The MSI 970 Gaming
When we flip the board around we stumble into the processor area. Spacious enough, you should have no issues with most CPU heatsinks. Make sure your CPU cooler will have enough clearance for double height DIMMs with heat-spreaders though as slot 1 is a little close to the CPU socket.
Other than that, fairly clean looks surround the AM3+ socket alright. I cannot stress this enough: Socket AM3+ Fx - Phenom II and Athlon II processors and Semprons can be used in/on this motherboard.
Right behind the rear IO we spot one 8-pin CPU power header, which is plenty for FX / Phenom II and 125 Watt TDP based processors.
Components wise we see only quality really, solid capacitors, solid core chokes, quality components and nothing else, which ensures stability -- but also reliability and extended lifespan. There is 4 x DIMM support with a maximum of 32 GB, 2133/1866/1600/1333/1066 Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory.
The overall board design is just great. Everything is positioned really well and is at the proper location. Memory is easy to install, the ATX power connector is in the right place. It's the same with the backside, overall a clean layout.
