ASRock 970 Extreme3 manual Expansion Slots PCI and PCI Express Slots, Installing an expansion card

2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)

There are 2 PCI slots and 4 PCI Express slots on this motherboard.

PCI Slots: PCI slots are used to install expansion cards that have the 32-bit PCI interface.

PCIE Slots:

PCIE1 / PCIE3 (PCIE x1 slot; Black) is used for PCI Express cards with x1 lane width cards, such as Gigabit LAN card and SATA2 card. PCIE2 (PCIE x16 slot; Black) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width graphics cards, or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to support CrossFireXTM function.

PCIE4 (PCIE x16 slot; Black) is used for PCI Express x4 lane width cards, or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to support CrossFireXTM function.

1.In single VGA card mode, it is recommended to install a PCI Ex- press x16 graphics card on PCIE2 slot.

2.In CrossFireXTM mode, please install PCI Express x16 graphics cards on PCIE2 and PCIE4 slots. Therefore, PCIE2 slot will work at x16 bandwidth while PCIE4 slot will work at x4 bandwidth.

3.Please connect a chassis fan to motherboard chassis fan connec- tor (CHA_FAN1, CHA_FAN2 or CHA_FAN3) when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.

Installing an expansion card

Step 1. Before installing the expansion card, please make sure that the power supply is switched off or the power cord is unplugged. Please read the documentation of the expansion card and make necessary hardware settings for the card before you start the installation.

Step 2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis).

Step 3. Remove the bracket facing the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screws for later use.

Step 4. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely seated on the slot.

Step 5. Fasten the card to the chassis with screws.

Step 6. Replace the system cover.

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