Avid Pro Tools HDX 16×16 System – Where do I put in my cables??

Hi,

I am sorry guys, that this might be a noob question, but for many years I dont understand this interfaces with this AES and DS25 stuff. I am seriously considering going the next step and getting an Avid Pro Tools HDX 16×16 System to get more power and inputs (been using PT since 2007, currently on PT Native 10 with MBOX 3 Pro), but I never understood, where to put my 16 XLR or Jack cables. Do I need another device for that and if yes, what kind of devices are there??

And a second question: Do I get it right, that the “up to 256 audio tracks” will run on this accelaration card, so I dont have to bother too much with HDD, RAM and CPU? I am on a windows system, I d invest into a nicer computer than too, but I wanna stay at windows.

I appreciate any help and thank you guys in advance!