Does it matter which PCI-E slot I use?

[Cheezeit]

Hey guys,

I got a new ASUS Maximus III gene mobo and I'm trying to install a PCI-e x1 wireless adapter and a GTX 460. The problem is, the video card is dual slot so it blocks the x4 slot on this board.

I think my only option is to stick the wireless adapter in the other x16 slot (normally for xfire or sli). However, I know that if you use two PCI-e 16x gfx cards on this platform, it divides the PCI-e lanes such that they operate at 8x each. If I stick in my x1 wireless adapter, will it also divide lanes into 8x and 8x? I just don't want to take any performance hit because of a wireless card.

Also, if I only install 1 gfx card, does it matter which PCI-e slot i put it in?

Thanks in advance!

 

[mfenn]

The second question is easier: generally the manual will say which slot to put the graphics card in if you only have 1 card. You might have to put it in the first one, you might be able to put it in the second one and get x16, or you might be able to put in the second one but only get x8.

As for your second question, it depends on how exactly ASUS implemented the PCIe lanes on that mobo. Put the wireless card in and use GPU-Z to see how many lanes you've got. (Not that you would notice a difference between x8 and x16 anyway.)

 

[Zap]

That's the new mATX X58, right? IIRC it should be x16/x16, so in theory shouldn't matter.

 

[MJinZ]

Yes, it does matter for some cases.

However, since you only have a GTX 460, it may not make a difference whether it's in 8x or 16x mode.

Try both out.