So I've been having a hard time figuring out PCIE lanes in regards to what the CPU can handle, i.e. how many lanes, and what's the benefit.

After some research, I found this page in which I thought the author did a great job at explaining chipsets, CPU native lanes, and the advantages of having CPU that can handle more natively

http://www.enthusiastpc.net/articles/00003/

Figured I would share the information to anyone interested.

cough beta cough cough ? :)