What PCIe splitters are available for sizes from x16 down to 2 x8.
What PCIe splitters are available for sizes from x16 down to 2 x8.
Do you know if such components are available? I own an mATX x79 motherboard with one x16 and two x1 slots. I’m considering using the x16 slot for SAS controllers, but most of those require x4 or x8, leaving unused lanes. If a splitter exists from x16 to either two x8 or four x4 slots, that would be ideal.
Sadly, the situation isn't favorable. While PCI_e risers can divide slots, most motherboards don't support PCIe Bifurcation. This feature is typically found on server boards and is essential for creating configurations like x8x8 or x4x4x4x4.
Some devices come with extra circuits to divide channels where official support isn't present, though they're very costly. I considered using them for splitting x16 into four 4x4 channels to boost M.2 performance. In the OP's situation, swapping the CPU, motherboard, or RAM might be more economical than purchasing such a card.
Consider looking for a compatible M.2 slot on eBay with 3x PCIe x16 ports.
Did you mean to say something specific? I understand those options exist, though they can be expensive. They also tend not to work well with computers. (Like the 6 editors and a CPU expansion board). I haven't seen a working version in a server setup when the components are on a riser card. Usually, if a riser card is required, it's in a server that supports bi-furcation, so it's unnecessary.
No?... I understand your point. The passive splitters need system-level support. I mentioned active splitters exist but aren't a perfect fix either. This discussion comes before thinking about physical setup like mounting cards, even if you manage to get one. As I said, I'd prefer to replace the motherboard and, if needed, upgrade the CPU and RAM.