Machinist X99 B9 Review: C612 mATX with Quad-Channel and 8-phase VRM — Worth It in 2025?
Table of Contents
MACHINIST X99 B9 is an mATX motherboard that had everything it needed to be successful. It comes with a server chipset, quad‑channel memory support, 8 virtual phases in the power delivery, and a competitive price. However, the many rough edges keep it from being an easy recommendation.
Machinist isn’t the first maker of this board. You can also find it under other brands: Envinda X99D4M4 (this marking remains on the Machinist PCB) and Atermiter.
4 phase (8 virtual via doublers)
Total MOSFETs: 16 (8 high-side + 8 low-side)
Maximum Recommended TDP
≤130W (v3 processors)
≤140W (v4 processors)
Supported Memory
4 x DDR4 DIMM (quad-channel) with ECC and non-ECC support
Maximum capacity: 128 GB
Sleep Mode Support
No
Expansion Slots
1 x PCI-e x16 (Gen 3.0)
1 x PCI-e x4 (Gen 3.0)
1 x PCI-e x1 (Gen 2.0)
Storage
6 x SATA 3.0
1 x M.2 (NVME, Gen 3.0 x4)
1 x M.2 (NVME/NGFF, Gen 3.0 x4)
Fan Connectors
1 x CPU cooler (4pin)
1 x Case fan (4pin)
1 x Case fan (3pin)
PS/2 Ports
2 (mouse + keyboard)
USB 3.0 Ports
4 (+ front panel support)
USB 2.0 Ports
4 (+ front panel support)
Network
Gigabit LAN (RTL8111 \ RTL8168)
Audio
5.1 channel (ALC897)
Bios Chip
XM25QH128C
JLPC1 header
No
TPM 2.0 header
No
Form Factor & Dimensions
mATX 245 x 190 mm
Approximate Price
$40 - $50 (Aliexpress)
The X99 B9 is built on the server‑grade C612 chipset, so there’s no shortage of ports. Visually, it doesn’t differ much from most other Chinese mATX models, aside from a reinforced PCIe x16 slot.
The power delivery uses 8 virtual phases, each composed of two MOSFETs. It uses SM4377NSKP (50 A / 7 mΩ) (x8, high‑side) and SM4522NHKP (110 A / 2.65 mΩ) (x8, low‑side) MOSFETs, the UP1649Q PWM controller common on Chinese boards, and uP1961S MOSFET drivers (x4). This setup can handle fairly powerful CPUs, but if you plan on sustained heavy loads, we recommend adding airflow to the VRM area.
Storage is handled by 6 SATA III ports plus two M.2 slots, one of which can be switched into NGFF mode via the jumpers located next to it.
Time to talk about the drawbacks. The Machinist X99 B9 has no working sleep mode, and there’s not only no TPM 2.0 port, but even the JLPC1 header is missing, so there’s no way to get a functional TPM 2.0 module. In addition, the jumper responsible for auto power‑on when AC is restored (located next to the F_PANEL header, labeled J_AUTO_ON1) does not work. As with many other Chinese boards, there’s no fan speed control apart from the CPU 4‑pin header, and the board underreports CPU temperature and power consumption.
Note: instead of the usual Winbond BIOS chip (though you can sometimes find that too), this board often uses a rarer XMC chip (XM25QH128C), which some SPI programmers don’t support. Fortunately, you can flash the BIOS from Windows with Intel FPT.
BIOS Capabilities
Stock firmware has never been a strong suit of Machinist boards, and the X99 B9 is no exception. There’s almost nothing you’d hope to see: no access to memory timings, no way to overclock unlocked CPUs (despite the server chipset!), and even ECC support is missing (ECC modules will work, but error correction itself does not). Even Smart Fan configuration is noticeably pared back compared to other Chinese firmwares. The only positive is the presence of Resizable BAR (REBAR).
There’s a third‑party paid BIOS for Machinist boards on the C612 chipset that may also fit the X99‑B9. Be careful — we have not tested this version. Details are available at this link.
Stock BIOS mod by OPCzão. Ram Timings + TBU + Undervolt.
Details on Youtube. [Download]
03/06/2024
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Stock BIOS from X99D4M4 + mod (Timings, BCLK 100.00 Mhz, unlocked CPU OC).
Details here. [Download]
⚠️ WARNING: BIOS flashing carries real risks and can permanently damage your motherboard if the firmware is incompatible or the process fails. We cannot guarantee compatibility with every board revision or hardware configuration. Failed flashes typically require a hardware programmer for recovery. Make sure you understand the risks first.
The page with current drivers for socket 2011-3 boards is located here.
How do I connect the front panel?
Is booting without a graphics card possible?
Yes, headless boot is possible on the stock BIOS.
Where is the BIOS chip located?
To the right of the chipset heatsink, next to the F_PANEL header.
Is TBU via Ultimate Patcher Tool possible?
No — attempting this will brick the board.
Conclusion
The MACHINIST X99 B9 had everything it needed to become a hit. Unfortunately, a pile of small shortcomings spoils the overall picture. It’s a relatively new model but offers no way to add TPM 2.0. The server chipset and decent power delivery are clear positives, but there’s no overclocking for unlocked CPUs. A hardware jumper for auto power‑on is a great idea — too bad it doesn’t work. And the cherry on top is a firmware that still doesn’t even expose memory timings.
None of these are deal‑breakers. The board works, and for the price it’s far from the worst option. But if you’re not used to (or don’t want to get used to) some of the quirks of Chinese hardware, you may want to look for a more polished model.
