MSI has done something fantastic here that isn't immediately obvious. This board is called the MSI X299 SLI PLUS. That name, as simple as it might seem, tells you exactly what this board is for. It's built for SLI use, plus some minor overclocking. Plus U.2. Plus excellent audio. Plus a huge list of compatible memory. Plus this, plus that, the list goes on and on, but you get the point. SLI, plus. There is no mistake to made here. That is what this board is for, and nothing else, and it's right in the name. Simply perfect.

Although it might seem a bit redundant, the simplicity of what MSI offers here should not be mistaken. There are no claims for "gaming" or "overclocking" made by this board. It can do those, but those are on the "PLUS" side of things and aren't the main focus, and the design and features offered reflect that. This is a board for Intel's X299 and SLI, and the rest all plays second fiddle or less. If you want a super-duper OC-till-it-melts board, this isn't it. This board is for those of us without the time for those silly games.

There was one thing that worried me about this board. It was the price. MSI didn't tell me what it was (they usually don't unless I ask), but I was a bit worried that this board might go for $329 or so and that I'd have to tell you that you deserved more for your dollar. Then I saw the $259 MSRP and a smile appeared on my face. There's significant value for your dollar here, and it's all shoved into this board and not into the accessories that so often get left in the box, too.

These are the days where I'm highly critical of board products. These OEMS have to get it right, and fortunately for us, MSI is doing so, and doing so very carefully, too. They are listening to feedback and taking it to heart. There's no pompous fluff and circumstance here in the MSI X299 SLI PLUS, not even in its name. There's a level of honesty here that is truly shocking, and frankly, exciting. If you are a graphic artist or do video or audio editing or other professional PC work, MSI is listening and has you covered; they've ripped off the gaming and OC crap you don't need and left the pure goodness you want and nothing else in, and they've called it the MSI X299 SLI PLUS.