Maybe a stupid question about PCI-E.

[FrustratedUser]

Are all PCI-E slots on a mobo the same or is there usually one that is faster and dedicated to the video card?

I think I've seen systems where the specs say PCI-E and PCI-E (x16).

 

[tutelary]

x16, x4, x1 long slot, mid size black slot, small white slot.
the x16 is dedicted to video
youll see notations for systems with 2 pure x16 slots for sli, which is completely meaningless, afaik the spec doesnt actually support that anyway.

 

[FrustratedUser]

OK this svcks. Anyway, I am trying to give advice to a friend who's buying a prebuilt system and it has one available PCI-E slot. The MoBo has integrated video to start with and I just wanted to make sure he can upgradde if he likes to. He's not gaming so the built in stuff will do just fine but I just like to give him accurate advice.

What would that single PCI-e slot be in that system?

 

[JPB]

Originally posted by: FrustratedUser
OK this svcks. Anyway, I am trying to give advice to a friend who's buying a prebuilt system and it has one available PCI-E slot. The MoBo has integrated video to start with and I just wanted to make sure he can upgradde if he likes to. He's not gaming so the built in stuff will do just fine but I just like to give him accurate advice.

What would that single PCI-e slot be in that system?

He can buy and install a PCI-e video card. As in any of the current ones. He is fine.

 

[FrustratedUser]

Cool thanks!

 

[beggerking]

make sure it says PCI-E 16x

I know dell 310 series has a PCI-E but its at 1X = useless.

 

[FrustratedUser]

Originally posted by: beggerking
make sure it says PCI-E 16x

I know dell 310 series has a PCI-E but its at 1X = useless.

That's what I REALLY needed to know.

 

[FrustratedUser]

Is this the final word?

What will happen if I put a x16 (or any other) video card in a x1 slot?

 

[Peter]

It won't even fit.

 

[FrustratedUser]

OK, let me ask you this.

On a pre-built system, when the specs say it has one available PCI-e left. What kind of PCI-e slot do you think it is? Would it be one where a video card would fit?
I am giving up soon, it's confusing.

 

[LittleNemoNES]

the different slots are also different sizes so theres no way you can get it wrong

---------------- <- PCI Xpress 16x

-------- <- PCI Xpress 4x

-- <- PCI Xpress 1x

-----------
<-PCI
-----------

 

[FrustratedUser]

I think I found the MB the rig my friend is looking for and it says PCI-e x16. Phew!
Cool thanks guys.

 

[FrustratedUser]

Crap!
Case is still open. I'm taking this to the MB forum.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

PCIe you mean?

</correct abbreviation>

- M4H

 

[Phew]

Originally posted by: gersson
the different slots are also different sizes so theres no way you can get it wrong

---------------- <- PCI Xpress 16x

-------- <- PCI Xpress 4x

-- <- PCI Xpress 1x

-----------
<-PCI
-----------

When my X850XT is in the top 'long' PCIE slot, I get 7000 3DMark05. In the bottom 'long' PCIE slot (looks identical), I get 6600 3DMark05 and certain games perform very poorly. I have a DFI NF4 Ultra-D. So apparently there is more to it than you described.

 

[FrustratedUser]

Can you guys check my post in the MB forum? I posted specs.
The MB forums is not very lively and the only reply was the usual flame thread about getting prebuilt rigs.

 

[FrustratedUser]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
PCIe you mean?

</correct abbreviation>

- M4H

Yeah I guess so. You now what I mean don't you?

 

[DeathReborn]

It is a PCIe x16 Slot as I said in this post in the Motherboards post of yours: http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=29&threadid=1818632&enterthread=y

 

[FrustratedUser]

Thanks man!
:thumbsup: