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MSI's X99A Godlike Gaming Carbon certainly takes a different approach to high-end X99 from other vendors. Greater focus is made on styling, audio and networking with less emphasis on overclocking and this is reflected in the packaging.
The headline features are the “Mystic Light” RGB lighting, the “Audio Boost 3 Pro” package of hardware and software and the Killer Doubleshot-X3 Pro triplet of networking adapters. MSI's Gaming Series is well established these days and while it may not be as long-standing as ASUS' Republic of Gamers, it is cementing MSI's reputation in the PC Gaming space.
The accessory package is exuberant, though at this price point it is something of a minimum expectation for this to be the case.
MSI includes a number of 2,3 and 4-way Nvidia SLI adapters for multi-GPU configurations, AMD users are able to enable multi-GPU CrossFire with “bridge-less” technology thus no CrossFire bridges are included.
A full complement of 10 SATA cables is provided meaning you can saturate all SATA ports on the motherboard, at the expense of SATA Express. Also on the storage side U.2 is provided via an M.2 conversion card, a sensible move given that M.2 has taken off while U.2 has remained limited in consumer options.
Additional accessories include a dual-interface (micro USB + type-C) flash drive loaded with drivers and software, voltage read-off cables, a 6.35mm to 3.5mm audio adapter, WiFi Antennae, the rear I/O shield and a stack of documentation.
There are no stickers or any form of customisation accessories to change the colour scheme of the motherboard like ASUS provided with its ROG STRIX X99 Gaming, something MSI would benefit from including.
