Reduced PCI express speed when using 2 slots?

Mike1983 · 23 Nov 2008 at 13:01

Hi

I've got an Abit IP35 Pro motherboard and have an 8800GT installed as well as a Xonar D2X (uses a PCI Express slot).

One of my friends seemed to think that the fact I've got the Xonar installed in the 2nd PCI slot will bring the speed of my 8800GT down.

I've read the motherboard manual and I think he is wrong but can anyone on here confirm this please?

The manual seems to indicate that the only way speed would be affected would be if I had the 8800GT installed in the 2nd slot (which is not the case). My 8800GT is installed in slot 1 which the manual indicates is x16 bandwidth, the Xonar is installed in slot 2 which the manual indicates is x4 bandwidth.

Have I got this correct? And didn't know whether to post this here, graphics card or sound card forums.

Thanks

Mike

Mike1983 · 23 Nov 2008 at 16:36

Thanks

Good to know I'm right.

I thought the D2X was PCI-E only (my mobo only has 2x PCI-E, the rest are standard PCI)? Either way I've no ambition to put any new cards in in the near future so no worries.

Edit, yes I've just seen the manual and note there's a x1 slot too. Thanks for pointing that out, might swap it over the next time the case is open.

Mike

Mike1983 · 23 Nov 2008 at 16:45

Yes, I think I spotted it in the manual just as you was posting your reply. Thanks for pointing it out.

Just had a look inside the case to weigh it all up but I wouldn't be able to put the D2X there as the card will likely be touching the ram on its own. It also has a power connecter that will definitely hit the RAM so it's not an option.

At least I know I have it their in future though for a smaller card

Thanks

Mike

Mike1983 · 24 Nov 2008 at 06:52

Now I'm confused lol

Is there any way of confirming by software what speed (bandwidth) the graphics card is operating at i.e. whether it is x16 or x4 reduced rate?

3DMark and CPU-Z both refer to x16 on my system with the Xonar installed.

To settle it and put my mind at ease I might do 2x 3DMark runs tonight, one with the Xonar installed and one without.

Mike