PCB Design and Functionality

Now let’s take a look at the board itself.

At first glance the board seems to be stuffed with all sorts of components. But take a look at the layout scheme: in fact, there are quite a few empty spots on the PCB. The mainboard is designed in such a way that all the connectors and ports are placed around the mainboard perimeter, which ensures easy and convenient access.

As usual, let’s start our detailed discussion of the mainboard functionality and layout with the processor socket. The eight-phase voltage regulator circuitry doesn’t contain any traditional capacitors, which makes it extremely reliable and flexible, and at the same time frees enough room for massive processor cooling solutions.

Asus Commando mainboard uses fanless chipset cooling system with three heatpipes. The first heatpipe removes the heat from the small South bridge heatsink and transfers it to the large heatsink of the chipset North Bridge, and two other heatpipes then move the heat to the third heatsink.

You can install a fan bundled with the mainboard on top of this heatsink, if necessary: