A printed circuit board includes a plurality of layers including conductive layers separated by dielectric layers; and at least one via configured for solder attachment to a connector lead of a surface mount connector, the at least one via including a conductive element that extends from an upper surface of the printed circuit board through one or more of the plurality of layers, the conductive element having a recess in a surface thereof. The recess is configured to receive a tip portion of the connector lead of the surface mount connector. The printed circuit board may have via patterns including signal vias and ground vias.