X99‑XD4 Review: The Best 2011‑3 Budget Board of 2026?

Angthumb X99‑XD4 motherboard

The 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 refined 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 ChipW25Q128FV / FM25W128
JLPC1\DEBUG headerYes
TPM 2.0 headerYes (MSI 14pin LPC)
PCB Layers6
Form Factor & DimensionsmATX 237 x 185 mm
Approximate Price


AliExpress: $50 - $70
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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.

One frustrating detail worth mentioning is that the manufacturer often uses FUDAN BIOS chips. Unlike the widely adopted Winbond chips, FUDAN hardware is less common, making compatible BIOS files harder to find. Additionally, not all flashing utilities support these chips.

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]
X9XD4 Ver:003 11/13/2025 09:39:26++---Stock BIOS
[Download]
X9XD4 Ver:003 11/13/2025 09:39:26+++--Stock BIOS mod (Overclocking through Intel XTU)
[Download]
X9XD4 Ver:003 11/13/2025 09:39:26++-+-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.

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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?
Current drivers for socket 2011‑3 boards can be found here.

How do I connect the front panel?

Front panel connectors pinout

Can the board boot without a graphics card?
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

Which TPM 2.0 module is compatible with this board?
You need an MSI 14‑pin LPC TPM 2.0 module — for example, this one. TPM2 0 MSI 14pin LPC module

Conclusion

X99‑XD4
OldRigRevive Review

Price / Value
5.0
VRM & Cooling
4.0
Features & Connectivity
4.5
BIOS & Software
4.5

4.5
★★★★☆
The Verdict
“The 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, has no shortage of 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.”

Written by

Senior Hardware Specialist proving you don't need top-tier gear to game. Expert in smart upgrades and budget-friendly PC restoration.

Published: Updated:

7 thoughts on “X99‑XD4 Review: The Best 2011‑3 Budget Board of 2026?”

  1. Can you please point to where the original x99 xd4 BIOS are released? I’m considering buying this board and can only find your page as a source of BIOS, I’d like to find where they came from. Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Hi. I have one of those boards, and they are pretty good, can recommend! One question, these undervolt BIOS’es apply to v4 CPU’s? Also, is it possible to change the BCLK in v4 CPU’s with a BIOS mod?

    Reply
    • Hi! Glad to hear you like the board, they’re actually pretty decent for the price.

      About undervolting: unfortunately, the undervolt BIOS mods generally do NOT work with v4 CPUs. The only exceptions are some QS sample v4 chips, but regular retail Broadwell-EP CPUs are basically locked down.

      As for BCLK — on Chinese X99 boards there’s usually no real BCLK overclocking support. At most, you can only force a proper fixed 100.0 MHz base clock instead of the slightly fluctuating default value.

      Reply

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