PCI Express video card in second slot only?

[Kaido]

I'm looking into a DFI Ultra-D motherboard. I've heard the chipset fan is loud and I'd want to replace it, but size-wise it looks like it would interfere with the video card. However, there are two PCI Express slots; would a 7900gt be able to run in the second slot only? Or is it like the old PCI-only motherboards, the graphics card has to be at the top?

 

[Twsmit]

I own that board, and the chipset fan is loud, however, if you use the bundled DFI smart guardian program you can manage the RPM and make the fan almost silent.

Just pop off the chipset heatsink, and replace the stock paste with some AS5, and your temps will lower ~10*C. Because of that you can then lower your RPM and you wont have any noise. Anyways thats my advice.

As for using the lower PCIe x16 slot, it will work but you need to move the jumpers into "dual card mode" and you will have your bandwidth halved to x8 speed. I for one would just throw some AS5 on the chipset, drop the RPM and use the x16 PCIe slot. At least thats what works for me.


EDIT: My chipset fan operates in the 2300-2900 RPM range, and my temps are 48*C idle, 53*C full load. They are on the high side, but the chipset fan is inaudible over my 7800GT and case fans. At full 5000+ RPM it is very loud and noticible.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Twsmit
I own that board, and the chipset fan is loud, however, if you use the bundled DFI smart guardian program you can manage the RPM and make the fan almost silent.

Just pop off the chipset heatsink, and replace the stock paste with some AS5, and your temps will lower ~10*C. Because of that you can then lower your RPM and you wont have any noise. Anyways thats my advice.

As for using the lower PCIe x16 slot, it will work but you need to move the jumpers into "dual card mode" and you will have your bandwidth halved to x8 speed. I for one would just throw some AS5 on the chipset, drop the RPM and use the x16 PCIe slot. At least thats what works for me.


EDIT: My chipset fan operates in the 2300-2900 RPM range, and my temps are 48*C idle, 53*C full load. They are on the high side, but the chipset fan is inaudible over my 7800GT and case fans. At full 5000+ RPM it is very loud and noticible.

Will do, thanks for the heads up! I have some AS5 lying around here somewhere...