1 / 4

Machinist X99 E5 MR9S Motherboard

Motherboard • Machinist • $ 105.99

Add to PC Build Add to Amazon Cart Compare

The Machinist X99 E5 MR9S Motherboard is a robust ATX platform designed for Intel Xeon E5 v3/v4 processors and Core i7 enthusiasts seeking a budget-friendly yet feature-rich foundation. With its LGA 2011-3 socket and Intel B85 chipset, this board delivers exceptional value for workstation builds, home servers, and high-performance gaming rigs.

Key Features & Performance

Supporting up to 256GB of DDR4 ECC memory across eight slots, the MR9S handles memory-intensive tasks with ease. It supports speeds up to 3200MHz (OC), ensuring snappy multitasking and smooth operation in demanding applications. The board's PCIe 3.0 configuration includes two x16 slots, one x4 slot, and two x1 slots, providing ample expansion for GPUs, capture cards, and other peripherals.

Storage flexibility is a highlight: four SATA3.0 ports, two SATA2.0 ports, an M.2 NVMe slot for ultra-fast SSDs, an M.2 SATA slot, and a dedicated M.2 WiFi slot for wireless connectivity. This variety allows users to build a high-speed storage array or add a compact NVMe drive for blazing boot times.

Connectivity & Expansion

Networking is covered by a Gigabit LAN port, while USB connectivity includes two USB3.0 and six USB2.0 ports. Legacy PS/2 ports are included for older peripherals, and the onboard 7.1-channel audio delivers immersive sound for gaming and media consumption.

The ATX form factor ensures compatibility with standard cases, and the board's layout is thoughtfully designed for easy installation and cable management.

Target Audience & Use Cases

This motherboard is ideal for:

Budget-conscious builders creating a powerful Xeon-based workstation for video editing, 3D rendering, or virtualization.
Enthusiasts upgrading an older platform to support DDR4 memory and modern storage interfaces.
Home lab users who need ECC memory support for data integrity in NAS or server applications.
Gamers who want a cost-effective platform with multi-GPU capability (though only one x16 slot runs at full bandwidth).

While the B85 chipset is older, the MR9S bridges the gap between legacy Xeon CPUs and modern features like M.2 NVMe, making it a compelling choice for those on a tight budget.

Key Specifications

Form Factor: ATX

Socket: LGA 2011-3

Chipset: Intel B85

RAM Type: DDR4 ECC

Max. RAM: 256GB

RAM Slots: 8

Connectivity

2X PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, 1X PCIe 3 x4, 2X PCIe 3.0 x1, 4X SATA3.0, 2X SATA2.0, 1X M.2 NVME, 1X M.2 SATA, 1X WiFi M.2, 2X USB3.0, 6X USB2.0, 1X Gigabit LAN, 2X PS/2 interface, 7.1 channel audio

Detailed Parameters

Platform:: Intel
Socket:: LGA 2011-3
RAM Type:: DDR4
Number of RAM Slots:: 8
Maximum RAM/slot:: 32
Maximum RAM Capacity in GB:: 256
PCI Express Version:: 3
Form Factor:: ATX
Maximum RAM Speed in MHz:: 3200
ECC:: Yes
Chipset:: X99
SupportedPlatforms:: Intel Workstation

Where to Buy

Amazon

Pros

Supports up to 256GB DDR4 ECC memory
Multiple M.2 slots (NVMe, SATA, WiFi)
ATX form factor with good expansion options
Budget-friendly for Xeon builds
Legacy PS/2 ports for older peripherals

Cons

B85 chipset is older and lacks modern features like USB 3.1 Gen2
Only one PCIe x16 slot runs at full x16 bandwidth
Limited overclocking capabilities for CPU

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Machinist X99 E5 MR9S support ECC memory?

Yes, it supports DDR4 ECC memory, which is ideal for workstations and servers requiring error correction.

What CPUs are compatible with this motherboard?

It supports Intel Xeon E5 v3/v4 processors and some Core i7 CPUs that use the LGA 2011-3 socket. Always check the CPU compatibility list before purchase.

Can I use an M.2 NVMe SSD for boot?

Yes, the M.2 NVMe slot supports NVMe SSDs, and you can set it as the boot drive in BIOS.

Does the board support multiple GPUs?

It has two PCIe x16 slots, but only one runs at full x16 bandwidth; the other runs at x4. For multi-GPU setups, performance may be limited.

Compare Machinist X99 E5 MR9S Motherboard with Similar Motherboards