Dual PCI Express x16 motherboard

[mxnerd]

Hi, I'm really confused by the motherboard with Dual PCI Express x16 slots.

If a motherboard has 2 PCI Express x16 slots and was labeled as SLI or crossfire capable, does that mean that I can only use PCI Express x 16 graphics card on it, or I can use the second x16 slot for other purpose?

Since I don't play games, can I use the second slot to run other x4 or x8 raid controllers?

Thanks.

 

[Shimmishim]

there are currently no 2x16x crossfire boards but the release of the X38/48 chipset will change that.

2x16x sli means that both cards will run at 16x when doing sli or 1x16 in either slots.

the p35 and p965 are 16x and 4x... meaning if you try to run cf one will run at 16 and the other 4.

if a board has a second 4x or 16x slot you should be able to use it for a raid card or what not.

as for what bandwidth you'll get (4x, 8x, 16x, etc) that is something i've never completely grasped as i do not use a pci-e raid controller.

i'm sure someone can chime in on this though.

 

[Heidfirst]

Originally posted by: mxnerd

Since I don't play games, can I use the second slot to run other x4 or x8 raid controllers?

it appears to vary according to how the mobo mfrs have them set up, some seem to be only set up to handle gfx whereas other mfrs can run other hardware.
e.g. it seems that a no. of P35 chipset boards can't run RAID controllers in the 2nd physical x16 (x4 electrical) slot but abit's IP35 Pro can.