EVGA X299 DARK Owner's Manual page 17

EVGA X299 DARK (151-SX-E299)
Component Legend Descriptions
1. CPU Socket 2066
This is the interface for the Central Processing Unit (CPU), and supports Core
X-Series i5, i7 and i9 models compatible with the Intel
based on Skylake-X and Kaby Lake-X architecture.
2. Intel X299 PCH (Southbridge)
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The Platform Controller Hub (PCH) handles the role that was previously held
by the South Bridge. On X299 motherboards, the CPU and PCH are directly
linked via DMI 3.0, which uses 4 lanes to provide transfer rates at up to 8 GT/s
per lane. From there, the PCH allocates bandwidth to smaller PCIe slots and
devices, such as M.2 Key-E, USB, audio, etc. In simplified terms, the PCH
works as a hub for peripherals that are less bandwidth-intensive.
3. PWM Fan Headers
4-pin fan headers that control the fan speed based on a configurable curve or
static percentage. PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation) works by pulsing power to
the fan at a constant rate and sending the RPM signal to the fan's controller via
a Sense cable, rather than adjusting fan speed by increasing and decreasing
voltage. This method is preferable because it eliminates voltage-based fan stall
points. Please see Page 96 for more in-depth PWM breakdown and PWM
controls within BIOS/UEFI.
4. DC/PWM Fan Headers
These ports are simply toggled between DC and PWM to be compatible with 4
pin fans. The fans will be set to a static percentage set in BIOS.
5. DDR4 Memory Slots
The memory slots support up to four 288-pin DDR4 DIMMs in Quad-Channel
mode with Skylake-X processors; and supports up to two 288-pin DDR4
DIMMs in Dual-Channel mode with Kaby Lake-X processors.
Skylake-X processors are certified for Quad-Channel mode, and will be enabled
only upon using four sticks of supported memory, according to the installation
guide on Page 34. Skylake-X supports up to 64GB (4x16GB) up to 4000MHz+.
32GB and larger RDIMM modules are *NOT* supported on this platform.
Triple/Dual-Channel kit configurations are also possible but provide reduced
potential memory bandwidth of Skylake-X processors.
Kaby Lake-X processors are certified for Dual-Channel mode, and will be
enabled only upon using two sticks of supported memory, according to the
LGA2066 Socket,
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