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Only 4 SATA ports, ...
Plus "Sata Express" which looks like it can handle two SATA devices. And M.2 also. Speaking for myself, I look for USB 3.0 on recent mobo purchases so someday when I have a USB 3.0 device I'll be able to support it. ;) Four USB 3.0 + 2 on the mobo for a front panel connector would be plenty! Intel ethernet is nice too. Support for three monitors on the motherboard. Seems like a bit more than a minimalist board but I suppose it's relative. What would you need to pay to expand on these capabilities? Would Micro-ATX have space for 6 PCI slots plus the Thunderbolt header?

And the ever important PS/2 connector. I wonder why. How many buyers are still banging away on a Model M or Northgate. ;) (Raises hand...) Maybe the manufacturers are working off an overstock of PS/2 connectors.
 
Plus "Sata Express" which looks like it can handle two SATA devices. And M.2 also. Speaking for myself, I look for USB 3.0 on recent mobo purchases so someday when I have a USB 3.0 device I'll be able to support it. ;) Four USB 3.0 + 2 on the mobo for a front panel connector would be plenty! Intel ethernet is nice too. Support for three monitors on the motherboard. Seems like a bit more than a minimalist board but I suppose it's relative. What would you need to pay to expand on these capabilities? Would Micro-ATX have space for 6 PCI slots plus the Thunderbolt header?

And the ever important PS/2 connector. I wonder why. How many buyers are still banging away on a Model M or Northgate. ;) (Raises hand...) Maybe the manufacturers are working off an overstock of PS/2 connectors.

Okay, then, six SATA ports. On a full ATX board, I expect at least eight ports :) M.2 doesn't count; it makes sense on laptops as a more versatile form factor, but I really don't understand why they're pushing it on desktop boards. Compare it to my board, which is just $30 more on NewEgg. I have twice as many USB 3.0 ports, four times as many 2.0, more SATA ports (including eSATA), two PS/2 ports for you silly Model M clackers out there who also have old ball mice :p (I prefer my Filco Cherry Black and Corsair Cherry Brown), and a Firewire port, which is just as useful as Thunderbolt (IMHO a.k.a. not at all).

So, I think it's a good board in the combo, as it's only ~$50 there, but I think the $140 individual price is rather high. Especially with the ridiculous included cables that don't match up with the board's ports.
 
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