I was just wondering about those ddr slots. I haven't looked much motherboards from the last couple of months so it may be common, but for me those slots (almost?) touching each other aren't too close for modules? esp. those that emit a significant amount of heat.

At the same time a big A-OK for the passive heatsink on the chipset! Sad to see those mobos with fans all over the board...

No they seems ok to me!