplexed I/O lanes that can switch between SATA and PCIe modes. This setup facilitates configurations (0, 1, 5, 10) via , adhering to the AHCI 1.3 specification with 32 command slots and 48-bit LBA addressing for legacy emulation. The USB subsystem in Wellsburg supports up to 14 ports in total, including six ports operating at 5 Gb/s via a single xHCI controller and eight USB 2.0 ports managed by dual EHCI controllers, with 64-bit addressing and SuperSpeed capabilities for the USB 3.0 interfaces. Integrated audio is handled by the controller, which accommodates up to four codecs, supports 192 kHz sample rates, and features four input/output DMA engines alongside one output and four stereo inputs. Networking is provided through an onboard MAC supporting 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds with functionality, while virtualization enhancements include Intel VT-d for direct I/O device assignment and domain isolation. From an architectural perspective, Wellsburg exposes eight PCIe 2.0 lanes, organized into up to eight root ports configurable as four x1, two x2, or one x4 links, each capable of up to 5 GT/s and supporting both Gen1 and Gen2 modes with features like hot-plug and AER (Advanced Error Reporting). These lanes, along with other I/O blocks, connect to the processor via a DMI 2.0 for bidirectional data transfer. The overall highlights a modular layout with dedicated controllers for USB, , PCIe, audio, and Ethernet, multiplexed through a shared HSIO (High-Speed I/O) framework to maximize port density and flexibility.

Integration with CPU

The Intel X99 platform integrates closely with Haswell-E and Broadwell-E processors, leveraging direct CPU features for high-performance connectivity and memory handling while using a dedicated link to the (PCH) for additional southbridge functions. These processors provide 28 or 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes directly from the CPU die (depending on the model), enabling flexible configurations such as 2×16 + 1×8 or 5×8 for graphics cards, storage devices, and other peripherals. The CPU connects to the PCH via a (DMI) 2.0 x4 link, delivering up to 2 GB/s of bandwidth in each direction to handle chipset I/O tasks such as USB and without bottlenecking primary CPU resources. is integrated directly into the CPU with a quad-channel DDR4 controller, supporting up to 128 GB of capacity across four channels at official speeds of 2133 to 2400 MT/s, though allows for higher frequencies depending on the and cooling. For power delivery, the platform accommodates extreme-edition CPUs with thermal design power (TDP) ratings of 140 W or higher, such as the Core i7-5960X at 140 W, requiring robust modules (VRMs) and enhanced cooling solutions on compatible motherboards to sustain peak performance.

Features

Memory subsystem

The Intel X99 platform employs a quad-channel DDR4 , with the integrated into compatible LGA 2011-v3 processors such as the Core i7 Extreme Edition (Haswell-E and Broadwell-E) and E5 v3/v4 series. This configuration supports DDR4 speeds of up to 2133 MT/s for Haswell-E processors and up to 2400 MT/s for Broadwell-E processors, accommodating both unbuffered non- DIMMs for desktop use and registered DIMMs when paired with processors. Motherboards based on the X99 chipset typically provide eight 288-pin slots, arranged as two slots per , supporting a maximum capacity of 128 GB across the four using high-density modules such as 16 GB DIMMs. In quad-channel mode at the reference speed of DDR4-2133, the subsystem delivers a theoretical maximum of 68 GB/s, providing substantial throughput for memory-intensive workloads. Overclocking capabilities are a key strength of the X99 memory subsystem, with support for Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) 2.0 enabling automatic configuration of higher speeds; compatible motherboards and DDR4 kits routinely achieve stable operation beyond DDR4-3200 MT/s through manual tuning or XMP profiles.

I/O and expansion

The Intel X99 platform provides extensive PCIe connectivity, with the processor delivering up to 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes that can be configured into various expansion slot arrangements, such as three x16 links for multi-GPU setups or five x8 links to support additional high-bandwidth peripherals. The chipset contributes eight additional PCIe 2.0 lanes, configurable as x1, x2, x4, or x8 root ports, enabling further expansion for devices like network cards or storage controllers while maintaining compatibility with hot-plug and features. This dual-source lane allocation allows for flexible on compatible motherboards, optimizing bandwidth for graphics, storage, and I/O without bottlenecks in enthusiast configurations. Storage options on the X99 platform emphasize high-capacity and high-speed interfaces, featuring up to 10 3.0 ports operating at 6 Gbit/s each, with support for AHCI mode and configurations including 0, 1, 5, and 10 across the first six ports. A dedicated port is included, capable of up to 16 Gbit/s throughput by utilizing two 6 Gbit/s lanes or PCIe signaling, providing an early bridge to faster non-volatile storage. slots are supported through PCIe lanes from either the CPU or chipset, allowing NVMe SSDs to achieve full x4 PCIe 3.0 speeds for boot drives or caching, with hot-plug capabilities on select implementations. USB connectivity includes six USB 3.0 ports at 5 Gbit/s alongside eight USB 2.0 ports, totaling 14 ports with overcurrent protection and legacy support for broad peripheral compatibility. Networking is facilitated by integrated controllers on most motherboards, with optional via PCIe add-in cards; support is available through dedicated expansion cards that leverage PCIe lanes for up to 20 Gbit/s bidirectional transfers and daisy-chaining. VT-d IOMMU enhances for secure device passthrough in virtualized environments. Overclocking capabilities extend to I/O and stability through BIOS-level adjustments to the base clock (BCLK), allowing increments beyond the standard 100 MHz for fine-tuned performance gains across PCIe and storage interfaces, provided compatible unlocked processors are used. Enhanced voltage controls for VCCIO, VCCSA, and agent rails enable stable operation under increased BCLK loads, with safeguards like thermal throttling to prevent damage during experimentation. These features, combined with 's Extreme Memory Profile support, facilitate customized I/O tuning without compromising expansion flexibility.

Compatibility

Supported processors

The Intel X99 chipset utilizes the LGA 2011-3 (also known as FCLGA2011-v3) socket, which enables compatibility with high-end desktop and workstation processors from Intel's 5th and 6th generation and families. The primary consumer-oriented processors supported are from the Haswell-E series, comprising the 5th generation i7 Extreme Edition lineup (i7-5xxx models). These include unlocked processors designed for enthusiasts, such as the i7-5960X, which features 8 cores, 16 threads, a 3.0 GHz base frequency, and up to 3.5 GHz turbo boost, targeting extreme and multi-threaded workloads. Other examples in this series, like the i7-5930K and i7-5820K, offer 6 cores with varying cache sizes up to 15 MB, emphasizing performance in and . Building on this, the Broadwell-E series provides support for 6th generation Core i7 Extreme Edition processors (i7-6xxx models), introducing higher core counts and refined 14 nm architecture. Representative models include the Core i7-6950X with 10 cores, 20 threads, a 3.0 GHz base frequency, and turbo boost up to 4.0 GHz via Max 3.0, enabling superior for professional applications. Additional variants, such as the i7-6900K and i7-6800K, scale down to 6-8 cores while maintaining unlocked multipliers for customization. For workstation and entry-level server environments, the X99 chipset accommodates Intel Xeon E5 v3 (Haswell-EP) and v4 (Broadwell-EP) families, particularly the single-socket E5-16xx v3/v4 series for single-processor setups and select E5-26xx v3/v4 models for expanded multi-core configurations. These ECC-memory-capable processors support up to 18 cores in the v3 generation (e.g., Xeon E5-2699 v3 at 2.3 GHz base) and up to 22 cores in the v4 generation (e.g., Xeon E5-2699 v4 at 2.2 GHz base), prioritizing reliability and scalability for tasks like 3D rendering and scientific computing. While the LGA 2011-3 socket shares physical similarities with the prior LGA 2011, direct compatibility with earlier Sandy Bridge-E or Ivy Bridge-E processors is not officially supported and requires third-party adapters with inherent limitations in features and performance.

Motherboard implementations

Motherboard implementations of the Intel X99 adhered to the platform's specifications for high-end systems, emphasizing quad-channel DDR4 and extensive PCIe connectivity. These boards typically utilized and extended ATX (E-ATX) form factors to accommodate the required eight slots and multiple expansion slots, allowing for robust cooling solutions and component layouts suitable for and multi-GPU configurations. A limited number of mini-ITX variants were available, such as the X99E-ITX/ac, which compacted the core features into a smaller footprint for space-constrained builds while maintaining quad-channel and essential I/O. Major vendors including , , , , and EVGA produced a range of X99 motherboards, offering options from entry-level to enthusiast-grade models. 's lineup, for instance, included the X99-Deluxe with its digital 8+4 phase VRM design for stable power delivery under heavy loads, while the X99-A provided a more basic implementation focused on core connectivity. 's offerings, such as the X99-UD4, emphasized reliability with an 8-phase digital VRM and integrated RGB lighting on higher-end models like the X99-Ultra for aesthetic customization. 's X99A SLI Plus featured a 12-phase VRM to support aggressive , paired with reinforced PCIe slots for SLI/ setups. and EVGA contributed with specialized boards like the X99 WS-E (E-ATX for workstations) and EVGA X99 Classified (E-ATX with advanced thermal solutions), respectively, expanding options for professional and applications. Implementations varied significantly in power delivery, aesthetics, and bundled features to cater to different user needs. VRM configurations ranged from 8-phase designs on budget-oriented boards to 12+ phase setups on premium models, enabling better thermal management and higher overclocks on processors like the Core i7 Extreme series. RGB lighting became a common addition in later refreshes, with ASUS's Aura Sync on boards like the ROG Strix X99 Gaming allowing synchronized effects across compatible components, and Gigabyte integrating LED headers for customizable illumination. Accessories often included Wi-Fi modules (e.g., MSI's X99A variants with dual-band 802.11ac), M.2 adapters, or diagnostic tools, though these differed by vendor—ASUS frequently bundled USB 3.1 add-in cards, while EVGA emphasized overclocking utilities in software packages. These variations allowed users to select boards aligned with specific priorities, such as gaming aesthetics or workstation stability, without deviating from the X99's foundational PCIe configurations.

Legacy

Successors

The Intel X299 platform succeeded the X99 chipset, launching in the second quarter of 2017 as part of the Basin Falls initiative to support high-end desktop (HEDT) workloads. It was designed for Intel's X-series processors, starting with Skylake-X models such as the i7-7800X and extending to Cascade Lake-X variants like the i9-10980XE released in 2019. The platform utilized the socket and introduced quad-channel DDR4 memory support, maintaining compatibility with up to 256 GB of non-ECC unbuffered DIMMs while enabling higher frequencies for enthusiast overclocking. Key evolutions in X299 built upon X99's foundation but addressed growing demands for I/O expansion and storage acceleration. High-core-count CPUs (10 cores or more) provided 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes directly from the processor, a significant increase over X99's up to 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes from the processor, allowing for more flexible multi-GPU and NVMe configurations. The X299 chipset itself contributed 24 PCIe 3.0 lanes, up from X99's 8 PCIe 2.0 lanes, while retaining a similar PCH architecture derived from Intel's 200-series designs for SATA and USB connectivity. Native support for Intel Optane Memory was added, enabling SSD caching to boost system responsiveness in content creation and data-intensive tasks. The X99 platform received no further CPU updates after the 2016 release of Broadwell-E processors, marking the end of its active development cycle. By 2020, X99 motherboards and components were largely phased out of production and retail availability, supplanted by X299 and emerging mainstream platforms with higher core counts. Subsequent Intel HEDT efforts under the X-series banner, including X299, faced intensifying competition from AMD's Ryzen Threadripper lineup starting in 2017, which offered superior core counts and PCIe lane density at competitive prices. This rivalry contributed to Intel's decision to discontinue dedicated consumer HEDT platforms after Lake-X, shifting focus to workstation-grade processors and integrating high-core capabilities into mainstream desktop lines by 2021.

Reception and impact

The Intel X99 platform garnered positive reception in 2014 for pioneering consumer access to DDR4 memory and providing strong multi-GPU support, marking a significant upgrade for high-end desktop users. Reviewers highlighted the quad-channel DDR4 implementation as a key advancement, delivering up to 68 GB/s of that enhanced performance in bandwidth-sensitive tasks like and compared to the prior DDR3-based Ivy Bridge-E platform. The chipset's 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes, with up to 28 directly from the CPU, enabled seamless 3-way or 4-way SLI/ configurations, appealing to gamers and professionals seeking maximum graphics throughput without bottlenecks. Despite these strengths, the X99 faced notable criticisms centered on its prohibitive cost and relative inefficiencies. Building a full X99 system typically required over $1,000, driven by premium Haswell-E processors starting at $389 for the 6-core i7-5820K and DDR4 kits priced at $300 or more, limiting adoption to affluent enthusiasts. Power draw was another drawback, with platforms consuming around 60 W at idle and up to 300 W under load, which paled in efficiency against later offerings like Threadripper that achieved similar core counts at lower wattage. Adoption of USB 3.1 was also constrained, as the chipset natively supported only , requiring add-in cards for the faster standard and hindering its appeal for future-proof I/O needs. In terms of impact, X99 sustained enthusiast builds through 2017 by offering unlocked multi-core processors ideal for and parallel workloads, bridging the gap until newer HEDT platforms emerged. Benchmarks from the launch era underscored its multi-threaded prowess; for instance, the 8-core i7-5960X achieved Cinebench R15 scores around 1,400 in multi-core tests at stock speeds, surpassing the prior i7-4960X by 20-30% in rendering applications. However, it was soon outpaced by AMD's Threadripper series, where the 16-core 1950X delivered 50% higher multi-threaded performance at a fraction of the power in comparable workloads. By 2025, X99 persists in used markets as a budget HEDT option, enabling affordable access to 8-18 core systems for tasks like home servers and light .

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