MotherboardsPC

Best LGA 2066 Motherboards for i9-9960X i9-9920X & i9-9820X

Best LGA 2066 Motherboards

Intel has recently launched high-end desktop parts. There are seven new LGA 2066 socket CPUs. The platform is also referred to as X299 platform. The range of CPUs offers from 8 to 18 cores. The i9 platform has six options while the i7 platform has one CPU with the X299 platform or the LGA2066 socket size. Let us check out a few motherboards that support these latest CPUs from team blue. Here is our select list of best LGA2066 motherboards for i9-9960X i9-9920X & i9-9820X.

Note: If you buy something from our links, we might earn a commission. See our disclosure statement.

Also Read: Best Skylake-X 2017 LGA-2066 Motherboards

Best LGA 2066 Motherboards for i9-9960X i9-9920X & i9-9820X

The new processors launched as part of its Skylake X Refresh include i9-9960X i9-9920X & i9-9820X. The six new CPUs launched in the new series have a TDP of 165 W and a jump of around 600 MHz compared to the previous generation of processors. These CPUs also come with a turbo frequency of 4.5 MHz and offer 44 dedicated PCIe lanes. Of these, the i9-9980XE is the flagship option and provides you access to a base frequency of 3.0 GHz.

In the case of Skylake-X processors, each CPU contains 1.375 MB of L3 cache. So a 10 core CPU will have access to 13.75 MB. Since the L3 cache is a non-inclusive, victim cache only in case of L2 cache buffer overflows will go into the L3 cache. So, on paper, there isn’t going to be a significant performance boost, unless the CPU processes a lot of repeat data.

However, for us, the major highlight is the 44 lanes of dedicated PCIe lanes. It helps the PC components to directly access the CPU rather than being routed through the chipset controller, thereby improving the performance.

The following is the list of new 9th Gen Intel X series CPUs from the recent announcement.

Intel Basin Falls Skylake-X – 2018

Processor & PriceCores/ThreadsTDP (Power)Frequency/ClockL3 Cache
(MBs)
L3 Per
Core Cache
DRAM
DDR4 (Quad Channel) *
PCIe Lanes
Core i9-9980XE –18 / 36165 Watts3.0 / 4.524.751.375266644
Core i9-9960X –16 / 32165 Watts3.1 / 4.522.001.375266644
Core i9-9940X –14 / 28165 Watts3.3 / 4.519.251.375266644
Core i9-9920X –12 / 24165 Watts3.5 / 4.519.251.604266644
Core i9-9900X –10 / 20165 Watts3.5 / 4.519.251.925266644
Core i9-9820X –10 / 20165 Watts3.3 / 4.216.501.650266644
Core i7-9800X –8 / 16165 Watts3.8 / 4.516.502.031266644

*Dual-Channel Only with 16 lane CPU

Socket compatibility is a good thing, and in this case, all the earlier LGA 2066 motherboards are supported with a BIOS flash. However, motherboard manufacturers appear to be entirely supporting their existing lineups, and there are not many new launches visible. There are no new models launched or being launched any time soon. As we said, the current X299 based motherboards should support the new CPUs. Until the time new motherboards are available, we may need to keep up with the current set of options alone.

Here is a quick look at the Intel X299 (Basin Falls) processor family from last year.

Intel X299 Processors (Basin Falls 2017)
Processor Model:i5-7640Xi7-7740Xi7-7800Xi7-7820Xi9-7900X
Cores4C-4T4C-8T6C-12T8C-16T10C-20T
Base-Clock4.0 GHz4.3 GHz3.5 GHz3.6 GHz3.3 GHz
Turbo-Clock4.2 GHz4.5 GHz4.0 GHz4.3 GHz4.3 GHz
Max-Turbo ClockN-AN-AN-A4.5 GHz4.5 GHz
L2 Cache256 KB (per Core)1 MB (per core)
L3 Cache6 MB8 MB8.25 MB11 MB13.75 MB
PCIe 3.0 Lanes162844
Memory Channels24
Memory FreqDDR4-2666DDR4-2400DDR4-2666
TDP (Watts)112 W140 W
Pricing[amazon_link asins=’B071KMBHS8′ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’057d7075-e120-11e8-85d8-c30925e3a4fd’][amazon_link asins=’B072KTRQ9G’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’14f231f0-e120-11e8-b9f7-5549db960b72′][amazon_link asins=’B071H1B3Z1′ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’1f1baabe-e120-11e8-9a79-f59a56637717′][amazon_link asins=’B072NF4BY3′ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’28918ac1-e120-11e8-b1f2-79bdc34a10a2′][amazon_link asins=’B072KTSCCS’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’3433e850-e120-11e8-ac4f-8b27f0e2adcd’]

X299 vs Z390 – Which one among them is best?

If you are planning to build the best ecosystem for your PC, getting a motherboard with an X299 and Z390 should be your primary choice to go with on the Intel platform. However, you may be confused between the two options. We thought of sharing a little information on the concepts and functionality.

The Naming

One of the significant confusion you may come across while choosing the best among the two is the nomenclature used. What do the X and Z stand for?

X299 is ideally an option designed for high-end platforms (HEDT). This can be one of the most sought after options for content creation and enthusiasts. It is defined as the HEDT or High-end desktop application. The Z390, on the other hand, is designed for use with the home desktop market – either offered by Intel or its partner manufacturers.

The hierarchy of the motherboards can be summarised as indicated here –

H310 < B360 < H370 < Z370/Z390 < X299 < Server grade Xeons on LGA 3647.

The Comparison Chart: X299 vs Z390

We thought it would be a great idea to present the two competing motherboards in a side by side chart for an improved understanding and analysis.  The head to head comparison can be helpful enough for making the right choice for your exact requirements.

Features / Particulars

X299

Z390

Product SeriesIntel Series 200 ChipsetsIntel Series 300 Chipsets
Launched inQ2 2017Q4 2018
Bus speed8 GT/s DMI38 GT/s DMI3
TDP6 W6 W
Support for OverclockingYesYes
Availability for embedded optionsNoNo
USB ConfigurationUSB 3.0 ports Up to 10

USB Ports up to 14 (2.0)

10 Total USB 3.1 Ports

– Up to 6 USB 3.1 Gen 2 Ports

– Up to 10 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Ports

14 USB 2.0 Ports

Number of DIMMs per channel22
Number displays supportedNA3
Integrated graphicsNoYes
PCIe versionPCIe 3.0PCIe 3.0
PCIe configurationx1, x2, x4x1, x2, x4
Number of PCIe lanes2424
Support for PCINoYes
Number of USB ports1414
USB revision3.0/2.03.1/2.0
Maximum number of SATA 6 GB per sec ports86
Integrated LANIntegrated MACIntegrated MAC
Integrated WirelessNoIntel® Wireless-AC MAC
Intel® ME Firmware Version1112
Intel BootGuardNoYes
Intel® vPro™ Platform EligibilityNoYes
Intel® Stable Image Platform Program (SIPP)NoYes
Intel® Platform Trust Technology (Intel® PTT)NoYes

The Major Differences between the Two

Compatibility

One of the major differences between the two lies in their usage preferences as we have already made clear in the above discussion. If you are planning to use the Intel 8th and 9th generation processors, it should be noted that they work only with the Intel 300 series motherboards. In such an eventuality, it may be necessary to opt for the Z390 as X299 does not support the processors.

Power and socket

Another essential differentiation can be the use of the socket on either of the motherboards. The Z390 is equipped with the LGA 1151 socket as compared to the LGA 2066 socket on the X299. The LGA 2066 socket comes with twice the number of sockets on it as compared to the ones on the Z390. This has primarily been in the with the power requirements you may have. LGA 1151 provides power at around 100 to 140 W. The LGA 2066 offers that approximately 200 W.

USB Configuration

The Z390 has been designed as a refresh to the Z370 in more ways than one. In fact, it is not a new upgrade as most of us may have been thinking of. It shares most of its features with the Z370.

However, it does sport a significant difference between the X299 and Z390 in terms of the USB configuration. The X299 comes with support for USB 3.0 and USB 2.0. The Z390, however, packs in the compatibility with USB 3.1 Gen 2. Of course, there are a few third-party options to make it compatible with the USB 3.1, but the native support always tends to be a better alternative. From that perspective, the Z390 should indeed be a considerable advantage.

Wireless Configuration

This is another area that differs to a considerable extent between the Z390 and X299. The X299 (and Z370) do not have the native support for the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard. This can be a significant backward step. However, there are several third-party options available for the issues.

The Z390, however, comes with the native support for the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard. This should be an added advantage.

The RAM Compatibility

The X299 comes with the support for DDR4 RAM at speeds over 3000 MHz. The X299 offers you access to up to 128 GB RAM, while the Z390 initially had support for only up to 64 GB. However, a recent BIOS update has brought in the compatibility with the 128 GB RAM capacity.

Now that we know socket LGA2066 motherboards are suitable for the i9-9960X i9-9920X & i9-9820X CPUs to let us not waste time to find the best options available in the genre.

1. ASUS ROG STRIX X299-E GAMING

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Go with the next generation gaming with ASUS ROG STRIX X299-E GAMING. The five-way optimization and high-end customization options are a couple of best with the motherboard. The ASUS Aura Sync ensures that you stand to experience the next level RGB lighting experience. The M.2 heatsink integrated into the PCH heatsink provides you a perfect cooling functionality.

The Intel Ethernet Controller I219-V provides you faster and smoother gaming experience. The motherboard also boasts of industry-leading 8-channel HD audio. Other features include 3D printing mounts. Dual M.2, onboard 802.11AC Wifi and front panel USB 3.1. Though it is planned for Intel i7 processors, it should work with the flagship Core i9-9980XE and other X-series processors as well.

Price – [amazon_link asins=’B072MCN1FD’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ee1b3227-e121-11e8-b562-27b116f6ecc4′]

ChipsetIntel X299 Express Chipset
CPU SupportSupports all 7th & 9th gen Intel Core X series, processors
Form Factor /Socket TypeATX form factor

LGA 2066 socket

Power Connections 24 pin main power connector

8 pin ATX12V power connector

4 pin ATX12V power connector

RAM slots 8x DDR4 DIMM 288 pin slots

Supports up to 128 GB of DDR4 memory

Storage interfaceSATA 600: 8x 7 pin Serial ATA connector with RAID 0/1/10/5 support

SATA 600 / PCIe 3.0: 1x M.2 connector

PCIe 3.0: 1x M.2 connector

Expansion slots 1x CPU

8x DIMM 288 pin

3x PCIe 3.0 x16 [44 lane CPU, 28 lane CPU, 16 lane CPU]

2x PCIe 3.0 x4

1x PCIe 3.0 x1

Networking Intel i219V network controller

IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

Bluetooth 3.0 HS

Gigabit Ethernet, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet

Audio Supreme FX S1220A audio coded

High definition audio 8-channel

USB Ports1x USB C Gen2

1x USB 3.1 Gen2

3x USB 3.1 Gen1

2x USB 2.0

Dimension30.5 cm x 24.4 cm
Weight3 pounds

2. Gigabyte X299 Designare Ex

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With support for Intel Core X series processor family, the Gigabyte X299 Designare Ex comes with aggressively redesigned armor and thermal heatsinks. It offers you both digital PWM Controllers and Smart Power Stage controllers. These factors would ensure server-class performance. Triple M.2s onboard provide exceptional performance for configuring fault-tolerant RAID arrays.

Packed with Intel’s latest Optane technology, you are set to experience the best storage performance ever with the Gigabyte X299 Designare Ex. Get the world-class performance with fastest cores with Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0.

Price – [amazon_link asins=’B077Y832BD’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’0ced841e-e122-11e8-ae0d-114b7102648b’]

ChipsetIntel X299 Express Chipset
CPU SupportSupports all 7th & 9th gen Intel Core X series, processors
Form Factor /Socket TypeATX form factor

LGA 2066 socket

Power Connections 24 pin main power connector

8 pin ATX12V power connector

4 pin ATX12V power connector

RAM slots 8x DDR4 DIMM 288 pin slots

Supports up to 128 GB of DDR4 memory

Storage interfaceSATA 600: 8x 7 pin Serial ATA connector with RAID 0/1/10/5 support

SATA 600 / PCIe 3.0: 1x M.2 connector

PCIe 3.0: 1x M.2 connector

Expansion slots 1x CPU

8x DIMM 288 pin

3x PCIe 3.0 x16 [44 lane CPU, 28 lane CPU, 16 lane CPU]

2x PCIe 3.0 x4

1x PCIe 3.0 x1

Networking 2 x Intel® GbE LAN

IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

Bluetooth 4.1, 4.2, 3.0 HS

Gigabit Ethernet, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet

Audio Sound BlasterX 720°

High definition audio 8-channel

USB Ports1x USB C Gen2

1x USB 3.1 Gen2

3x USB 3.1 Gen1

2x USB 2.0

Dimension12 x 1 x 9.6 inches
Weight3 pounds

3. ASRock X299 Gaming K6 Fatal1ty

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Another capable motherboard supporting the platform is the ASRock X299 Gaming K6 Fatal1ty. It comes with a few unique features making it one of the excellent choices by every standard. The advanced PCI-E Steel Slots ensures that the motherboard experiences no interference from the graphics cards. The Triple Ultra M.2 provide an outstanding transfer speed performance.

The 11 power phase design will provide you with smoother power delivery. With the best in class overclocking functionality, get assured of the lowest temperatures for the advanced gaming as well. The motherboard also provides you an out of the audio experience with Sound Blaster™ Cinema 3.

Price: [amazon_link asins=’B0737WT8XK’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’2d8357b3-e122-11e8-a221-a92fb3d0257a’]

ChipsetIntel X299 Express Chipset
CPU SupportSupports all 9th & 7th gen Intel Core X series, processors
Form Factor /Socket TypeATX form factor

LGA 2066 socket

Power Connections 24 pin main power connector

8 pin ATX12V power connector

4 pin ATX12V power connector

RAM slots 8x DDR4 DIMM 288 pin slots

Supports up to 128 GB of DDR4 memory

Storage interfaceSATA 600: 8x 7 pin Serial ATA connector with RAID 0/1/10/5 support

SATA 600 / PCIe 3.0: 1x M.2 connector

PCIe 3.0: 1x M.2 connector

Expansion slots 1x CPU

8x DIMM 288 pin

3x PCIe 3.0 x16 [44 lane CPU, 28 lane CPU, 16 lane CPU]

2x PCIe 3.0 x4

1x PCIe 3.0 x1

Networking Intel i219V network controller

IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

Bluetooth 3.0 HS

Gigabit Ethernet, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet

Audio Realtek ALC1220 Audio Codec

120dB SNR DAC with Differential Amplifier

TI® NE5532 Premium Headset Amplifier for Front Panel Audio Connector

USB Ports1x USB C Gen2

1x USB 3.1 Gen2

3x USB 3.1 Gen1

2x USB 2.0

Dimension30.5 cm x 24.4 cm
Weight3 pounds

4. GIGABYTE X299 AORUS GAMING 7 PRO

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The Intel ® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 provides you excellent performance with the faster cores ever. Upgraded with Digital LED support, the “GIGABYTE X299 AORUS GAMING 7 PRO” comes with nine new patterns and various speed settings.

Get an enhanced audio performance with high-end audiophile sound system. The Smart Fan 5 technology offers you optimum performance with cooler environs. The motherboard provides you an all digital CPU power design. This would make use of both digital PWM Controllers and Smart Power Stage controllers. Make use of Triple M.2 Thermal Guard for an efficient functionality concerning functionality to the full capacity without throttling and bottlenecks.

Price – [amazon_link asins=’B077Y5W7QC’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’480a6b26-e122-11e8-b114-f3281deb0903′]

Check out its high-level specifications here:

GIGABYTE-X299 “AORUS Gaming 7” 
Processor SupportIntel® 7th Generation Socket 2066 for Intel Sky lake-X Katy lake-X CPU Processors
RAM SupportQuad Channel – 8 x DIMM(s) with a Maximum of 128 GB DDR4 non-ECC

Support of up to “DDR4400+”(OverClocked)

Audio8-channel HD audio (Realtek S1220A)

Sound BlasterX 720 (SABRE 9018 DAC)

ConnectivityDual M.2.6 USB 2.0,

6 USB 3.0

ASMedia 3 ports Type A&C

Killer Dual-Band 2×2 802.11-ac Wireless – “AC 1535.”

Intel® Gigabit LAN Gaming Network

Graphics Card3 Way Nvidia SLI and 3 Way AMD Crossfire Support
Display-OutHDMI/DisplayPort ports
Warranty1 Year

5. MSI Performance Gaming Intel X299 LGA 2066

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Designed for the best virtual reality experience, the MSI Performance Gaming Intel X299 LGA 2066 also tends to reduce your motion thickness. It comes with Mystic Light utility; it lets you customize your color system for all your personally built systems.

The motherboard is equipped with an array of unique MSI GAMING tools so that you keep yourself ahead of the competition. Experience the world-class gaming with excellent audio functionality, thanks to MSI Audio Boost technology. Equipped with overclocking and high-end stability, you are sure to experience a class above the rest.

Price: [amazon_link asins=’B071G3JXC5′ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’6b9d52cb-e122-11e8-8c4d-6d05a61570d9′]

ChipsetIntel X299 Express Chipset
CPU SupportSupports all 9th & 7th gen Intel Core X series, processors
Form Factor /Socket TypeATX form factor

LGA 2066 socket

Power Connections 24 pin main power connector

8 pin ATX12V power connector

4 pin ATX12V power connector

RAM slots 8x DDR4 DIMM 288 pin slots

Supports up to 128 GB of DDR4 memory

Up to DDR4-4133(OC) only. No 4400 support yet!

Storage interfaceSATA 600: 8x 7 pin Serial ATA connector with RAID 0/1/10/5 support

SATA 600 / PCIe 3.0: 2x M.2 connector

PCIe 3.0: 1x M.2 connector

RAID: 0/1/5/10

Expansion slots 1x CPU

8x DIMM 288 pin

3x PCIe 3.0 x16 [44 lane CPU, 28 lane CPU, 16 lane CPU]

2x PCIe 3.0 x4

1x PCIe 3.0 x1

Networking Intel i219V network controller

IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

Bluetooth 3.0 HS

Gigabit Ethernet, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet

Audio AUDIO BOOST 4 with NAHIMIC 2+

High definition audio 8-channel

USB Ports1x USB C Gen2

1x USB 3.1 Gen2

3x USB 3.1 Gen1

2x USB 2.0

Dimension12 x 1 x 9.6 inches
Weight

Before We Take Your leave….

Those are few motherboards with LGA 2066 socket and support for i9-9960X i9-9920X & i9-9820X. Not that this is NOT an exhaustive list. There are several other options you can check out. However, the CPUs have just been made available, and we would expect more motherboards designed explicitly for the processors would be made available soon.

However, the Intel partners already have a few motherboards with the LGA 2066 socket support, and though a couple of them have been manufactured for the Intel Core i7 & i9 7th Gen processors, it now supports the new i9 processors as well. We will be updating this post as and when new motherboards are introduced.

Do share your experiences if you have used any of the motherboards that have been featured in this compilation. In case you are aware of any newer motherboards that support the new i9-9960X i9-9920X & i9-9820X CPUs, do share them and their details with us.

Feedbacks and suggestions are welcome in the comment section below.

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