PCIe splitter device for connecting multiple devices.
PCIe splitter device for connecting multiple devices.
I require an additional pcie.x4 port on my motherboard for a card, but my board—a Gigabyte X570 Gaming X—only has two standard x16/x8 slots and two x1 slots. The top slot holds my GPU, the first x1 slot is for a sound card, the other full-size slot has an ElGato CamLink Pro, and the last x1 remains free. I plan to install my 4K60pro MK2 alongside the CamLink Pro, both needing pciex4. My initial idea was to add a bifurcation card to access the second port, either this model or another. However, this would place both capture cards inside the case, which isn’t supported. I’m considering a riser cable to free up space and mount the cards outside. My questions are: 1) If I use a bifurcation card designed for x16, will it still fit in the second x8 slot and provide two x4 slots? 2) Can a bifurcation card function properly with a riser connection? 3) Should I place the bifurcation card in the x16 slot and relocate my GPU to the x8 slot? 4) If I opt for a riser cable and keep the cards outside, how would I secure them for stability? The PC is mainly for streaming in a dual-board configuration, so I’m not concerned about performance loss from slower slots. This is mostly repurposing older components from my upgraded main system; the 4K60pro is just an extra piece I want to keep working with.
Consider a USB capture card as a more suitable option. Alternatively, look for a single card that handles two streams simultaneously or a board with additional slots. Check if the BIOS supports splitting the x8 channel—it's usually not available, so use the primary slot. The second x16 slot appears to be a standard x4 interface and won't allow channel splitting.
The JMT PCI-E 4.0 x16 card with 1 to 2 expansion slots Gen3 appears in my motherboard list. In my current setup, the PC is mostly disassembled, so I haven’t checked the BIOS yet. It’s mentioned as a BIOS feature in the owner’s manual, but no specific slot is noted. I’m mainly focused on getting the most out of my old capture card, which was in my main PC before upgrading to the new 4K Pro in my primary system. Switching to another motherboard would cost more than just a bifurcation chip and riser cable, so I’m trying to maximize what I already own affordably. You’re right—I noticed from the manual that the second full-size slot only supports x4, not x8, so if I go the bifurcation path, I’d need to move the GPU down to that slot.
The Gigabyte x570 Gaming X motherboard is listed as compatible on the Amazon product page for that card.