PCI-E x8 slot running at x4(electrical): Wha??

[MegalosSkylaki]

My duel Xeon (P4) Workstation computer which I am readying for its debut has a PCI-E X 16 slot --which I'm going to upgrade to a modern gfx card and an unfillled PCI-E X 8 mechanically which is PCI-E x4 electrical (go figure!).

Now how the heck do I get a gfx card that is PCI-E x 8 ??

Ther are some PCI-E x 4 gfx cards which I've seen at Business DELL -- but they are very expensive.

This is not a SLI computer.

Because its designed as a workstation, I assume they can both be used to support dual or quad monitors or to allow either to be used which is why they are there on the motherboard.

I've seen some suggestions on net to use a X4 ( or is it x16?) on the x8 slot by cutting away part of the end of the slot to allow the larger slotted card to fit into the x 8 slot. Don't want to start cuttting away slot on Mobo... too risky.

Any suggestions as to what to do with a PCI-E X 8 slot ?

MegalosSkylaki

[ShyguyXPC]

could look into a x16 to x1 adapter, usually used for low profile cards... usually running about $30-$40 for the adapter though.

Startech has one, Newegg.com - StarTech PEX1TO16 PCI-Express x1 to Low Profile x16 Slot Extension Adapter - Adapters & Gender Changers

if its just going to be used for basic use, 2nd Display and nothing really with gaming, that should be fine.

otherwise for a bit more, a x8 to x16 adapter can be bought to be used with a x16 card: PEXP16-SX-16/8 PCI Express X8 to X16 Adapter pcie x8 to x16 gpu extender Riser Card Orbit Micro

[JLK03F150]

The cutting on the 8x slot is very limited. All that need to be done is remove the back of the slot so the 16x card can extend through the opening. Another option is to get a 1x PCI-e video card. You can use it in a 1x, 4x, or 8x slot.

The main use I have been able to find for 8x PCI-e is SATA RAID add-in cards.

[ShyguyXPC]

problem with the x1 cards is their expensive for the low end cards that they are.

Newegg.com - Computer Hardware,Video Cards & Video Devices,Desktop Graphics / Video Cards,PCI Express x1

$100 at least.

x16 equivalent of cheapest there is between $30-35.

one like this with a low profile bracket is nice Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GV-R435OC-512I Radeon HD 4350 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Low Profile Ready Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

riser card + Low Profile equivalent with bracket would cost about 2/3's of the x1 cards price.

This is assuming you don't already have a card to use in the slot, if you do, the modding of the slot might be the only feasible way of getting a full size card in there.



but, cheapest route would be buying an adapter riser, and one of the full x16 equivalent versions of the same cards but in low profile. or doing the modification JLK mentions, assuming your not squeamish about hacking apart part of your motherboard.

if there's a warranty on the board I wouldn't do the mod part unless its not a big deal for you.

[JLK03F150]

Personally I'd go for the Xacto & full 16x card option, but I like playing with sharp toys.

One quarter the price after MIR would certainly warrant using the razor mod or slot adapter.

[Cajunheat]

If all he wants to do is add an additional monitor or two (not for gaming), wouldn't a cheap PCI card be easier and cheaper?