Two Questions, RAM and PCI-E?

[keogh]

Howdy,

I have two questions, one relating to RAM and the other to PCI-E slots.

I recently bought a Asus Xonar D2X PCI-E x1 soundcard from ocuk to add to my PC:

Asus P5E x38
Q9550
Sapphire 4870x2
4GB (2x2gb) Corsair DOminator PC2-8500

The problem is this doesn't fit nicely in the case, as the only place I can currently put it is RIGHT under my 4870x2 in the PCI-E x1 slot that sits below it. It works fine here, but its so close to the 4870x2 that I'm not too happy with it there (we all know the heat they let off).

So my first question:

1. Ideally I want to put it in the PCI-E x1 slot that its above my 4870, however, I cannot do this currently cos the card is too long and hits the RAM. So, is it fine to run the 2x2GB ram sticks in the Channel B slots? So you have your 4 dimm slots, I currently use the 1st and 3rd, would I see any probs using the 2nd and 4th slots?

2. If the above is not feasible, can I put the PCI-Ex1 Xonar card in my second PCI-E x16 slot? This isn't ideal for future if I get another 4870, but for now it would be fine... is this possible though? Or will it only fit in the PCI-Ex1 slot?

Any advice will be appreciated!

ta

Steve M

 

[semi-pro waster]

1. I'd guess that you can use the Ram in either slots but I don't know that for certain, there is always the option of simply trying it out to see.

2.Shouldn't be a problem at all, the extra lanes just add greater bandwidth capacity, I'd use it like that for the moment and sort the problem if/when you need to later.

 

[keogh]

Yeah I could try out number 1, just wanted to see if there are any known probs with doing that.

I think your right that the second option would be the best if it works... If I do get another 4870, it wont be for a while anyway... then I can cross the RAM bridge then I suppose.

Cheers dude