1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your MACHINIST X99 MD8 Motherboard. Please read this manual thoroughly before proceeding with installation and use to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage.
The MACHINIST X99 MD8 is a high-performance motherboard designed to support dual Intel Xeon LGA 2011-3 processors, offering robust capabilities for gaming, audio & video production, scientific computing, 3D modeling, video rendering, and workstation applications. It features 8 DDR4 RAM slots supporting up to 256GB, multiple PCIe expansion slots, and M.2 NVMe/SATA support.
Figure 1: MACHINIST X99 MD8 Motherboard and packaging.
2. Package Contents
Before you begin, please check the contents of your package. If any items are missing or damaged, contact your retailer.
- MACHINIST X99 MD8 Motherboard (1 Pcs)
- I/O Shield (1 Pcs)
- SATA Cable (1 Pcs)
- LGA 2011 Heat Sink Bracket (1 Pcs)
Figure 2: Standard accessories included with the motherboard.
3. Setup and Installation
Follow these steps carefully to install your motherboard and its components.
3.1 CPU Installation
The MACHINIST X99 MD8 supports dual LGA 2011-3 Intel Xeon processors. Handle CPUs with extreme care to avoid bending pins.
- Press the lever on the CPU socket with your hand and lift it up.
- Lift the CPU slot buckle cover and carefully remove the black protective cover.
- Align the CPU base with the card slot on top of the CPU socket. Ensure correct orientation, then gently place the CPU into the socket.
- After installation, put down the CPU slot buckle cover and snap back the lever to secure the CPU.
Warning: Do not touch the motherboard interface pins. Do not touch the CPU pins to contact the core.
Figure 3: CPU Installation Diagram. Follow steps 1-4 for proper CPU placement.
3.2 Memory (RAM) Installation
The motherboard features 8 DDR4 memory slots, supporting quad-channel memory up to 2400MHz and a maximum capacity of 256GB (32GB x 8). For V4 CPUs, only ECC/RECC server memory is supported.
- Open the clips at both ends of the memory slot.
- Align the memory module with the slot, ensuring the notch on the module matches the key in the slot.
- Press down firmly on both ends of the memory module until the clips snap into place.
Note: For optimal compatibility, use international brands such as Samsung, Kingston, Sandisk, and Micron. Incompatibility may occur with other brands.
Figure 4: DDR4 and PCIe Slots. The motherboard supports 8 DDR4 memory modules.
3.3 Storage Device Installation (SATA & M.2)
The motherboard provides 8 SATA 3.0 ports and 2 M.2 slots supporting both NVMe and SATA modes.
- SATA Drives: Connect your SATA hard drives or SSDs to the SATA 3.0 ports using SATA data cables. Ensure the power cable from your power supply is also connected to the drive.
- M.2 SSDs: The two M.2 slots support 2280 form factor SSDs. They are compatible with both NVMe (PCIe 3.0 X4) and SATA M.2 modes. The initial default for M.2 control slot is NVMe M.2.
Figure 5: M.2 Slots. The motherboard supports two M.2 devices with NVMe/SATA switching capabilities.
3.4 PCIe Expansion Card Installation
The motherboard offers 5 PCIe expansion slots for various cards:
- 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
- 2 x PCIe 2.0 x1 slots
- 1 x PCIe 2.0 x8 slot
These slots allow for the installation of graphics cards, network cards, sound cards, and other expansion devices. The PCIe 3.0 x16 slots offer up to 32 GB/s bandwidth for high-performance graphics devices.
Figure 6: Rich PCIe Expansion Slots. Layout of PCIe 3.0 X16, PCIe 2.0 X1, and PCIe 2.0 X8 slots.
3.5 Power Supply Connection
Connect the 24-pin ATX main power connector and the 8-pin CPU power connectors (two 8-pin DC connectors are available for dual CPU setup) from your power supply unit (PSU) to the corresponding ports on the motherboard.
Important: This platform requires a powerful power supply. Ensure your PSU is sufficient to support your entire system, including dual CPUs and multiple expansion cards. A minimum of a 500W brand power supply is recommended.
Figure 7: Motherboard Layout. Shows locations of power connectors, CPU sockets, RAM slots, and I/O ports.
3.6 Front Panel and Rear I/O Connections
Connect your case's front panel connectors (power button, reset button, HDD LED, power LED, USB ports, audio jacks) to the corresponding headers on the motherboard. Refer to your case manual for specific pin assignments.
The rear I/O panel includes:
- PS/2 ports (1 for keyboard, 1 for mouse)
- USB 2.0 ports (6 ports)
- USB 3.0 ports (2 ports)
- Gigabit LAN ports (2 ports, Realtek 8111H)
- Audio jacks (Mic-in, Line-out, Line-in)
Figure 8: Front Panel Header Diagram. Illustrates connections for Power LED, HDD LED, Power SW, and Reset SW.
Figure 9: Rear I/O Panel. Displays the available external ports.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Initial Boot-Up
After all components are securely installed and connected, power on your system. The motherboard will perform a Power-On Self-Test (POST). During POST, you may see diagnostic codes on the onboard diagnostic card (if present) or hear beep codes indicating system status.
4.2 BIOS/UEFI Setup
To enter the BIOS/UEFI setup utility, press the designated key (commonly DEL or F2) repeatedly during the initial boot-up sequence. In the BIOS/UEFI, you can configure system settings such as boot order, CPU settings, memory timings, and peripheral options.
4.3 Dual CPU Operation
The X99 MD8 motherboard is designed for dual CPU operation, supporting two LGA 2011-3 Xeon E5 2xxx V3/V4 CPUs simultaneously. This configuration significantly enhances processing power for demanding tasks, improving overall system performance, especially for large data processing or complex calculations.
Figure 10: Dual CPU Support. The motherboard features two LGA 2011-3 sockets for enhanced processing power.
5. Maintenance
5.1 Cleaning
Regularly clean your computer's interior to prevent dust buildup, which can lead to overheating and component failure. Use compressed air to remove dust from fans, heatsinks, and motherboard components. Ensure the system is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.
5.2 Cooling System
The X99 MD8 motherboard incorporates a high-end cooling module with 3 alloy radiators (two for MOS full coverage heat dissipation and one for chipset heat dissipation) to ensure stable operation under load. Ensure proper airflow within your PC case and that CPU coolers are correctly installed and functioning.
Figure 11: High-End Cooling Module. Illustrates the placement of alloy radiators for MOS and chipset cooling.
5.3 CMOS Battery
The CMOS battery (CR2032) is not included with the motherboard and must be installed separately. It powers the BIOS/UEFI settings and system clock when the computer is off. If the system time is incorrect or BIOS settings reset frequently, the CMOS battery may need replacement.
6. Troubleshooting
6.1 Diagnostic Card
The motherboard is equipped with an onboard diagnostic card that can identify problems by displaying error codes or providing voice prompts during POST. Refer to the motherboard's specific beep code or error code manual (if available) for detailed interpretations.
Figure 12: Key Features. Highlights the diagnostic card for problem identification.
6.2 Common Issues and Solutions
- No Power/No Boot:
- Ensure all power cables (24-pin ATX, 8-pin CPU) are securely connected.
- Verify your power supply unit (PSU) meets the minimum 500W requirement and is functioning correctly.
- Check front panel power switch connection.
- No Display:
- Ensure the graphics card is properly seated in its PCIe slot and connected to power.
- Verify the monitor cable is securely connected to the graphics card and monitor.
- Try booting with only one RAM stick to rule out memory issues.
- Memory Incompatibility:
- If experiencing instability or boot failures related to memory, ensure you are using compatible DDR4 modules, preferably from reputable international brands.
- For V4 CPUs, ensure ECC/RECC server memory is used.
- System Instability/Crashes:
- Check CPU and chipset temperatures. Ensure cooling solutions are adequate.
- Verify all components are seated correctly (CPU, RAM, expansion cards).
- Update BIOS/UEFI to the latest version.
7. Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the MACHINIST X99 MD8 Motherboard:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | MACHINIST |
| Model | X99 MD8 |
| Socket Type | LGA 2011-3 (Dual Processor Interfaces) |
| Processor Compatibility | Intel Xeon E5 2xxx V3/V4 CPU series |
| Chipset Manufacturer | Intel |
| Chipset | C612 |
| Form Factor | E-ATX |
| Dimensions | 320mm x 300mm |
| Number Of Memory Slots | 8 |
| Support Memory Type | DDR4 (2133/2400/2666/3000/3200 MHz) |
| Maximum RAM Capacity | 256GB (32GB x 8) |
| Storage Interface Type | M.2 (NVMe), SATA 3.0 |
| Number of SATA Ports | 8 |
| Number of M.2 Slots | 2 (NVMe/SATA switching, 2280 support) |
| PCI - E Standards | PCI-E 3.0 |
| Number of PCIe x16 | 2 |
| Number of PCIe x8 | 1 |
| Number of PCIe x1 | 2 |
| Onboard LAN | 2x RJ45 (Gigabit Ethernet, Realtek 8111H) |
| Max LAN Speed | 1000Mbps |
| Back I/O Ports | PS/2 (KB+MS), 6x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.0, 2x RJ45, Audio (Mic-in, Line-out, Line-in) |
| Onboard Connectors & Header | 24-pin Main Power Connector, 8-pin DC (x2 for CPU) |
| RAID Supported | No |
| Quality Certification | CE, ROHS |
| Application | Workstation, Mining, Industrial Computer, Gaming, Audio & Video, Video Production, Mini PC, Scientific Computing, 3-D Modeling, Video Rendering, MaxCompute |
Figure 13: Motherboard Dimensions (E-ATX: 320mm x 300mm).
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty claims, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact your original point of purchase or the MACHINIST customer support channel. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty validation.
The product is continuously optimized and upgraded; therefore, the color of the bottom plate or minor components may vary by batch without affecting product functionality.
9. User Tips
- CPU Compatibility: The motherboard supports dual Intel Xeon E5 2xxx V3/V4 CPUs, including models like E5-2696-V3 and E5-2683-V4. Users have confirmed support for dual E5 2699v3 processors.
- Power Supply: Always ensure your power supply is robust enough for a dual-CPU system, especially if you plan to use multiple high-power components like graphics cards.
- Memory Selection: Stick to reputable brands for DDR4 memory to avoid potential incompatibility issues.
- TPM 2.0: The specifications do not explicitly mention TPM 2.0 support. If this feature is critical for your operating system (e.g., Windows 11), verify compatibility with the manufacturer or seller before purchase.
