X99‑XD4 Review: The Best 2011‑3 Budget Board of 2025?

Angthumb X99‑XD4 motherboard

X99‑XD4 is a solid mATX motherboard from Angthumb. Released in 2025, it can be found under multiple brands: Machinist, KEYIYOU, Atermiter, and others. There’s also a DDR3 version with a more limited CPU support list, sold as X99‑XD3.

Judging by the layout, this board is related to Angthumb’s X99D4M4 and looks like a “fix‑up” iteration — and we like the result. Let’s take a closer look.

In this article we cover the second revision, which is indicated by the marking next to the 24‑pin connector. We don’t know whether there was an earlier “first” revision or if this is just a quirk of Chinese naming. In any case, be aware that other revisions may exist and their characteristics may differ.X99‑XD4 revision marking

Specifications

ModelX99-XD4 V2.0
SocketLGA 2011-3
ChipsetC612
Supported ProcessorsIntel Core i7 (5000, 6000 series, Haswell-E/Broadwell-E)
Intel Xeon E5-1600 v3/v4, E5-2600 v3/v4, E5-4600 v3/v4 (Haswell-EP/Broadwell-EP)
VRM Configuration4 phase (8 virtual via doublers)
Total MOSFETs: 16 (8 high-side + 8 low-side)
Maximum Recommended TDP≤130W (v3 processors)
≤140W (v4 processors)
Supported Memory4 x DDR4 DIMM (quad-channel) with ECC and non-ECC support
Maximum capacity: 128 GB
Sleep Mode SupportNo
Expansion Slots1 x PCI-e x16 (Gen 3.0)
1 x PCI-e x4 (Gen 3.0)
1 x PCI-e x1 (Gen 2.0)
Storage6 x SATA 3.0
1 x M.2 (NVME, Gen 3.0 x4)
1 x M.2 (NVME/NGFF, Gen 3.0 x4)
Fan Connectors1 x CPU cooler (4pin)
1 x Case fan (4pin)
1 x Case fan (3pin)
PS/2 PortsNo
USB 3.0 Ports4 (+ front panel support)
USB 2.0 Ports4 (+ front panel support)
NetworkGigabit LAN (RTL8111 \ RTL8168)
Audio5.1 channel (ALC897)
M.2 Wi-Fi portYes
Bios ChipWinbond W25Q128FV
JLPC1\DEBUG headerYes
TPM 2.0 headerYes (MSI 14pin LPC)
PCB Layers6
Form Factor & DimensionsmATX 237 x 185 mm
Approximate Price$45 - $55 (Aliexpress)

Built on a server‑class chipset, the X99‑XD4 leaves a good impression. It has everything you need for a modern X99 build: sufficient I/O, quad‑channel memory, a competent VRM, a stable BIOS, and native TPM 2.0 support, making the board effectively Windows 11‑ready.

The main drawback is the non‑functional sleep mode; you’ll have to use hibernation instead. A smaller annoyance is the placement of the TPM 2.0 header: with bulky triple‑slot GPUs, there’s almost no clearance between the card and a TPM module.

BIOS Capabilities

The stock BIOS is based on AMI Aptio and, unlike most Chinese boards, includes nearly everything you need.

X99‑XD4 BIOS UI

Out of the box you get RAM timing control, working Resizable BAR, PCIe bifurcation, and Smart Fan control on both 4‑pin fan headers. Naturally, there’s TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot support as well.

The usual Chinese quirks remain: non‑functional motherboard temperature sensors (don’t panic if you see readings around 120°C), no control for 3‑pin fan headers, no overclocking for unlocked‑multiplier CPUs, and the “Restore on AC Power Loss” option is hidden by default. Even so, the stock firmware is perfectly usable for daily operation.

Simple BIOS Flashing Guide (Windows)

BIOS version & dateRam TimingsReBARUnlocked CPU OCTurbo Boost unlockUndervoltNotes & Link
X9XD4 Ver:002 05/07/2025 10:34:02++---Stock BIOS
[Download]
X9XD4 Ver:002 05/07/2025 10:34:02+++--Stock BIOS mod (Restore on AC Power Loss + overclocking through Intel XTU)
[Download]
X9XD4 Ver:002 05/07/2025 10:34:02++++-50 mVStock BIOS mod + TBU (undervolt -50 mV)
[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 across all board revisions or hardware configurations. Failed flashes typically require a hardware programmer for recovery. Make sure you understand the risks first.
  1. Download FPTW 9.1.10 from this page.
  2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  3. Copy your BIOS file (bios.bin or bios.rom) into the same folder as FPTW.
  4. In Command Prompt, navigate to the FPTW folder using the cd command.
  5. Backup first: fptw64 -d backup.bin
  6. Flash the BIOS: fptw64 -f bios.bin

Note: Replace bios.bin with the actual name of your BIOS file.

After flashing, load BIOS defaults or clear CMOS to reset settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

The board won’t boot, black screen, etc. What should I do?
See our article about the most common LGA2011‑3 issues.

Where can I find drivers for this board?
The page with current drivers for socket 2011‑3 boards is located here.

How do I connect the front panel?

Front panel connectors pinout

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.

BIOS chip location on X99‑XD4

Conclusion

X99‑XD4 is one of the nicest boards we’ve seen in 2025. It’s fully ready for Windows 11, has a solid BIOS, works with fairly powerful CPUs, doesn’t lack I/O, and remains compact. There’s nothing here we haven’t seen on other Chinese boards, but on this model the feature set is implemented more thoughtfully and the shortcomings are less noticeable. It’s not a perfect board, but it’s a well‑rounded and competent option that can serve as the foundation for a home PC.

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