PCI 2.2 supported = PCI-e 2.1 compatible?

Socio

Golden Member
May 19, 2002
1,732
2
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I got a great deal on a server/work station with a Supermicro X7DA8 motherboard, that has a PCI-Express 16X and 4X slots. I plan on using it as a workstation plus use it for games and send video like HULU to my big screen.

To do that I am going to need to install a new video card and most all new cards are PCI-Express 2.1. I have been told however that many older PCI-Express motherboard, particularly server and workstation boards have compatibility issues with 2.1 versions of PCI Express cards.

Before I plop down several hundred dollars for a card I wanted to make sure it will work with this motherboard.

So I e-mailed Supermicro Tech support and asked them about PCI-express 2.1 compatibility issues, this was their response;

"X7DAE support PCI 2.2. As we know, we don’t have any issue on Nvidia Quadro video card. Haven’t heard any customer using X7 motherboard with Tesla video card. However, we are not recommend to use Tesla video card on X7 motherboard due to limitation on chipset.


Technical Support"


Now I am a bit confused so please correct me if I am wrong but PCI 2.2 bus is the standard PCI Bus protocol for the PCI & PCI-X and does not pertain to PCI -Express as that a whole different protocol right?

Or does PCI 2.2 encompass all making it PCI-Express 2.1 compatible?

Thanks.
 

StrangerGuy

Diamond Member
May 9, 2004
8,443
124
106
The nice thing about PCI express is as long as the card can be fitted into a lot it will definitely work regardless of version.
 

Chiropteran

Diamond Member
Nov 14, 2003
9,811
110
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I have a radeon 5830 working fine in an ancient dell precision 370's PCIE slot (single core pentium 4). Just a useless anecdote.