PCI-E network card doesn't work in 1x slot but works in 16x slot?

dirtydog

dirtydog

dirtydog

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Just got a PCI-E ethernet card. Tried it in my sole PCI-E 1x slot and nothing, suspect the card is DOA but just to make sure, I whipped out my graphics card and tried it in the 16x slot (I have onboard graphics too). Turns out the card is fine.

Does this mean my PCI-E 1x slot is dead? Or is there something in the BIOS I need to enable to get it to work?!
 
There is normally something in the bios to reset the hardware tables irq's or similar worth a try. Some boards you can assign a irq to one slot instead of auto this could be the problem. If you get it working check the irq and address its using as it may be limited to a small range then check to see if there is anything using the same irq/address.

Irq is like a front door and if you have 2 door that say number six windows will only see and open one
 
I noticed when it was in the 16x slot, the two lights on the back of the card lit up briefly when you power the machine on. In the 1x slot, they didn't which makes me suspect the slot itself is simply dead.

Oh well, I've ordered a USB ethernet adapter now which will hopefully provide the same functionality this card would have done.
 
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+1 for the IRQ comment. I was reading the manual for one of my boards (A8N Deluxe) and I distinctly remember reading about IRQ and using the PCI-e x1 slot.
 
HangTime said:
Any reason you've not gone for a PCI NIC? All slots taken?
Click to expand...

Precisely :) (actually one is free but my graphics card needs the space)

The onboard NIC is dead due to a lightning strike a few weeks back. It could be that the PCI-E 1x slot died at the same time as it is in the same vicinity, I don't know. I thought a dedicated NIC would be a better solution than anything USB but now it's either try that or buy a new board.
 
You could try a PCI extender cable. They are usually used in 1/2u servers in conjunction with a riser card. Found a few for both PCI and PCI-e on ebay but obviously forum rules prevent me from linking them unless a kind moderator will grant me an exception in this case?
 
^ interesting, I never knew such things existed. I've found them for auction as well and also an online UK store selling various types as a result of you mentioning it so thanks, I will bear it in mind as a possible solution :)
 
I'd probably recommend buying a new motherboard as a primary solution as you have no idea what else could be broken and or slowly dying.

But in the meantime one of those might get you access to that obscured slot. you will need a spare expansion bay off-board though. But most boards are microATX or close to it nowdays so you should have at least one you can use.
 
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