For the first time in a long while there is serious competition in the high-end consumer desktop space. Consumers are spoilt for choice between Intel's HEDT X299 platform and ?up to eighteen core? i9/i7 CPUs or AMD's X399 platform with ?up to 16 core? Threadripper CPUs. Even with AMD's more competitive pricing Intel's hard-earned reputation for high-end desktop prowess and a higher maximum core count will make X299 motherboards, like the MSI X299 Gaming M7 ACK, a safe choice for enthusiasts and prosumers alike.