Super Micro C2SBX+

The expansion slots on the Super Micro C2SBX+ include one PCI Express x1, two PCI Express x16, two PCI, and two PCI-X. These dual PCI Express x16 slots provided by the Intel X48 Chipset are compatible with ATI CrossFire Technology. Separating the two PCI Express x16 slots is a single PCI slot. In this area of the motherboard is also the CMOS battery, 10/100/1000 Ethernet ASIC, and Realtek audio codec.

The Intel X48 Northbridge is covered by a large aluminum heatsink that is also passively cooled. The X48 Chipset supports all of Intel's currently available LGA-775 processors. Among these processors include the Core 2 Extreme QX9000 series, Core 2 Quad Q9000/6000, Core 2 Duo E8000/6000, Pentium D, and Celeron series. The system bus supported goes up to 1600MHz. Between the LGA-775 socket and the DDR3 memory slots are the 8-pin and 4-pin 12V SSI power connectors. These power connectors are a bit close to the CPU socket, but there is sufficient room for the stock cooler. With workstation/server-grade motherboards we don't see many large after-market heatsinks or waterblocks in use, so we don't see this as much of a problem. Behind the CPU socket is an aluminum heatsink cooling additional power circuitry near the I/O panel.

The ports at the I/O panel include two PS/2, two COM, one printer, six USB 2.0, one 10/100/1000 Ethernet, and six audio. We were a bit surprised that only one Gigabit Ethernet port is available, but Super Micro does have other motherboard models available for those needing multiple integrated network connections.