This model only works with GPUs, not other types of cards.
This model only works with GPUs, not other types of cards.
I was thinking about purchasing an HP Elite SFF 800 G9 desktop. On the manual page (page 3 of this link), it says for the top PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, only discrete graphics cards are allowed. I wanted to put an Intel networking card there (the XL710-QDA2, PCIe 3.0 x8). I thought I could fit it in the second PCIe x16 slot, but since it’s wired as x4, it would cut in half the speed. Is this really accurate? Why would they restrict it that way?
Is it true? We don't know. In my experience, HP really does not like configurations that they did not make up, and will not assist in non-HP configurations. As to why, I would only be guessing. I give it a 10% chance it is locked to only a GPU, and a 90% chance it's a poorly worded explanation not to put your GPU in the other slot. But there is a chance they somehow set it up to only recognize certain devices. They may have put a very sparse UEFI on that system. If the network card requires specific settings, you may not have access to them.
Thanks for the update. I purchased one to try it out and see how it performs. The return window is 60 days, which gives me flexibility if it doesn't meet expectations.
I received the unit and tried it out with the Intel XL710-QDA2 in the highest PCIe lane. It functions flawlessly at full speeds, contrary to what the documentation stated. I also tested a 2.5 Gb QFly Realtek NIC in the top lane, and it performed perfectly.