The Basics (continued):

On the side of the Maximus IV Extreme we have the I/O ports. From left to right we have (1) PS/2 port and (2) USB 3.0 ports, lighted reset button, S/PDIF/Optical port, (2) USB 3.0 ports and (2) eSATA ports, (1) 10/100/1000 NIC and (2) USB 3.0 ports, ROG Connect button and USB 1.1/2.0 port (used for ROG Connect), (1) 10/100/1000 NIC and (2) USB 3.0 ports, and lastly 6 audio ports. What a collection of connections! Expecially impressive is that both NICs are from Intel, providing high quality Gigabit connectivity.



At the bottom of the board, directly under the PCI Express x4 slot, is a second 4-pin Molex for additional bus power as well as the audio header.



In the image below, we get another look at the audio header, in addition to (2) 4-pin fan headers and (4) USB 1.1/2.0 headers. Also of note are the latches for the x16 PCI Express slots. Because of their design, getting larger cards or cards with extra large cooling is more convenient as you can get your fingers in easier to release the latch.



Another shot of the (4) PCI Express x16 switches, the voltage monitor headers, and the Go button. The Go button doubles as the MemOK! button and when pressed while in your OS it will load a profile (for overlcocking or HTPC settings for example) that the user has previously detailed in the UEFI. The MemOK! function is achieved when pressed at boot in order to resolve memory compatibility issues.



Flipping the motherboard over reveals not only the standard Socket 1155 bracket but (2) plates for the large heatsink on the other side. This not only reinforces the board but also allows for some heat dissipation.