Z77 Sabertooth 3rd PCIe PhysX Bandwidth Query

[tommybhoy]

I have a Z77 Sabertooth, 3770K and 7950 CrossFire, Creative Fatality soundcard occupies one of the 1x PCIe slots.

I'm planning to put in my old 9800GT for my second display for the TV watching media and for some hybrid PhysX fun now that I can fit it in again due to my new 7950's only taking up 2 slots(Doh, facepalm to self as I totally forgot about the space being freed up due to my AC Extremes sitting redundant at the moment).

The specs state that the 3rd PCI-e slot runs at:

The PCIe 2.0 x16 slot shares bandwidth with PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot, PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot and PCIe 2.0 x1_3 slot. The PCIe 2.0 x16 slot default setting is in x1 mode

I know I can enable the third slot@ x4 mode, is anything else in the board disabled as I'm sure I read somewhere you lose USB ports or something?

In the consideration I already know that PhysX through my 9800GT(not PhysX) is going to bottleneck the 7950's in certain games, anyone have an idea how much of a hit PhysX will take running@x4 as it doesn't utilise any more than ~65% when it's been running as a dedicated PhysX card in the past.



Please be aware, I'm perfectly able to make up my own mind on whether I want to enable PhysX in my PC or not at zero/any extra cost having done so since Hybrid PhysX has been available.

I'm aware also that PhysX 3 upwards can be cpu enabled before I'm told I'm wasting my time, it's for older unplayed titles.

 

[OptimaLnrg]

as far as i know, enabling x4 on the 3rd x16 sized slot disables all of the x1 sized slots

 

[Gregster]

Linus did a test running X16, X8 and X4 and the difference was so minimal, it wouldn't notice in games. I have no idea about losing USB ports though but the best way to find out, is give it a whirl

 

[OptimaLnrg]

Page 2-13 of the manual is the one you want

 

[tommybhoy]

as far as i know, enabling x4 on the 3rd x16 sized slot disables all of the x1 sized slots

Thanks, that's what my concern is, loss of the sound can be worked around via bios on game dependance on PhysX, but onboard is dire in comparison.

Page 2-13 of the manual is the one you want

Thanks, the manual shall be skimmed over when I get home.

I have no idea about losing USB ports though but the best way to find out, is give it a whirl

Is usually my war cry, but thought I'd be lazy and ask opinion first, your'e not getting thanked though.
























Meh.....thanks!