Second PCI-Express slot?

[Syntax]

Is it possible to fit a PCIe graphics card into the secondary PCIe slot on your motherboard? I'm after a 1900XTX, and obviously they use dual slot coolers - my Zalman NB heatsink would not allow me to fit one into the primary slot.

I couldn't find anything in forum search so if anyone knows, would appreciate it.

Thanks.

 

[Wakinglimb]

By secondary do you mean a second full length slot or a PCI-e 1x slot? What motherboard do you actually have?

 

[Syntax]

Yes, secondary graphics slot. Motherboard is an ASUS SLI Deluxe.

Thanks.

 

[paradigm]

Would depend on the size of the cooler, but on my SLI board (Abit AN8 SLI), there is a 1-slot gap between PCIe 16x port 1 and PCIe 16x port 2, which "should" give enough clearance for a 2-slot cooler card.

Some ASUS boards have two spaces between the two 16x PCIe slots, so you would have breathing space as well as enough clearance.

 

[Syntax]

I haven't got enough clearance - my 7800GT basically touches the NB heatsink.

 

[Syntax]

Here you go - quick pic to show what I mean, although the reflective surface of the card doesn't show it well.

 

[paradigm]

Seems like your going to have to remove the chipset cooler, although the dual-slot cooler will take up the space BELOW (below being where the normal PCI slot is) the card, not above, so possibly re-positioning slightly the chipset cooler would give you clearance.

 

[paradigm]

Actually, re-reading your opening post, your looking to run ONE video card, but in the second slot only?

Yes thats perfectly fine.

 

[Syntax]

I know it seems like I've got an answer for everything, but I've tried that too. These Zalman NB heatsinks are very tall, so there's absolutely no way of using the primary PCIe slot for a dual slot cooled card.

The only option is to use the second graphics slot.

I just need to know if that approach works basically.

Thanks for your advice so far chaps.

EDIT: Saw your last post mate - that answers my question, thanks!