Itx motherboard featuring PCIe branching options
Itx motherboard featuring PCIe branching options
I'm thinking about setting up a new PC now. Before, I always used MATX or ATX because I have at least two PCIe slots. I recently learned about PCIe bifurcation and wondered if I could build an iGPU setup with a full GPU and a 10 GbE network card. Right away I hit a roadblock understanding which motherboards would work and what riser is needed. I was planning to go with Ryzen, likely a 5000 series CPU and an X570, similar to my previous builds with ASUS, especially the Crosshair model. Still unsure if it actually supports PCIe bifurcation in the way I need.
Completely reasonable, but if you need more than one PCIe expansion card—GPU included—the model isn’t suitable.
It also doesn't assist since manufacturers appear to be moving away from the ATX boards more frequently.
Msi sure isn't :p. Their first Ryzen 5000 BIOS still has some issues. Asus is facing a few problems right now, while ASRock and Gigabyte seem to be handling things better. It’s probably okay to wait a bit longer for more reliable BIOS updates. There are some MX boards that aren’t as popular, but most ATX cases are about the same size. A few are really compact for their price—just look a bit closer. MX is also worth checking out because they specialize in ultra-small ATX cases, and they pack a lot into a tiny form.
My experience with MSI has been decent. I’ve built some budget systems for my family, but often switch brands for the next project. Their product info is okay too. If they’re the only option, I’ll keep that in mind while researching. I’m also thinking about using ATX instead to broaden my options.
Second, Riotoro? I wasn’t aware they still produce cases (though now I am). I haven’t seen them much in Western Canada either. I’m leaning toward something like Sliger Cerberus – a more modern premium case since my last Lian Li PC-07 was an older model but still in good shape.
I see your point - the decision really depends on whether you're aiming for an enthusiast SFF setup or a more mainstream build. For mATX, ATX still offers better versatility. The motherboard selection is also narrower in mATX compared to ITX. Overall, sticking with ATX gives you more flexibility.
For the Zen 3/3080 project, I've been exploring for months. At first, I considered ITX to avoid the complexity of bifurcation and to try something different. However, moving to ITX increases costs significantly—good boards are pricey, and premium cases add another $300-400. Plus, high-end components like the Noctua slims come with their own challenges.
I have a solid Fractal Design R4 in great shape, so I’ll reuse that case. The Asus Strix B550-F is a solid choice and should work well with a 5900x. BIOS concerns are usually minor unless you're targeting specific features or setups.
If you prefer ITX setup, consider a M.2 to PCI-E adapter that transforms the M.2 port into a PCI-E X4 interface. You can pair it with a PCI-E riser cable to link your network card at X4 bandwidth. A compact 2.5" SATA drive offers write speeds between 500-550 MB/s, sufficient for most requirements. While you won't achieve SSD performance at 10Gbps Ethernet, reaching half that speed is still advantageous compared to 1Gbps. Sample adapters: https://www.amazon.com/MintCell-Adapter-...073KZW1ZC/ Another choice: a more costly option at https://www.amazon.com/ADT-LINK-Extender...08H8FTWWV/ The additional power connector exists because the M.2 interface provides only 3.3V, whereas PCI-E slots require 12V, necessitating a voltage conversion method.