1. Product Overview
The MACHINIST X99 K9 D3 is a high-performance motherboard designed for Intel LGA 2011-3 processors. It supports DDR3 memory in a quad-channel configuration, offering a maximum capacity of 128GB. This motherboard is suitable for various applications including gaming, audio & video production, office work, and mini PC builds. Key features include dual high-speed NVMe M.2 slots, 9 SATA 3.0 ports, an 8-phase power supply, and Gigabit LAN with optional WiFi M.2 support.
2. Specifications
Below are the detailed specifications for the MACHINIST X99 K9 D3 motherboard:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | MACHINIST |
| MACHINIST Model | X99-K9 |
| Socket Type | LGA 2011-3 |
| Processor Compatibility | Intel Xeon Scalable, Intel Core (specifically Intel Xeon E5 2629 V3, E5 2649 V3, E5 2669 V3, E5 2666 V3, E5 2673 V3, E5 2676 V3, E5 2678 V3, E5 2686 V4/V3, E5 2696 V3/V4 processors that use DDR3 memory) |
| Chipset | Intel C612 |
| Memory Slots | 4 x DDR3 |
| Support Memory Type | DDR3 (Desktop DDR3, Server DDR3 ECC/RECC) |
| Memory Channel | Four |
| Maximum RAM Capacity | 128 GB (4x32GB) |
| Supported Memory Frequency | 1066/1333/1866/2133MHz |
| Storage Interface Type | SATA, M.2 (NVMe) |
| Number of SATA Ports | 9 |
| Number of M.2 Slots | 3 (Supports 2280 M.2 SSDs, PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe, up to 3600MB/s) |
| SATA RAID | 0, 1 |
| PCI - E Standards | PCI-E 3.0 |
| Number of PCIe x16 Slots | 1 |
| Number of PCIe x1 Slots | 1 |
| Number of PCI Slots | 2 |
| Back I/O Ports | 1x RJ45, WiFi, PS/2, USB 3.0, USB 2.0 |
| Onboard Connectors & Header | 24-pin Main Power, CPU Fan, AAFP, USB 3.0, USB 2.0 |
| Support USB Type | USB 2.0, USB 3.0 |
| Max LAN Speed | 1000Mbps (Realtek 8111G Gigabit LAN) |
| Onboard LAN | 1x RJ45, WIFI (AC) |
| Audio Channels | 5.1 (Realtek ALC 897 chip) |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX (235mm*200mm) |
| Power Interface | 24pin + 8pin |
| RAID Supported | Yes |
| S3 Sleep Support | Yes |
| Quality Certification | CE, ROHS |
| Application | Desktop |
| Usage Scenario | Gaming, Audio & Video, Office, Video Production, Mini PC, others |
3. Package Contents
The standard package for the MACHINIST X99 K9 D3 motherboard includes the following items:
- MACHINIST X99 K9 D3 Motherboard
- Fan brackets
- SATA cable
- Interface baffle (I/O Shield)
Note: Depending on the purchased bundle, a CPU (e.g., Intel Xeon E5 2686 V4) and/or DDR3 RAM (e.g., 2x16GB 1866MHz) may also be included. Please verify your specific order.
4. Setup Guide
4.1 Component Compatibility
This motherboard is designed for Intel LGA 2011-3 socket CPUs that utilize DDR3 memory. Compatible processors include specific models from the Intel Xeon E5 V3/V4 series, such as E5 2629 V3, E5 2649 V3, E5 2669 V3, E5 2666 V3, E5 2673 V3, E5 2676 V3, E5 2678 V3, E5 2686 V4/V3, and E5 2696 V3/V4.
4.2 Power Supply Requirements
A robust power supply is essential for stable operation. Ensure your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least 500W to adequately support the motherboard and other components.
4.3 CR2032 Battery Installation
The motherboard does not come with a CR2032 CMOS battery installed due to shipping regulations. You must install a CR2032 3V battery (not included) into the designated battery holder on the motherboard for the system to start correctly. After installation, it is recommended to discharge the battery by briefly removing and reinserting it, or by clearing CMOS.
4.4 Component Installation
Refer to the motherboard layout diagram (Figure 6) for the location of various ports and connectors.
- CPU Installation: Carefully align your LGA 2011-3 CPU with the socket and secure it with the retention mechanism.
- RAM Installation: Insert DDR3 memory modules into the four available slots. For quad-channel performance, populate all four slots with identical modules if possible. The motherboard supports up to 128GB (4x32GB) at frequencies up to 2133MHz.
- Storage Devices:
- NVMe M.2 SSDs: Install up to three 2280 form factor NVMe M.2 SSDs into the dedicated slots. These support PCIe 3.0 x4 for high-speed data transfer (up to 3600MB/s).
- SATA Drives: Connect 2.5-inch SSDs or 3.5-inch HDDs to the 9 SATA 3.0 ports using SATA cables.
- PCIe Cards: Install graphics cards into the PCIe x16 slot and other expansion cards into the PCIe x1 or PCI slots as needed.
- Power Connections: Connect the 24-pin main power connector and the 8-pin CPU power connector from your PSU to the motherboard.
- Front Panel Connectors: Connect the power switch, reset switch, HDD LED, and power LED cables from your computer case to the corresponding pins on the motherboard's front panel header. Refer to the detailed diagram in Figure 6 for correct pin assignments.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Initial Power On
After all components are securely installed and connected, power on your system. The system should initiate the boot process. If it does not, refer to the Troubleshooting section.
5.2 Accessing BIOS/UEFI
To enter the BIOS/UEFI setup utility, press and hold the DEL key immediately after pressing the power button during system startup.
5.3 Quick Boot Menu
To access the quick boot menu (for selecting boot devices), repeatedly tap the F11 key immediately after pressing the power button during system startup.
5.4 RAID Configuration
The motherboard supports RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations for SATA drives. Refer to the BIOS/UEFI settings for detailed instructions on setting up RAID arrays.
5.5 S3 Sleep Mode
The motherboard supports S3 sleep mode, allowing the system to enter a low-power state while retaining memory contents. This feature can be configured in the BIOS/UEFI settings.
6. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Regularly clean dust from the motherboard and components using compressed air or a soft brush to ensure optimal cooling and prevent overheating.
- BIOS Updates: Periodically check for BIOS updates from the manufacturer's website. Contact customer service to obtain the latest BIOS files and drivers.
- CMOS Battery: If system time or BIOS settings are frequently lost, the CR2032 CMOS battery may need replacement.
7. Troubleshooting
- System Fails to Start:
- Ensure the CR2032 CMOS battery is correctly installed. The system will not start without it.
- Verify all power connections (24-pin main, 8-pin CPU) are secure.
- Check that the power supply unit meets the minimum 500W requirement.
- Component Not Detected:
- Reseat the component (CPU, RAM, GPU, SSD).
- Ensure cables (SATA, power) are properly connected.
- Check BIOS settings to ensure the component is enabled.
- System Instability/Crashes:
- Ensure adequate cooling for CPU and other components.
- Verify RAM modules are correctly seated and compatible.
- Check for the latest drivers for all components.
- Bottom Groove Plate Color Variation: The color of the bottom groove plate may vary between production batches. This is normal and does not affect product functionality or performance.
8. User Tips
- Bundle Selection: When purchasing, carefully review the bundle options. If you select "motherboard only," you will receive only the K9-D3 motherboard. If you select "motherboard + CPU," you will receive the K9-D3 motherboard and an E5 2686 V4 processor. If you select "motherboard + CPU + RAM," you will receive the K9-D3 motherboard, E5 2686 V4 processor, and 2x16GB 1866MHz DDR3 memory. Incorrect purchases due to misreading bundle descriptions are not eligible for refunds.
- BIOS/Drivers: For any BIOS files or drivers, please contact MACHINIST customer service directly.
- TPM 2.0: The product specifications do not explicitly list support for TPM 2.0. If this feature is critical for your operating system (e.g., Windows 11), please verify compatibility with the manufacturer before purchase.
9. Warranty & Support
All MACHINIST products undergo thorough testing before shipment to ensure quality and functionality. For technical assistance, BIOS files, or driver downloads, please contact MACHINIST customer service. Keep your purchase records for any warranty claims.
