Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the installation, setup, and troubleshooting of your MACHINIST X99 PR9 motherboard. Please read this manual carefully before proceeding with installation to ensure proper operation and to prevent damage to your components.
For a complete multi-language version of this manual, please refer to the official PDF document: X99 PR9 User Manual (PDF).
Product overview video showcasing the MACHINIST X99 PR9 Motherboard and its accessories.
Specifications
The MACHINIST X99 PR9 motherboard is designed for high-performance computing, supporting Intel Xeon E5 V3/V4 series CPUs and DDR4 RAM.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | MACHINIST |
| Model | X99-PR9 |
| Socket Type | LGA 2011-3 |
| Chipset | Intel B85/Q87/C226 |
| Processor Compatibility | Intel Xeon E5 V3 & V4 series |
| Memory Type | DDR4 (Dual-channel) |
| Number of Memory Slots | 4 |
| Maximum RAM Capacity | 128 GB (32GB x 4) |
| Supported Memory Frequencies | 2133/2400/2666/3000/3200MHz |
| Storage Interface Type | SATA, M.2 (NVMe/SATA) |
| Number of SATA Ports | 3 (2x SATA2.0, 1x SATA3.0) |
| Number of M.2 Slots | 1 (Supports 2280 M.2 SSD) |
| PCI-E Standards | PCI-E 2.0 |
| Number of PCIe x16 Slots | 1 |
| Number of PCIe x1 Slots | 1 |
| Back I/O Ports | PS/2 (1x KB, 1x MS), USB 2.0 (6x), USB 3.0 (2x), 1x RJ45 (Gigabit LAN), Audio (Mic-in, Line-out, Line-in) |
| Onboard Connectors & Header | 24-pin Main Power Connector, CPU Fan Connector(s), AAFP Connector |
| Max LAN Speed | 1000Mbps |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX |
| Physical Size | 215mm * 185mm |
| Quality Certification | CE, ROHS |
| Usage Scenario | Gaming, Audio & Video, Office, others |
Detailed overview of the X99 PR9 motherboard features.
Package Contents
The following items are typically included with your MACHINIST X99 PR9 motherboard:
- X99 PR9 Motherboard (1 unit)
- SATA Cable (1 unit)
- I/O Blocking / I/O Shield (1 unit)
- LGA2011-3 Cooler Bracket Mounting Kit (1 unit)
- M.2 SSD mounting screws (set)
Note: All packages are manually tested before sending. If any gifts are missing, it cannot be used as a reason for a refund. The battery for the CMOS is not included and will be removed before shipment due to logistics requirements.
Included accessories: I/O shield and SATA cable.
Setup Instructions
1. Install CPU & Fan
Please install the CPU into the CPU socket (LGA 2011-3) as shown in the diagram below. Ensure the motherboard supports your specific CPU model.
Important:
- Always unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing the CPU to prevent hardware damage.
- Retain the CPU protective cap after installing the processor.
- Do not turn on the computer if the CPU cooler is not installed, otherwise overheating and damage to the CPU may occur.
- Confirm that the CPU heatsink has formed a tight seal with the CPU before booting your system.
- Apply an even layer of thermal paste (or thermal tape) between the CPU and the heatsink to enhance heat dissipation.
- Whenever the CPU is not installed, always protect the CPU socket pins by covering the socket with a plastic cap.
- Locate pin one of the CPU socket and the CPU. Once the CPU is positioned into its socket, place one finger down on the middle of the CPU, lowering the locking lever and latching it into the fully locked position.
- Do not force the CPU into the CPU socket before the CPU socket locking lever is lifted up, or damage to the CPU and CPU socket may occur.
- Connect the CPU heatsink's 4-pin fan power connector to the 4-pin CPU fan header on the motherboard.
- Be sure to plug in the 8-PIN power supply to power the CPU.
CPU installation diagram.
Note on CPU pin bending or broken pin problems.
2. Install Memory
The motherboard provides 4 DDR4 DIMM slots, each with a maximum capacity of 32GB.
- Wrench the latches on both sides of the memory slot outwards.
- Insert the memory into the slot by aligning it with the notch in the slot.
- Flip the latches on both sides of the slot to lock the memory.
Important:
- Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended that memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.
- Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing the memory to prevent hardware damage.
- Memory modules have a foolproof design. A memory module can be installed in only one direction. If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.
- The stability and compatibility of the installed memory module depend on the installed CPU and devices when overclocking.
- This motherboard provides 4 memory sockets and supports quad-channel Technology. Install 4 memory modules to enable quad-channel mode, and install 2 to enable dual-channel mode.
- When installing memory, please install the slot close to the CPU first, as following:
| DIMMD1 | DIMMD2 | DIMMB1 | DIMMB2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Module | Y | -- | -- | -- |
| 2 Modules | Y | -- | Y | -- |
| 4 Modules | Y | Y | Y | Y |
("Y"=Install memory, "--"=No Memory)
Memory installation diagram.
DDR4 Dual Channel memory installation.
3. Install Expansion Card
The motherboard provides 1 PCI Express 3.0 x16 expansion slot and 1 PCI Express 3.0 x1 expansion slot. Place the expansion card in an available PCI Express slot and press the expansion card until it is fully inserted into the slot.
Important:
- When adding or removing expansion cards, always turn off the power supply and unplug the power supply power cable from the power outlet to prevent hardware damage.
- If the expansion card is not installed correctly, it may cause a short circuit throughout the metal pins, which could burn out the expansion card or the motherboard.
PCIe 3.0 expansion slots.
4. M.2 Slot Installation
This motherboard has 1 M.2 slot, supporting NVME M.2/NGFF M.2 SSDs. Insert your M.2 SSD into the M.2 slot at a 30-degree angle. Secure the M.2 SSD in place with the screw.
M.2 SSD installation diagram.
M.2 NVME and SATA mode interchange support.
5. CMOS Discharge (JCMOS1)
To clear CMOS settings, locate the JCMOS1 jumper. The initial state covers pins "1" and "2". To discharge, pull out the cap to cover "2" and "3", and wait for about 3 minutes. After discharge, restore the cap to the initial state (covering "1" and "2").
Important: Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before discharging CMOS.
6. Power Connectors (ATXPWR1, PW1)
Ensure the power supply is turned off and all devices are properly installed before connecting power connectors. The 24-pin connector is for motherboard power, and the 8-pin connector is for CPU power.
Important: It is recommended to use a power supply that can withstand high power consumption (at least 500W). An insufficient power supply can lead to an unstable or unbootable system.
7. Fan Connectors (CPU_FAN1~2)
The CPU_FAN headers are for CPU radiators. The 4-pin fan headers support PWM intelligent speed regulation, controlling fan speed based on load and temperature changes.
8. USB 3.0 Connector (J_USBA1)
This header conforms to USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 specifications, allowing connection of front panel USB 3.0 ports.
9. USB 2.0 Connector (F_USB2)
This header conforms to USB 2.0 specification, allowing connection of front panel USB 2.0 ports.
BIOS Setup
The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) records hardware parameters in the CMOS. It identifies, configures, tests, and connects computer hardware to the OS upon startup. Its functions include Power-On Self-Test (POST), saving system parameters, and loading the operating system. The BIOS Setup program allows users to modify basic system configuration settings or activate certain features.
Important:
- BIOS flashing is potentially risky. If you are not experiencing problems with the current BIOS version, it is recommended not to flash the BIOS. Proceed with caution if you do, as inadequate flashing can lead to system malfunction.
- The default settings offer optimal performance for system stability. It is recommended not to alter them unless necessary, to prevent instability or unexpected results.
- BIOS items are regularly updated; descriptions are for reference only and may differ slightly from the latest BIOS.
Enter BIOS Setup
When the computer starts up, the BIOS enters a self-test process. Once completed, the message "Press DEL key to enter Setup Menu" is displayed. Press the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS setup.
If this message disappears before you press <DEL>, you can turn off and then turn on your computer, or press <Reset> on the case to restart. You can also press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete> simultaneously to restart.
Reset BIOS
To restore default BIOS settings to resolve issues, you can:
- Go to BIOS and press F6 to load optimized defaults.
- Short the Clear CMOS jumper on the motherboard (refer to the CMOS Discharge section).
Troubleshooting
No Boot (No fan rotation, no indicator light)
- Clear CMOS.
- Check CPU model compatibility with the motherboard.
- Verify motherboard and CPU power supplies are plugged in, and chassis power switch is on.
- Check if the chassis power-on cable is properly plugged in.
- Check if the power supply is functioning correctly.
- Unplug the graphics card, hard disk, USB, and other devices, then try to boot. (You can use metal objects to short the switch pins to rule out chassis switch issues).
- Replace the CPU.
Start-up - Shutdown (Fan turns for a while, then turns off)
- Clear CMOS.
- Check CPU model compatibility with the motherboard.
- Replace the CPU and troubleshoot if it is faulty.
- Replace the RAM and check if it is faulty.
- Unplug the graphics card, hard disk, USB device, and then reboot.
Repeated Reboots
The computer restarts repeatedly.
- Clear CMOS.
- Check CPU model compatibility with the motherboard.
- Replace the CPU and troubleshoot if it is faulty.
- Replace the RAM and check if it is faulty.
- Unplug the graphics card, hard disk, USB, and other devices, then reboot.
No Display (Fan rotating, keyboard indicator unresponsive)
- Clear CMOS.
- Check motherboard power supply and CPU power supply connections.
- Check memory stick installation; ensure it's correctly inserted (some motherboard memory slots may not work if randomly inserted).
- Check CPU and memory model compatibility with the motherboard.
- Replace the CPU, check if it is faulty.
- Replace the memory, check if it is faulty.
No Display (Fan rotating, keyboard indicator responds)
- Check if the monitor is on.
- Check if the monitor display cable (DP, HDMI, DVI, VGA) is plugged in.
- If using integrated graphics (e.g., F-suffix CPUs or Intel Xeon series CPUs without integrated graphics require an external graphics card), ensure the CPU supports integrated graphics.
- Check if the monitor cable is inserted in the correct port (motherboard display interface for integrated graphics, graphics card display interface for external graphics card).
- Replace the monitor cable, check if it is faulty.
- Replace the graphics card, check if it is faulty.
Blue Screen, Crash
- Check heat dissipation: ensure CPU cooler fan is rotating, cooler base and CPU are tightly fitted, and thermal paste is applied.
- Replace the CPU.
- Replace the memory.
- Replace the hard disk.
- Replace the system.
- Replace the power supply.
User Tips
- Memory Compatibility: For optimal performance and compatibility, use international brands such as Samsung, Kingston, Sandisk, and Micron. Some other brands may have incompatibility issues.
- Memory Installation Order: The memory slots #2 and #3 (in the middle of the motherboard) cannot work independently. If installing a single RAM module, it must be placed in slot #1. For two RAM modules, prioritize installation in slot #1 and slot #4 to enable dual-channel mode.
- Power Supply: This motherboard requires a powerful power supply. Ensure your power supply is at least 500W from a reputable brand to adequately support the platform.
- CMOS Battery: The CMOS battery is not included in the package and is removed before shipment due to logistics regulations. You will need to purchase and install a CR2032 battery separately.
- CPU Compatibility: This motherboard supports Intel Xeon E5 V3 and V4 series processors with an LGA 2011-3 socket. It does not support Intel Core i-series processors or AMD Ryzen processors.
- TPM 2.0 Support: Based on common inquiries, this motherboard typically does not support TPM 2.0.
- RGB Headers: This motherboard does not feature ARGB or RGB headers for lighting control.
- Cooler Support: The motherboard comes with an LGA 2011-3 cooler bracket mounting kit.
- Windows 11: While the motherboard supports modern components, ensure your specific CPU and other hardware meet Windows 11 requirements, especially regarding TPM and Secure Boot, as these features may not be fully supported.
Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or any issues not covered in this manual, please contact the seller or manufacturer directly. Keep your purchase records handy for faster service.
You can also refer to the comprehensive user manual in PDF format for more detailed information and multi-language support: X99 PR9 User Manual (PDF).
