EVGA X99 Micro, FTW, and Classified Motherboards - PAX Prime 2014

At the EVGA booth during PAX Prime 2014, the presenter walks through three X99 motherboard boards: the X99 Micro, the X99 FTW, and the X99 Classified. The Micro board features a sizable socket for its ITX footprint, a robust IO cover that hosts six USB 2.0 ports, USB 3.0, ethernet, and audio jacks, plus a clear CMOS button and diagnostic LEDs. The layout emphasizes practical USB port availability for peripherals, with a front panel header and multiple fan headers, and includes a dual‑port power design and a middle M.2 socket positioned between PCIe x16 slots. The FTW edition maintains a similar IO arrangement but with a stronger emphasis on expansion options and additional right‑angled 24‑pin power connectivity, enabling better case airflow and cable management, along with many SATA ports and multiple fan headers. The Classified version highlights more gold content in the socket area and introduces dual M.2 sockets, a second CPU power input, and a layout that preserves the same IO plate while expanding PCIe lane configurations, including a multi‑slot configuration described as 16x, 8x, 8x, 16x, 4x, and 8x, which supports extensive multi‑GPU or high‑bandwidth setups. Overall, the video presents visual overviews of each board’s I/O, power design, and expansion capabilities, with commentary on practical build considerations such as right‑angled power connectors and abundant high‑density SATA/PCIe options for enthusiasts and overclockers. The host notes that availability within ITX form factors is ambitious due to socket size, and promises deeper technical coverage in future office testing and follow‑up content. Finally, the segment closes with a plug to subscribe for more PAX Prime coverage and appreciation for EVGA’s hardware lineup, while crediting HyperX and Phantom Glass as show sponsors.

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