F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Check for PCIe expansion slots that support upcoming upgrades

Check for PCIe expansion slots that support upcoming upgrades

Check for PCIe expansion slots that support upcoming upgrades

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drako_sky
Member
166
03-05-2020, 01:03 PM
#1
Hi, I understand your situation. You're setting up a mini ITX PC and are considering switching from micro ATX to a more expandable configuration. For future upgrades like USB 4, 10 Gb/s Ethernet, or even retro options such as FireWire, you'll want to look for motherboards with multiple PCIe slots. The best choice would be boards offering at least two x16 PCIe lanes, which gives flexibility for various peripherals and connectivity needs. While some boards list only x4 slots, having x16 or more ensures better adaptability over time. It might be worth exploring options beyond the x4 limit if you plan to expand significantly.
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drako_sky
03-05-2020, 01:03 PM #1

Hi, I understand your situation. You're setting up a mini ITX PC and are considering switching from micro ATX to a more expandable configuration. For future upgrades like USB 4, 10 Gb/s Ethernet, or even retro options such as FireWire, you'll want to look for motherboards with multiple PCIe slots. The best choice would be boards offering at least two x16 PCIe lanes, which gives flexibility for various peripherals and connectivity needs. While some boards list only x4 slots, having x16 or more ensures better adaptability over time. It might be worth exploring options beyond the x4 limit if you plan to expand significantly.

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jerrydog01
Senior Member
703
03-06-2020, 02:01 PM
#2
Smaller PCIe connectors can fit into larger or equally sized slots and it will work. PCIe is designed with this in mind, so dont worry
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jerrydog01
03-06-2020, 02:01 PM #2

Smaller PCIe connectors can fit into larger or equally sized slots and it will work. PCIe is designed with this in mind, so dont worry

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russellron
Junior Member
41
03-06-2020, 02:18 PM
#3
Yes, you can link a PCIe x1 or x4 slot into an x16 slot. The card may need some setup to be recognized by your system.
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russellron
03-06-2020, 02:18 PM #3

Yes, you can link a PCIe x1 or x4 slot into an x16 slot. The card may need some setup to be recognized by your system.

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Zerdge
Member
66
03-07-2020, 02:42 AM
#4
You can definitely utilize x16 cards in x1 or x4 slots. The main constraint is that the slot back must be opened for the connector to fit. Performance is constrained by the smaller of the two options.
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Zerdge
03-07-2020, 02:42 AM #4

You can definitely utilize x16 cards in x1 or x4 slots. The main constraint is that the slot back must be opened for the connector to fit. Performance is constrained by the smaller of the two options.

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Unknown004
Member
169
03-07-2020, 04:03 AM
#5
I don’t have images or videos directly. You might want to look for visual guides online to better understand the process.
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Unknown004
03-07-2020, 04:03 AM #5

I don’t have images or videos directly. You might want to look for visual guides online to better understand the process.

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66
03-07-2020, 12:40 PM
#6
It's not a major reduction lol
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CaPtain_cOolxx
03-07-2020, 12:40 PM #6

It's not a major reduction lol

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xStriKed
Member
212
03-07-2020, 01:24 PM
#7
I understand the situation, though the example swapped the orientation. Fitting an x4 into a x1 slot makes sense. An x4 should work in a x16 space.
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xStriKed
03-07-2020, 01:24 PM #7

I understand the situation, though the example swapped the orientation. Fitting an x4 into a x1 slot makes sense. An x4 should work in a x16 space.