Interesting that they gone X6 on USB 2.0 internally - useful for an Aquacomputer addict like me. Can't see a TPM header though, which I'd find a bit disappointing if missing (possibly one above the first PCIe slot).
Solid offering.
I'm guessing both these expansion cards are PCIE-E x2 or x4? Both of these moterhboards do have a third PCIE slot, the marketing image states it's 2x PCI-E 5.0, if you look at the pictures though, you'll see there's an aditional x4 slot on the bottom that I assume is either 4.0 or 3.0 and thus isn't accounted for, in the "X amounts of PCIE5 slots" marketing statement.
And yeah, I feel you, but honestly, I see most of the expansion things going external via USB, that's so high speed nowadays, I've persoanlly switched my PCI-E soundcard for USB external DACs, they end up making much more sense I don't need to buy expensive motherbaords just so I have 3 accessible PCI-E slots for GPU, Soundcard and Network card, and I reckon I will eventually buy an USB network card as well, Just the fact I can easily swap systems, use it on laptops, or even tablets/smartphones if I ever feel like doing that is worth it. USB is finally achieving it's potential and I for one think it's beautiful. Just buy one USB thing and carry it to whatever system you want not needing to worry about compatibility
Yea for gaming this much slots is fine. But ProArt boards need to have 4 PCIe 4X slots instead 4 m.2 slots. You can plug m.2 SSD with an add in card, but putting addin card in m.2 slot is a pain. And for most PCIe expansion cards (capture, network, audio, etc) 4X is plenty.