Gigabyte GA-K8N51PVMT-9

     Gigabyte has made very efficient use available space on the K8N51. Some connectors will require a little planning in their order of connection but building a small form factor PC normally turns into a jigsaw puzzle at some point.

     Getting to the two IDE channels, floppy drive, and 24-pin ATX power connector will find your hands a little more crowded than usual. Having both IDE channels and floppy drive support could be considered overkill, considering the board also supports four SATA drives and intended audience for this board. Still, the expandability is a big plus.

     As expected the space around the CPU socket is a little tight. In addition to the stock HSF unit, there are plenty of after market coolers that will fit in this much space.

     Also notice: the 4-pin auxiliary 12-volt ATX power plug has been place in its somewhat normal location: top left behind the PS2 mouse/keyboard rear connector.