Stupid Z170 question

[XMan]

http://www.anandtech.com/show/9817/the-asrock-z170-extreme7-review-triple-m2-x4-in-raid

The only M.2 interface I'm familiar with is the one that is typically used for the NGFF SSDs; what in the world are the three cables in the first picture?

 

[J3S73R]

I believe they are calling them U.2 and its a Mini-SAS HD connector.

 

[XMan]

I see it the connector now, was hard to make out at first. Step away from upgrades for a year two and it's amazing all the catch-up work you have to do. 😉

 

[ReignQuake]

A pretty ugly implementation but not Sata Express ugly?
I wish we could get rid of a few more ugly cables or make them easier to conceal somehow.