1. Introduction
The SOYO X99 Dual CPU Motherboard Kit is engineered for high-performance computing, supporting dual Intel Xeon E5 2680 V4 processors and DDR4 memory. This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, configuration, and maintenance of your motherboard kit, ensuring optimal performance for various demanding applications including gaming, audio/video production, office tasks, and server operations.
2. Package Contents
Please verify the contents of your package against the bundle purchased. The kit may include:
- Motherboard: 1x SOYO MG-X99 Dual D4 Motherboard
- CPUs (if selected bundle): 2x Intel Xeon E5 2680 V4 CPUs
- RAM (if selected bundle): 4x 16GB DDR4 2133MHz RAM modules (total 64GB)
- Accessories:
- CPU Cooler Brackets
- SATA Data Cables
- I/O Shield
- Mounting Screws
A detailed user manual in PDF format is available for download: User Manual (PDF)
3. Specifications
3.1. Motherboard Parameters
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | X99 Motherboard Dual (MG-X99 Dual D4) |
| CPU Socket | LGA 2011-3 |
| Main Chipset | Intel C612 |
| Processor Compatibility | Intel Xeon E Series |
| Memory Slots | 8x DDR4 Memory Slots |
| Memory Standard | DDR4 1600/1866/2133/2400/2800MHz (Four-Channel) |
| Maximum RAM Capacity | 256GB (32GB Single Stick Support) |
| SATA Interface | 8x SATA 3.0 6Gbps Ports (SATA RAID 0 Supported) |
| M.2 Slots | 1x M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 (NVMe), 1x M.2 SATA/PCIe Dual-Mode (Supports 2280, 22110 SSDs) |
| Expansion Slots | 2x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe x4, 2x PCIe 2.0 x1 |
| PCI-E Standards | PCI-E 3.0 |
| Crossfire | Yes |
| Sound Track | Realtek ALC662 6-Channel High-Fidelity Audio |
| Network Interface | Realtek RTL8111H Gigabit Ethernet (1000Mbps, PXE Boot Support) |
| Power Interface | 24-pin Main Power, 2x 8-pin +12V CPU Power |
| Fan Interface | CPU FAN, SYS FAN |
| Back I/O Ports | 1x RJ45, 1x PS/2 Combo, 3x Audio Jacks, 4x USB 3.2/3.1 Gen 2, 4x USB 2.0 |
| Onboard Connectors & Headers | 24-pin Main Power, CPU Fan, Chassis(SYS) Fan, 8-pin +12V Power, F_AUDIO, F_PANEL/SKEAKER, F USB1/F USB2 |
| Dimensions | 290mm x 280mm (ATX Form Factor) |
| Application | Desktop, Server |
| Special Features | Cooling Armor |
3.2. CPU Specifications (Intel Xeon E5-2680 V4)
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | E5 2680 V4 |
| Number of Cores | 14 |
| Number of Threads | 28 |
| CPU Main Frequency | 2.4GHz |
| Dynamic RF (Max Turbo Frequency) | 3.3MHz |
| Production Process | 14nm |
| CPU Pin (Socket) | 2011-3 (LGA 2011-3) |
| TDP | 120W |
| L3 Cache Size | 35 MB |
| QPI Speed | 9.6 GT/s |
3.3. Memory Specifications (DDR4 16G)
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | MGD416G2INECC |
| Frequency | DDR4 2133MHz |
| Capacity | 16GB per module |
| Note | This RAM is designed for dual server boards and may not function on desktop systems. |
4. Setup & Installation
Always ensure power is disconnected before installing or removing any components. Handle all components with care to prevent damage from static electricity.
4.1. Installing CPUs
- Open the nail hook on the CPU socket.
- Pull the rod to the fully open position.
- Remove the plastic cover.
- Insert the CPU into the socket, ensuring it aligns with the CPU notch.
- Gently press the tie rod against the bearing plate and close the tie rod.
- Hook the pressure rod with the hook on the side of the base.
- Notice: As long as the CPU is not installed, place a plastic protective cover over the CPU slot to avoid damage.
4.2. Installing CPU Fans
- Before installing the fan, ensure that the four nails are properly installed.
- Align the mounting holes on the fan with those on the mainboard.
- Press the fan down firmly until the four nail hooks are jammed into the four holes on the motherboard.
- Press down the four nail hooks to secure the fan.
- Connect the power cable of the CPU fan to the CPUFAN power port on the mainboard.
4.3. Installing Memory (RAM)
- Ensure the memory module is correctly oriented; there is only one gap in the center of the module.
- Insert the memory module vertically into the DIMM slot.
- Push down until the plastic bayonet clips on both sides automatically close, indicating the module is fully seated.
- Manually check that the memory module is locked by the slot clip.
- Important: Prioritize the orange main slot on the left side of the slot for memory installation.
4.4. Power Connections
- Connect the 24-pin main ATX power connector.
- Connect the 8-pin +12V CPU power connectors. Two 8-pin (4+4PIN) processor power cables are required for dual CPUs, and adapter cables cannot be used for power connection.
4.5. Connecting Front Panel Headers
The mainboard provides links to the chassis panel and indicators. Refer to the diagrams below for correct pin assignments.
F_PANEL/SKEAKER: Front Panel Interface
Connect the chassis panel indicators and switches here:
- Power LED: Pin 1 (+), Pin 2 (-)
- Power SW: Pin 3 (+), Pin 4 (-)
- HDD LED: Pin 5 (+), Pin 6 (-)
- Reset SW: Pin 7 (+), Pin 8 (-)
F USB1/F USB2 Insert Pin
This interface is compatible with I/O front panel connection specifications for high-speed USB peripheral devices.
- USB Header Pinout:
- Pin 1: VCC, Pin 3: USBD-, Pin 5: USBD+, Pin 7: Ground, Pin 9: No Pin
- Pin 2: VCC, Pin 4: USBD-, Pin 6: USBD+, Pin 8: Ground, Pin 10: USBOC
Audio: Front Panel Audio Interface
This interface connects to front panel audio.
- Audio Header Pinout:
- Pin 1: MIC L, Pin 3: MIC R, Pin 5: Head Phone R, Pin 7: SENSE SEND, Pin 9: Head Phone L
- Pin 2: Ground, Pin 4: PRESENCE#, Pin 6: MIC Detection, Pin 8: No Pin, Pin 10: Head Phone Detection
CPUFAN, SYSFAN1: Fan Power Interface
These ports support +12V system cooling fans. If your motherboard has an integrated system hardware monitoring chip, use a specially designed fan that supports fan speed detection to use the CPU fan control feature. Connect all system fans; some system fans may connect directly to the power supply if not to the motherboard.
- CPUFAN Pinout: Pin 1: Ground, Pin 2: +12V, Pin 3: Sense, Pin 4: Speed Control
- SYSFAN1 Pinout: Pin 1: Ground, Pin 2: Speed Control, Pin 3: Sense, Pin 4: NC
5. BIOS Settings
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) allows you to configure fundamental system settings.
5.1. Entering BIOS Setup
After powering up the computer, the system will begin the POST (Power-On Self-Test) process. When the following information appears on the screen, press the <DEL> key to enter the BIOS setup program.
To enter the USB flash drive for quick boot, press <F7>.
If the setup prompt disappears quickly, shut down and restart the system by pressing the RESET key on the chassis. Alternatively, you can restart your system by pressing the <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete> keys simultaneously.
5.2. Main Page
This menu provides basic system configuration options such as time, date, and system language.
5.3. Boot Menu
Use this menu to configure boot options, including setting the boot order for USB drives and other storage devices.
6. Operating Instructions
Once all hardware components are securely installed and configured in the BIOS, connect your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other necessary peripherals. Power on the system. You will then proceed with the installation of your preferred operating system. Ensure to install all relevant drivers for the motherboard chipset, LAN, audio, and any dedicated graphics cards to ensure full functionality and optimal performance.
7. Maintenance
- Dust Removal: Regularly clean dust from the motherboard, CPU coolers, and case fans using compressed air. Dust buildup can lead to overheating and reduced performance.
- BIOS Updates: Check the SOYO official website for the latest BIOS updates. Only update the BIOS if necessary and follow the provided instructions carefully to avoid system instability.
- CMOS Battery: The motherboard uses a CR2032 3V battery to retain BIOS settings and system time. If you notice that your BIOS settings are resetting or the system time is incorrect after power loss, the battery may need to be replaced.
8. Troubleshooting
8.1. Common Issues and Solutions
- No Power / System Not Booting:
- Verify all power cables (24-pin ATX, 8-pin CPU) are securely connected.
- Ensure the power supply unit (PSU) is functional and switched on.
- Check the front panel power switch connection to the motherboard.
- No Display Output:
- Ensure the graphics card (if dedicated) is properly seated in its PCIe slot and connected to power.
- Check that the monitor cable is securely connected to both the graphics card/motherboard and the monitor.
- Reseat all RAM modules firmly into their slots.
- System Instability / Frequent Crashes:
- Verify that the CPU(s) and RAM modules are correctly installed.
- Ensure CPU and case fans are operating correctly to prevent overheating.
- Monitor system temperatures using appropriate software.
- Run memory diagnostic tests to check for faulty RAM.
- BIOS Settings Resetting / Incorrect Time:
- This is typically caused by a missing or depleted CR2032 CMOS battery. Due to logistics reasons, this battery may not be included. Please purchase a CR2032 3V battery and install it into the designated slot on the motherboard.
- Peripherals Not Detected:
- Check USB and other I/O port connections.
- Ensure all necessary drivers for the motherboard chipset and peripherals are installed.
9. User Tips
- Confirm Your Bundle: Always double-check the specific bundle you are purchasing (Motherboard only, Motherboard+CPU, or Motherboard+CPU+RAM) to avoid confusion about included components.
- Memory Compatibility: Be aware that the included DDR4 RAM modules are specifically designed for dual server boards and may not be compatible with standard desktop systems, despite the motherboard supporting desktop applications.
- CMOS Battery: If your BIOS settings do not save, remember to install a CR2032 3V battery, as it might not be included in the package.
10. Warranty & Support
For warranty claims, technical assistance, or any product-related inquiries, please contact the SOYO Global Official Store directly through your purchase platform. It is recommended to retain your proof of purchase for all warranty-related communications.
