PCI-e Slots and SLI

[JayMiller8080]

My second gtx 260 is arriving soon, so I gave my motherboard a quick review to be better prepared. I noticed that my first video card is in the slot with "x16" written beneath it. The slot I had planned on putting the second card in has "x8" in it. There is then another with "x4" I believe. Do they make mobos with all x16 slots? What does that mean for performance? Will I still notice a considerable difference in SLI with the one x16 and one x8 slot? Just wanted to clarify so I know why I'm putting things where they are.

Thanks!

 

[Slaymate]

Yes, they make mobo's with more than (1) X16 slot. You usually have to buy the more expensive model of a mobo to get all the advanced features.

I don't think you'll see any major performance loss with the X8 slot. The loss of performance is more pronounced as move up to faster and faster cards.

 

[patonb]

I agree with Slay, I don't think the 260 will max out an x8 slot... btw both will drop to x8 when sli'd.

 

[JayMiller8080]

I agree with Slay, I don't think the 260 will max out an x8 slot... btw both will drop to x8 when sli'd.

Aw, bummer. You said a gtx 260 wont max out an x8 though, so I should still get the most out of the SLI yeah?

Also, there is a possibility that its two x8 slots below the x16 one, but I can't remember. If I were to put both cards in two x8 slots, would that be the same performance as one in a x8 and one in a x16? I only ask because my case get a little cramped here, with the addition of another case fan, so I'll be looking for ways to either actually fit in the new components or improve air flow.

 

[patonb]

As far as I remember reading, most gpus perform with no limitations in an x8 slot. So yes, you will get the most out of the SLI.

If you have 2 x8s down low, they should work with no issues. You should see my case with 2 260s in an Atec 900 and DA700 psu.... packed comes to mind.

 

[Graham]

As far as I remember reading, most gpus perform with no limitations in an x8 slot. So yes, you will get the most out of the SLI.

If you have 2 x8s down low, they should work with no issues. You should see my case with 2 260s in an Atec 900 and DA700 psu.... packed comes to mind.

Far back as I can remember, gfx card bandwith has never matched the full capability they are provided. I remember when AGP 8X came out and I only had the 4X slot. My buddy got a x8 mobo same gfx card as me, and he didn't get any better fps even with a slightly better processor.

In the world of graphics cards, I don't think the bandwith they are provided will ever have trouble keeping up. At least for now.