The Basics (continued):

The expansion slots include four x16 PCI Express slots which can be configured to have two of them as x16, or with three as x16, x8, x8, while the fourth (the black PCIE slot) is configured as x4. In addition there is a 1x PCI Express slot and a standard PCI slot. While you can technically get four PCIE video cards on this motherboard, if the desired card has a dual slot fan design, only three can be installed. Likewise, if the PCI slot is needed, only two dual slot video cards can be utilized, and not in the optimal configuration (slot 1 and 3).



Around the CPU is a large passive heatsink which uses the CeraM!X coating to keep things cool. It is low enough that most aftermarket CPU coolers shouldn't have any issues.



The image below shows the rear I/O connections. There are two eSATA connectors, a green and a red. The green eSATA connector is a powered connector, while the red is not. There are also three different colored USB connectors, black, blue, and red. Black and red are for USB 2.0, while blue is for USB 3.0. All of the other connectors should make sense, and include the typical connections for digital/analog audio, networking, and input devices.



The backside of the motherboard is fairly uneventful, however there are two support brackets. The first is the support bracket for the CPU cooler, which has been on most AMD motherboards for many generations. There is also a support bracket for the large TUF CeraM!X coated heatsink that is on two sides of the CPU.