Asrock H55M Pro - Design

The Asrock H55M Pro features a typical pattern for an Intel H55 MicroATX motherboard, simply at the aforementioned time information technology'south probably the all-time designed of the agglomeration we are reviewing today.

The DIMM slots look as though they back onto the primary PCI Express x16 port, offering simply plenty room to allow for the installation and removal of retention modules with a graphics card installed. Furthermore, the SATA ports are lined upwardly in a higher place the primary PCI Limited x16 port in two rows. Although they are not mounted at a xc-caste angle like we commonly prefer, at least they won't disharmonize with the graphics bill of fare in this position.

The Asrock H55M Pro features only five onboard SATA ports rather than the total half-dozen. This is because the sixth port has been relocated to the I/O console where it provides eSATA support. Given that this is a mATX motherboard intended for use in a mATX instance, it'southward unlikely that all 6 SATA ports would exist used anyway so this is not a bad idea.

The H55M Pro likewise features a pair of PCI Express x16 slots. However, while the secondary slot volition take a full length PCIe x16 graphics card, bandwidth will exist limited to x4. Needless to say this is non platonic for Crossfire configurations, and so we wouldn't recommend plugging in a pair of PCIe x16 graphics cards to this motherboard.

To exist fair, this applies to all Intel H55 motherboards as there just are non plenty PCI Limited lanes available. The PCIe x4 slot tin still come in handy to support PCIe x4 expansion cards for users that might like to add additional features downwardly the track, such as USB iii.0 for example.

Whereas the Asus P7H55-M Pro features a 4+2 power stage design, Asrock has gone with a four+i design for the H55M Pro. The plus one refers to power delivery for the GPU, so in theory this should non impact the lath's overclocking potential. Like most H55 motherboards, Asrock decided not to provide the power circuitry with whatever kind of cooling. The but heatsink you will find on this motherboard is located on the H55 chip.

There is one design aspect of all LGA1156 motherboards made by Asrock that we actually like, and that is the CPU socket. While almost all LGA1156 motherboards just feature mounting holes for LGA1156 coolers, Asrock has seen information technology fit to back up the widely bachelor LGA775 coolers by providing the necessary mounting holes. This means that those coming from the LGA775 platform and who had purchased an aftermarket cooler can still use it.

Finally we have the I/O panel, which features a single PS/ii port, Firewire port, Ethernet port, S/PDIF port, eSATA port and five sound jacks along with five USB two.0 ports. There are likewise a DVI, VGA and HDMI connectors, with the only thing missing here being DisplayPort. Overall the Asrock H55M Pro is a well equipped motherboard, especially given the relatively low price tag.