Expansion Slots PCI and PCI Express Slots

2.6 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)

There are 3 PCI slots and 3 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 (PCIE 2.0 x1 slot) is used for a PCI Express x1 lane width card, such as a Gigabit LAN card, SATA2 card or ASRock Game Blaster, etc. PCIE2 (PCIE 3.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width graphics cards, or to install PCI Express graphics cards to support CrossFireXTM.

PCIE3 (PCIE 2.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x4 lane width graph- ics cards, or to install PCI Express graphics cards to support CrossFi- reXTM, and for installing ASRock Game Blaster.

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

2.In CrossFireXTM mode, please install the PCI Express x16 graphics cards on PCIE2 and PCIE3 slots. Therefore, PCIE2 will work at x16 bandwidth, while PCIE3 works at x4 bandwidth.

3.Please connect a chassis fan to the motherboard’s chassis fan connector (CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN2) when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.

4.Only PCIE2 slot supports Gen 3 speed. To run the PCI Express in Gen 3 speed, please install an Ivy Bridge CPU. If you install a Sandy Bridge CPU, the PCI Express will run only at PCI Express Gen 2 speed.

Installing an expansion card

Step 1. Before installing an 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.

H77 Pro4/MVP specifications

The ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP motherboard is designed to cater to users seeking a reliable and feature-rich platform for their Intel-based systems. Designed specifically for third-generation Intel Core processors, this motherboard leverages the Intel H77 chipset, enabling seamless performance for both casual users and gamers alike.

One of the most significant features of the ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP is its support for LGA 1155 socket processors. This compatibility ensures that users can take advantage of the powerful features offered by Intel’s Core i7, i5, and i3 CPUs, making it suitable for a variety of computing tasks from everyday tasks to demanding applications. The motherboard supports dual-channel DDR3 memory up to 32GB, with speeds of 2400/2200/2133/1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz, enhancing the overall performance and multitasking capabilities of the system.

Storage options on the ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP are extensive. It features four SATA3 (6Gb/s) ports and two SATA2 (3Gb/s) ports, enabling users to connect multiple hard drives and SSDs to accommodate their storage needs. With support for RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10 configurations, users can enhance data redundancy and performance based on their requirements.

The motherboard is equipped with multiple USB connectivity options, including eight USB 3.0 ports and four USB 2.0 ports. This allows for extensive peripheral connectivity, such as external storage devices, printers, and more. Additionally, the onboard LAN powered by Realtek offers a stable Gigabit Ethernet connection for fast networking and internet access.

The ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP also stands out with its onboard graphics support via Intel HD Graphics. It features HDMI, DVI-D, and VGA outputs, allowing for versatile display options depending on the user's monitor setup. This ensures that even without a dedicated graphics card, users can still enjoy high-definition visuals.

For users concerned with system cooling and efficiency, the motherboard provides several fan headers and supports ASRock's Intelligent Energy Saver technology, which optimizes power consumption. The easy-to-navigate BIOS and user-friendly features enhance the overall user experience, making it easier to tweak settings for optimal performance.

In conclusion, the ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP motherboard is a balanced solution for those looking to build a capable Intel-based PC. It combines high performance, rich connectivity, and ample storage options, making it an excellent choice for everyday computing scenarios, gaming, and everything in between. Whether upgrading or building from scratch, users will find that this motherboard meets their needs with ease and reliability.