PCI Slots Help

[jjsbasmt]

I am working on an older P4 MB Intel D85OEMV2, which has 5 PCI slots. Is there a preferred slot to put a PCI video card in?, and what is the purpose with slot 2 being identified as "SM Bus Enabled"? I ask because the owner has the Video Card in slot 3, a 4 port USB add in card in Slot 4, and a network card in 5. They have been getting an "overpower" message with a USB Mouse and Keyboard plugged into the onboard slots and Linksys WIFI dongle plugged into the add in USB card. Should I realign the devices in the PCI slots to make better use of the slots, and is there a better realignment of the USB plug in devices to stabilize the power? A lot of questions, I know, but I think they all relate to each other. Someone please straighten me out.

 

[sonoma1993]

Originally posted by: jjsbasmt
I am working on an older P4 MB Intel D85OEMV2, which has 5 PCI slots. Is there a preferred slot to put a PCI video card in?, and what is the purpose with slot 2 being identified as "SM Bus Enabled"? I ask because the owner has the Video Card in slot 3, a 4 port USB add in card in Slot 4, and a network card in 5. They have been getting an "overpower" message with a USB Mouse and Keyboard plugged into the onboard slots and Linksys WIFI dongle plugged into the add in USB card. Should I realign the devices in the PCI slots to make better use of the slots, and is there a better realignment of the USB plug in devices to stabilize the power? A lot of questions, I know, but I think they all relate to each other. Someone please straighten me out.

The overpower issue with the USB is that they are drawing more power than what the onboard USB can supply. Have them buy a Power USB hub (one that has a AC adapter to plug into wall). And have them plug the USB devices into that. Which should solve the USB overpower issue. For which slots to put the PCI cards in, doesn't really matter which slots they go in to.

 

[jjsbasmt]

Thanks for the recommendation, sonoma1993. I appreciate your time and advice. Have a nice and safe holiday weekend.