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  • Gigabyte GA-890FXA-UD5 Motherboard Review
  • Gigabyte GA-890FXA-UD5 Motherboard Review

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    Board Layout and Features Cont.

    As was mentioned before multi video card support will be limited to ATI Crossfire in both 2-way and 3-way configurations.   2 of the topmost 16x PCI Express slots run with a full 16x lanes of bandwidth.  The bottom most 16x slot features 8x lanes while the middle slot is only wired for 4x.  Two 1x PCIe and a standard PCI make up the remainder of the expansion slot layout.

    The overall layout and PCI Express lane distribution becomes clear when looking at the back of the motherboard, just pay special attention to where the expansion slots are soldered down and notice the number of pins that make it through.
    The IO Panel features many of the common connections.  PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse ports, digital audio either over optical or coax, IEEE 1394, USB2, USB3, eSATA, dual RJ-45 network connection, and 6 analog audio connections.  One thing is certain; you have plenty of options available when connecting your interface devices.
    Internal USB2/3 and IEEE 1394 are also available along with a very unique USB feature that allows you to charge your USB devices even when the computer Is turned off.  This is a handy feature provided you regularly use your computer to charge your USB devices and don't normally leave your systems running 24/7.
    Included Goodies
    In the box you will get everything you need to get up and running.  Here you will find 4x SATA3 cables (with the handy locking clips on both ends) IDE drive cable, IO back plate, installation manuals and driver disk.

    It doesn't seem like much but is plenty for the majority of builds.