Will a sound card work when only one PCIe port is available and it's directly above the graphics card?
Will a sound card work when only one PCIe port is available and it's directly above the graphics card?
Hey everyone. I'm thinking about purchasing a Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus sound card, which is a PCI card. I only have one free PCIe x1 slot, but it's right next to the GPU. It looks like the card might just sit on top of it. Do you think that's okay? Will it actually fit? Anyone have any experience with this setup?
P.S. My motherboard is an MSI B650M Gaming Plus Wi-Fi (the upper PCIe one).
It appears the card is likely resting on the GPU. Is this okay? Everyone, you should be alright. The discussion has been shifted from the Computer Peripherals section to the Systems section.
The SC appears to have some issues beyond just the GPU; the memory heatsink also seems problematic. There are no assurances, as I wasn't able to install a wifi card in my preferred spare PCI slot, though I managed on another. If it fits, it should work unless it's a 5090 or similar.
Have you thought about using an external amp or DAC? For example, the X-4 from Creative will perform similarly to the AE-5 outside a computer, unless you specifically require some advanced features of the AE-5.
As long as the AE-5 isn't physically touching the GPU, it should be okay. However, 0.3mm is getting very close. If it fits in the top slot, it shouldn't block airflow to the GPU. I own an AE-5 and was using the lowest slot of an MSI x570 Tomahawk, now switching to the lowest slot on an MSI x870 Carbon WiFi. The drawback of the lowest slot is reduced airflow to the GPU, particularly in areas with limited ventilation. With the AE-5 in the lowest slot, the RTX 5080 never reached 70 degrees Celsius in a Meshify 3 or the Antec P30. What's currently in the lowest slot on your motherboard?
I own a Micro-ATX board where every slot is either occupied or blocked by the GPU. The only available PCIe x1 slot sits just above the GPU. Uploading the picture isn’t working and I’m getting an error when I try to share a link.
p.s. How does the sound of your AE-5 compare to the built-in speakers? What’s the big change in audio quality? Should I even consider it?
I've thought about getting an external amp with a built-in DAC, but there are already enough cables and devices on my table. I'd like everything to stay inside the case. Also, I have an unused PCIe slot, which makes it easier. That's why I came up with this idea.
I would consider getting an external card given the micro-issue, but I overlooked that in your message.
It’s a matter of personal preference, as everyone’s hearing is different.
For me, yes. Sound becomes richer and more detailed with better clarity.
However, if you’re using budget speakers, it might not be necessary. Speakers play a role in the overall setup.
The same applies to headphones—if they include a USB dongle, all processing happens on that device rather than your PC’s audio.
Dolby encoders in Creative products with built-in dongles charge $15 per device, which is a good deal for up to ten units.
The X4 seems like a solid choice and doesn’t cost too much.
The reason for choosing an external over internal is that it’s less influenced by noise from the motherboard.