2.6Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)

There is 1 PCI slot and 5 PCI Express slots on this motherboard.

PCI slot: The PCI slot is used to install expansion cards that have 32-bit PCI interface.

PCIE slots:PCIE2 (PCIE 2.0 x4 slot) is used for PCI Express x4 lane width cards.

PCIE3 (PCIE 2.0 x1 slot) is used for PCI Express x1 lane width cards, such as a Gigabit LAN card or SATA2 card, etc.

PCIE4 (PCIE 3.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x8 lane width graphics cards.

PCIE5 (PCIE 2.0 x1 slot) is used for PCI Express x1 lane width cards, such as a Gigabit LAN card or SATA2 card, etc.

PCIE6 (PCIE 3.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width graphics cards.

1.In single VGA card mode, it is recommended to install a PCI Express x16 graphics card on PCIE6 slot.

2.Only PCIE6 and PCIE4 slots support 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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ASRock E3C204 manual Expansion Slots PCI and PCI Express Slots, Installing an expansion card

E3C204 specifications

The ASRock E3C204 motherboard is an enterprise-grade solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses, featuring an LGA 1151 socket that supports the Intel Xeon E3-1200 v6/v5 and 8th/9th generation Core processors. This motherboard provides a robust platform for various applications, including data centers, file servers, and workstations.

One of its standout features is the dual-channel DDR4 memory architecture, supporting up to 64GB of ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory. This capability ensures enhanced reliability and stability critical for enterprise operations, minimizing the risk of memory errors and data corruption. The E3C204 also boasts four DIMM slots, allowing for flexible memory configurations tailored to specific workload demands.

The ASRock E3C204 comes equipped with multiple expansion slots, including one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and several PCIe x4 slots, providing ample opportunities for customization and upgradeability. These slots make it easy to integrate high-performance graphics cards, RAID controllers, or other expansion cards, catering to diverse needs such as virtualization or high-performance computing.

For connectivity, the motherboard features eight SATA III ports, enabling users to configure a reliable storage solution. RAID support (0, 1, 5, 10) further enhances data protection and performance by leveraging multiple drives to create redundant arrays. Additionally, the integrated Intel i210 Gigabit Ethernet controller ensures fast and reliable network connectivity, making it suitable for demanding network environments.

ASRock has also prioritized security with the E3C204 by incorporating Trusted Platform Module (TPM) support, offering advanced data encryption and protection features. This is particularly crucial for businesses that handle sensitive information and are focused on compliance with various security standards.

On the technological front, the E3C204 motherboard leverages ASRock's proprietary software and features such as ASRock's Instant Flash for BIOS updates and ASRock Cloud for remote management capabilities. These tools simplify system maintenance and ensure that administrators can keep their environments up-to-date and secure efficiently.

In summary, the ASRock E3C204 motherboard represents a well-rounded and versatile platform for enterprise applications, combining powerful processing capabilities, extensive memory support, flexible expansion options, and strong security features. Ideal for businesses looking for performance, reliability, and value in their server infrastructure, the E3C204 is a compelling choice for modern computing demands.