MACHINIST X99 MD8 Motherboard Kit User Manual

1. Product Overview

The MACHINIST X99 MD8 is a high-performance E-ATX motherboard designed for dual Intel Xeon E5 LGA2011-3 series processors, specifically bundled with two Intel Xeon E5-2690 V4 CPUs. It features extensive memory support with 8 DDR4 ECC RAM slots, multiple PCIe expansion slots, and dual M.2 NVMe/SATA interfaces, making it suitable for demanding applications such as gaming, audio/video production, office work, and video editing.

2. Setup and Installation

Before beginning installation, ensure your workspace is static-free. Refer to the diagrams for component placement and connection points.

2.1 CPU Installation

The motherboard supports two LGA 2011-3 CPUs. Follow these steps carefully to install each CPU:

1. Press the lever on the CPU socket with your hand and lift it up.
2. Lift the CPU slot buckle cover and remove the black protective cover.
3. Align the CPU base with the card slot on top of the CPU. After confirming correct alignment, carefully lower the CPU and place it in position.
4. 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.

2.2 Memory (RAM) Installation

The motherboard features 8 DDR4 memory slots, supporting quad-channel memory up to 256GB (32GB x 8). When using V4 CPUs (like the E5-2690 V4 included), only ECC (Error-Correcting Code) or RECC (Registered ECC) server memory can be used.

1. Open the clips on both ends of the memory slot.
2. Align the memory module with the slot, ensuring the notch on the module matches the key in the slot.
3. Press down firmly on both ends of the memory module until the clips snap into place.

2.3 M.2 SSD Installation

The motherboard is equipped with two M.2 slots supporting both NVMe (PCIe 3.0 x4) and SATA M.2 SSDs. The default mode for M.2 is NVMe. If you are using a SATA M.2 SSD, you may need to switch the mode using a jumper cap (refer to Section 3.2 for details).

1. Locate the M.2 slot(s) on the motherboard.
2. Insert the M.2 SSD into the slot at an angle.
3. Gently push down the SSD and secure it with the provided screw.

2.4 Power Supply Connection

Connect the 24-pin main power connector, the 8-pin +12V CPU power connector, and the 4-pin +12V CPU power connector from your power supply to the corresponding ports on the motherboard. A powerful power supply of at least 400W is recommended for stable operation.

2.5 Front Panel Connectors

Connect the front panel cables (Power LED, HDD LED, Power Switch, Reset Switch, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Audio) to the corresponding headers on the motherboard. Refer to Figure 2 for the exact locations and pin configurations.

2.6 PCIe Expansion Cards

The motherboard offers 5 PCIe expansion slots: 2x PCIe x16, 1x PCIe x8, and 2x PCIe x1. Install your graphics cards or other expansion cards into the appropriate slots. Ensure they are seated firmly and secured with screws to the chassis.

3. Operating Instructions

3.1 System Startup

After all components are installed and connected, power on your system. The motherboard's diagnostic card can provide voice prompts to identify any issues during startup (see Section 5.1).

To access the boot menu or BIOS/UEFI settings, press the designated key during startup. The startup item shortcut key is typically F11.

3.2 M.2 Mode Switching

The M.2 slots default to NVMe mode. If you are using a SATA M.2 SSD, you will need to switch the M.2 mode using the jumper cap located near the M.2 slots. Refer to Figure 5 for the location of the M.2 control slot and jumper settings.

3.3 RAID Configuration

The motherboard supports RAID0, RAID1, and RAID5 configurations for SATA drives. Consult your operating system's documentation or a dedicated RAID controller manual for detailed setup instructions. The C612 chipset provides the necessary RAID capabilities.

4. Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and stable performance of your motherboard.

• General Cleaning: Regularly clean dust from the motherboard and components using compressed air. Ensure the system is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.
• Cooling System: Ensure all fans (CPU, case, power supply) are free from obstructions and functioning correctly to maintain optimal temperatures. The motherboard features an optimized high-end cooling module with alloy radiators for MOS and chipset heat dissipation.
• Component Handling: Always handle the motherboard and its components with care. Avoid touching sensitive pins or connectors directly.
• Firmware Updates: Periodically check the manufacturer's website for BIOS/UEFI updates to ensure compatibility and performance improvements.

5. Troubleshooting

This section provides solutions to common issues you might encounter.

• No Power/System Fails to Boot:
  • Ensure all power connectors (24-pin, 8-pin CPU, 4-pin CPU) are securely connected.
  • Verify your power supply meets the minimum requirement of 400W.
  • Check front panel power switch connection.
• Memory Issues:
  • Ensure you are using ECC or RECC server memory with V4 CPUs. Standard desktop DDR4 RAM is not compatible with V4 CPUs on this motherboard.
  • Reseat memory modules firmly in their slots.
  • Try booting with a single memory module to isolate a faulty stick.
• M.2 SSD Not Detected:
  • Verify the M.2 mode (NVMe or SATA) is correctly set via the jumper cap if using a SATA M.2 SSD.
  • Ensure the M.2 SSD is properly seated and secured.
• Diagnostic Card Voice Prompts:

  The integrated diagnostic card can identify problems by voice. Listen for specific error codes or messages during startup to pinpoint the issue. Consult the motherboard's detailed diagnostic code list (if available, not provided in current data) for specific interpretations.

  

• System Instability/Crashes:
  • Check CPU and chipset temperatures. Ensure cooling solutions are properly installed.
  • Verify all components are compatible and correctly installed.
  • Update BIOS/UEFI to the latest version.

6. Specifications

Below are the detailed specifications for the MACHINIST X99 MD8 Motherboard Kit:

7. Warranty and Support

This product is manufactured by MACHINIST. For technical support, warranty claims, or further assistance, please contact the MACHINIST Store directly where the product was purchased. Specific warranty periods and terms may vary by region and seller. Please retain your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

If the memory capacity or processor model does not meet your needs, please contact customer service for recommendations.

8. User Tips

• Power Supply: Always use a high-quality power supply with sufficient wattage (at least 400W) to ensure system stability, especially with dual CPUs and multiple expansion cards.
• Memory Compatibility: Double-check that you are using ECC or RECC server memory when pairing with V4 Xeon processors. Using incompatible RAM will prevent the system from booting.
• M.2 Configuration: If your M.2 SSD is not detected, remember to check and adjust the M.2 mode jumper setting if it's a SATA M.2 drive. The default is NVMe.
• BIOS Updates: While not explicitly stated, keeping your BIOS updated can resolve compatibility issues and improve performance. Check the MACHINIST support page for the latest firmware.
• Cooling: Given the dual CPU setup, ensure adequate airflow within your PC case and that CPU coolers are properly installed and making good contact.