So I’m interested in upgrading and going with a i7 9800X.

In the long run i’ll probably go with 2x RTX 2080’s in 2-way SLI and 2x Samsung 970 evo nvme’s. I have Angelbird PX1 AIC adapters for the nvme’s so I’ll put them in PCIe sockets. And lastly i’ll be using a Sound Blaster ZXR.

So... the four metal PCIe sockets. From top to bottom could I seat my cards in them so they run at 16x, 8x, 16x, x8. Like graphics card, Angelbird, graphics card, Angelbird? Then the ZXR in the black middle PCIe slot at 1x.

bcavnaugh
 
Not sure way you would want to use "Angelbird PX1 AIC" the 2x Samsung 970 evo nvme’s work fine in the M.2 Slots, but not in Raid Mode
 

The Angelbird does an excellent job at keeping the M2's cool even when its sandwiched between a GPU and Soundcard (around 25-35 degrees tops even under load)
 
As for the onboard sound, i've tried comparing the ZXR with several onboard sound systems and the ZXR always comes up trumps with richer, clearer sound.
 
Looking at the manual, I'm thinking my cards should be populated like this:
 

bcavnaugh
Remember that the X299 also has Active Cooling for the 2 M.2 Slots.
Both my M.2 Drives run under 30°C and never seen them above 35°C
Audio – Creative Sound Core3D Quad-Core Audio Processor

Yeah good point, i've edited my post with a pic (see above).
So the Dark's onboard is also Creative huh? Guess that might work too then.

Ravenmaster

bcavnaugh
 
Not sure way you would want to use "Angelbird PX1 AIC" the 2x Samsung 970 evo nvme’s work fine in the M.2 Slots, but not in Raid Mode
 

The Angelbird does an excellent job at keeping the M2's cool even when its sandwiched between a GPU and Soundcard (around 25-35 degrees tops even under load)
 
As for the onboard sound, i've tried comparing the ZXR with several onboard sound systems and the ZXR always comes up trumps with richer, clearer sound.

As bcavnaugh said, the onboard M.2 slots have forced air flowing over them from the PCH fan.
 
As to your ZXR have you modded it? With something like this - https://www.bursonaudio.c...upreme-sound-opamp-v5/

If the onboard sound didn't cut it I had been looing into getting an ZXR and modding it. I have gotten spoiled audio wise with my Denon AVR home theater with GOOD speakers (Monitor Audio speakers + MartinLogan sub)

GGTV-Jon

Ravenmaster

bcavnaugh
 
Not sure way you would want to use "Angelbird PX1 AIC" the 2x Samsung 970 evo nvme’s work fine in the M.2 Slots, but not in Raid Mode
 

The Angelbird does an excellent job at keeping the M2's cool even when its sandwiched between a GPU and Soundcard (around 25-35 degrees tops even under load)
 
As for the onboard sound, i've tried comparing the ZXR with several onboard sound systems and the ZXR always comes up trumps with richer, clearer sound.

As bcavnaugh said, the onboard M.2 slots have forced air flowing over them from the PCH fan.
 
As to your ZXR have you modded it? With something like this - https://www.bursonaudio.c...upreme-sound-opamp-v5/

Nah i'm still using the vanilla chips with the ZXR but they still sound better than all the other mobo onboards i've tried. I'm using Logitech Z906 speakers.

EVGA X299 DARK, 151-SX-E299-KR, LGA 2066, Intel X299, $299.99 EVGA eBay Store  Think Harder.

Ravenmaster
Bought the EVGA Dark on Amazon today for £280. Now just waiting until the stores get the i7 9800X in stock. Ebuyer says the 7th of December. Not too long to wait 😊