Motherboards are the backbone of any PC build, connecting all components together and enabling them to communicate. The 2011-v3 socket motherboards support Intel’s Haswell-E and Broadwell-E processors, offering excellent performance for workstations and high-end gaming rigs. These boards provide features like multiple PCIe lanes, quad-channel memory support, and extensive connectivity options.
When shopping for a 2011-v3 motherboard, pay attention to the expansion capabilities, RAM support, and power delivery system. The chipset matters too, with X99 being the most common for this socket type. Some boards offer better overclocking potential with robust VRM cooling and BIOS features, while others focus on providing more connectivity options for professionals.
We’ve spent weeks testing various 2011-v3 motherboards to find the best options for different needs.
Our top pick, the ASUS X99-Deluxe II, offers an excellent balance of features, performance, and reliability that works for most users building on this platform.
Best 2011-v3 Motherboards
We’ve carefully tested and reviewed the top 2011-v3 motherboards available today. These boards support Intel’s powerful Haswell-E and Broadwell-E processors, offering excellent performance for workstations and gaming rigs. Our selections balance features, reliability, and value to help you find the perfect foundation for your high-performance PC build.
SHANGZHAOYUAN X99 PR9 Motherboard
This budget-friendly LGA 2011-3 motherboard offers impressive specs for older Xeon builds but comes with reliability concerns that might worry some users.
Pros
- Supports powerful Xeon E5 V3/V4 processors at an affordable price
- Generous connectivity including M.2, PCIe 3.0, and USB 3.0 ports
- Handles up to 128GB DDR4 RAM for memory-intensive tasks
Cons
- Slow boot times (approximately 40 seconds)
- Inconsistent quality control with some units having issues
- No included user manual in the package
We recently tested the SHANGZHAOYUAN X99 PR9 motherboard in our workshop, and it delivers mixed results.
The board arrived in a simple package with basic accessories – a SATA cable, I/O shield, and cooler bracket for LGA2011-3 processors. One immediate issue: no CR2032 battery included, so we had to supply our own.
Setting up the board was straightforward. We paired it with a Xeon E5-2678 V3 processor and 64GB of DDR4 memory.
The 6-phase power supply design with solid-state capacitors seemed robust during our testing period. The 10-layer PCB construction gives it decent build quality for the price point.
Connectivity is a strong point on this motherboard. The gigabit LAN port provided reliable networking, while the M.2 slot let us install a speedy NVMe drive. The board also offers multiple PCIe slots, SATA 3.0 connections, and both USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports. We appreciated having modern connectivity options on this older socket platform.
Boot times were indeed slow as the manufacturer warned – about 40 seconds in our tests. Windows 10 recognized most hardware without issues, though we did need to download some drivers.
The heat dissipation armor helped keep temperatures manageable under load, but the board still ran warmer than premium alternatives.
For the price, this motherboard offers decent value for those building budget Xeon workstations. However, reviews suggest quality control varies. Some users report DOA units or compatibility issues.
We’d recommend this primarily for hobbyists and tinkerers comfortable with potential troubleshooting rather than for mission-critical systems.
MACHINIST X99 LGA Motherboard
The MACHINIST X99 offers solid performance for budget-conscious builders seeking LGA 2011-V3 compatibility, though it comes with some notable limitations that might affect certain setups.
Pros
- Excellent CPU compatibility with Xeon E5 V3/V4 and Core i7 processors
- Dual M.2 slots with fast PCIe Gen3x4 support
- Budget-friendly price compared to other X99 boards
Cons
- M.2 slot placement causes potential overheating issues
- No USB-C ports for modern peripherals
- No user manual included in the package
We recently tested this MACHINIST X99 motherboard with a Xeon E5-2680 V3 processor, and the setup process was mostly straightforward.
The white micro ATX design looks clean in our test build, though we did have to use a full tower case to accommodate it properly.
Boot times were quick and the BIOS is fairly easy to navigate by pressing “Del” during startup. We noticed the board handled our DDR4 memory well, supporting up to 128GB across four channels.
The C612 chipset provides good stability for workstation tasks, though this isn’t a premium board by any means.
One issue we encountered was with the M.2 slot placement. The primary slot sits directly under where a GPU would go, causing heat problems during extended use. We measured significantly higher temperatures that led to throttling when using both components simultaneously.
The eight SATA ports and PCIe 3.0 slot performed reliably in our testing. We connected multiple drives without issues, and our graphics card ran at full speed through the reinforced PCIe slot. The board lacks RGB lighting and USB-C, which might disappoint some users expecting modern features.
For the price point, this motherboard delivers decent value if you’re building a budget workstation with LGA 2011-V3 processors. We recommend downloading the drivers from the manufacturer’s site since no manual is included.
Just be prepared to work around the M.2 thermal issues if you plan to use a powerful GPU.
Zunate X99 Motherboard
The Zunate X99 LGA 2011-v3 motherboard offers impressive expandability and processor support at a budget-friendly price point for users building high-performance workstations.
Pros
- Supports powerful E5 V3/V4 Xeon processors
- Four DDR4 slots with up to 64GB memory capacity
- Dual M.2 slots for super-fast storage options
Cons
- No built-in Wi-Fi (only connector available)
- Limited documentation for first-time builders
- Might require CMOS reset during initial setup
We recently tested this Zunate X99 motherboard in our lab, and it delivers solid performance for the price.
The LGA 2011-v3 socket supports both 5th/6th gen Core i7 processors and Xeon E5 V3/V4 series chips. This flexibility means you can build anything from a gaming rig to a serious workstation.
The quad-channel memory architecture really impressed us. With four DDR4 slots supporting up to 64GB of RAM at speeds up to 3200MHz, this board handles memory-hungry applications with ease. We noticed significantly faster rendering times when working with large video projects compared to dual-channel setups.
Storage options are plentiful with two NVME M.2 slots that delivered blazing fast transfer speeds in our tests. The PCIe 3.0 standard allows up to 32Gbps, which made large file transfers incredibly quick. We loaded our OS on one M.2 drive and used the second for project files.
The RTL8111G Gigabit LAN performed reliably during our network testing. Download speeds remained consistent even when transferring large files. The board’s 8-layer PCB design seems to help with signal integrity and stability under load.
Expansion capabilities are generous with PCIe slots for graphics cards and other add-ons. The board has a standard ATX form factor that fits in most mid-tower cases we tried. The I/O panel includes the usual suspects: USB ports, PS/2 connections, and audio jacks.
We did find the BIOS a bit basic compared to premium brands, but it offers all the essential settings needed for overclocking and system tuning. The board posted reliably after we got past the initial setup, which sometimes required a CMOS reset as mentioned in the documentation.
Memory Compatibility Tip: While this board supports both regular and ECC server memory, we recommend using matched sets for best stability.
MACHINIST X99 LGA 2011-V3 Motherboard
The MACHINIST X99 motherboard offers excellent value for anyone seeking a budget-friendly LGA 2011-V3 solution with the bonus of included RAM.
Pros
- Comes with 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 RAM included
- Dual M.2 slots for high-speed storage options
- C612 chipset offers server-grade reliability
Cons
- Limited documentation and support
- BIOS can be tricky to access and configure
- May require CMOS reset for first-time setup
We recently got our hands on this MACHINIST X99 motherboard, and it’s a solid option for budget builders looking to use Xeon E5 V3/V4 or 5th/6th Gen Core i7 processors.
The board comes bundled with 32GB of DDR4 RAM (2x16GB at 2133MHz), which saves you the trouble of buying memory separately.
The dual M.2 slots really impressed us during testing. Both support PCIe Gen3x4 with transfer rates up to 32 Gbps, which means you can run blazing-fast NVMe drives. We connected a Samsung 970 EVO, and the speeds were excellent. The board also has eight SATA 3.0 ports, giving plenty of options for storage expansion.
The C612 chipset is typically found in server boards, bringing reliability features you don’t usually see at this price point. During our stress testing, the board remained stable even under heavy loads. The PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (with reinforced metal) handled our graphics card without any issues.
Setup can be a bit tricky, especially for first-timers. We had to reset the CMOS to get everything working properly. Remember to press “Del” immediately after powering on to access the BIOS—don’t wait for the logo to appear. The lack of a printed manual is disappointing, but you can download it from the product page.
The I/O options are generous with four USB 3.0 and four USB 2.0 ports. We connected multiple peripherals without running out of ports. The board’s white color scheme looks clean in a case with a window, giving your build a distinctive appearance.
Cuifati X99 Gaming Motherboard
The Cuifati X99 LGA 2011-v3 motherboard offers impressive value for budget builders who need power for gaming or workstation tasks.
Pros
- Supports powerful Intel E5 V3/V4 processors
- DDR4 memory support up to 64GB
- Dual M.2 slots for fast storage options
Cons
- Limited documentation included
- Only one PCIe x16 slot for graphics
- No Wi-Fi connectivity built-in
We recently tested this Cuifati X99 motherboard in a budget workstation build. The LGA 2011-v3 socket gives access to some seriously powerful CPUs like the E5-2650 V3 and i7-5930K.
These older Xeon and Core processors can be found at great prices now, making this an attractive option for budget-conscious builders.
Setting up the board was straightforward, though we wish it came with better documentation. The AMI BIOS is surprisingly full-featured for a budget board.
We found it easy to configure memory timings and overclock our CPU. The 6-phase power design kept things stable even under heavy loads.
The four DDR4 slots handled our memory without issues. We tested both regular and ECC memory, which worked perfectly. This flexibility is rare at this price point.
The dual M.2 slots were a pleasant surprise too. We installed an NVMe drive and saw transfer speeds that easily handled large video files.
Connectivity is decent with the RTL8111G Gigabit LAN providing solid network performance. The board includes four SATA 3.0 ports, which gave us plenty of storage options.
For a microATX form factor, the layout is well-designed with good spacing between components.
During our gaming sessions, the board performed reliably. We paired it with an older GPU and still got impressive performance in most modern games. The board really shines for workstation tasks though, handling video rendering jobs with ease.
For the price, this motherboard offers incredible value if you’re looking to build around the LGA 2011-v3 platform. Just be prepared to hunt down manuals online since the included documentation is sparse.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right 2011-v3 motherboard can be tricky. We’ve put together this guide to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Socket Compatibility
Make sure any motherboard you pick has the LGA 2011-v3 socket. This socket works with Intel Haswell-E and Broadwell-E processors. Other sockets won’t fit these CPUs.
Pro Tip: Always check that your CPU and motherboard socket types match before buying!
Memory Support
Look for motherboards with DDR4 RAM support. Check how many RAM slots the board has and the maximum RAM it supports. Most 2011-v3 boards have 4 or 8 RAM slots.
Expansion Options
Think about what you’ll connect to your computer. Count the PCIe slots, SATA ports, and USB connections.
| Feature | Basic Needs | Advanced Needs |
| PCIe Slots | 2-3 slots | 4+ slots |
| SATA Ports | 4-6 ports | 8+ ports |
| USB Ports | 6-8 ports | 10+ ports |
Form Factor
Motherboards come in different sizes. ATX is standard, E-ATX is larger, and mATX is smaller. Make sure your case fits your chosen motherboard size.
BIOS Features
A good BIOS makes setup easier.
Look for boards with user-friendly BIOS interfaces and overclocking options if you plan to push your system.