2.6 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)
There are 2 PCI slots and 3 PCI Express slots on this motherboard.
PCI slots: PCI slots are used to install expansion cards that have the
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.
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.
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