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Foxconn’s A7DA-S is the only AM2+ motherboard here that can accept two graphics cards in ATI’s CrossFireX mode. It’s well laid out, with its two PCI and two PCI-E x1 slots positioned so that one of each is easily accessible even if you fit a pair of double-height graphics cards. The integrated ATI Radeon HD 3300 can handle HD video playback but not 3D games or other graphically intensive applications. There are four DDR2 RAM slots, but while you can fit 8GB of memory, other AM2+ boards support 16GB. There are six SATA ports, one IDE and one floppy drive connector, all of which are conveniently located. The ports on the I/O panel are less generous. There are only four USB ports – too few for most users – and no brackets to use the four extra USB headers. You can save on ports by using a PS/2 keyboard and mouse, though. Six multi-purpose mini-jack ports allow for eight-channel analogue surround sound, or you can use the HDMI output if you’re using the integrated graphics processor too, but there are no optical or coaxial S/PDIF ports. However, the board is well equipped if you wish to connect external storage, with both a FireWire and an eSATA port. An additional eSATA bracket is bundled, too.
There’s nothing wrong with this motherboard – it has some good features and isn’t too expensive – but Gigabyte’s GA-M720-US3 performs a little better and is £30 cheaper.
