Specifications

Choosing an expansion card slot
Whenever possible, use the following tips to help you select the proper slot for an expansion card:
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Insert the primary graphics card in a PCIe x16 slot intended for graphics.
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Insert a second graphics card in a second PCIe x16 slot intended for a secondary graphics card.
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Install full-length cards in slots that support full-length cards.
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For optimal cooling and acoustics, place lower-profile card to place next to the heatsink.
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Whenever possible, avoid placing cards next to graphics cards to avoid blocking the graphics card
heatsink and fan. This is especially important for graphics cards that require attaching the auxiliary
power cable.
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Install a card in a slot that most closely matches its interface technology:
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Install a PCIe Gen2 x16 or a PCIe Gen2 x8 card in the PCIe Gen2 x16 slot.
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Install a PCIe Gen1 x16 or a PCIe Gen1 x8 card in the PCIe Gen1 x16 slot.
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Install a PCIe Gen1 x4 card in the PCIe Gen1 x4 slot.
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Install a PCIe Gen1 x1 card in the PCIe Gen1 x1 slot.
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Install a PCI card in one of the PCI slots.
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Whenever possible, install a PCIe x1 card in an x1 slot.
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Leave as much space as possible between cards.
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For best operational efficiency, select a slot that:
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Electrically matches the number of PCIe card lanes (e.g., x4 in a x4 slot).
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Has more lanes electrically.
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Has fewer lanes, but is closer to your needs. For example, place an x16 card in an x4 slot,
and an x4 card in an x1 slot.
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An x1 connector supports an x1 card only. Although, an x1 card can be inserted into any slot, this
may waste the potential for future card placement.
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Install cards that require internal cable connections so that the cables are organized and have the
least amount of strain on them. Some cables may be routed under, rather than over the other
expansion cards.
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To prevent electromagnetic interference, avoid installing a card with external cable connections
next to a graphics card.
ENWW Removing and installing components 99