ASRock 970 pro3 r2.0 [21/70] Expansion slots pci and pci express slots

2.4 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 32-bit PCI

interface.

PCIE Slots:

PCIE1 (PCIE x1 slot) is used for PCI Express cards with x1 lane width

cards, such as Gigabit LAN card and SATA2 card.

PCIE2 (PCIE x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width graphics

cards, or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to support

CrossFireX

function.

PCIE3 (PCIE x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x4 lane width cards,

or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to support CrossFireX

function.

1. In single VGA card mode, it is recommended to install a PCI Ex-

press x16 graphics card on PCIE2 slot.

2. In CrossFireX

mode, please install PCI Express x16 graphics

cards on PCIE2 and PCIE3 slots. Therefore, PCIE2 slot will work at

x16 bandwidth while PCIE3 slot will work at x4 bandwidth.

3. Please connect a chassis fan to motherboard chassis fan connector

(CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN2) 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 rmly 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.