[SOLVED] Can I install my GPU in either Slot?

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New build with an ASrock Phantom Gaming 4S mobo, AMD 5600X CPU, and GTX 1080 GPU. My question is whether I can install the GPU in either of the two PCI Express 4.0 x16 slots. I realize slot #1 is preferred but it's extremely tight on this board especially with my Noctua cooler. Snip of slot descriptions from ASrock manual attached.

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Solution
My question is whether I can install the GPU in either of the two PCI Express 4.0 x16 slots.
Upper PCIE x16 slot operates at x16 PCIE 4.0 mode.
Lower PCIE x16 slot operates at x4 PCIE 4.0 mode. That is 4 times less bandwidth than upper x16 slot.

Yes - you can install. But your graphics will operate at reduced bandwidth mode.
GTX 1080 is PCIE 3.0 card. It will operate at PCIE 3.0 x4 mode in lower slot.

Expected performance hit:

perfrel_1920_1080.png


https://www.techpowerup.com/review/nvidia-geforce-gtx-1080-pci-express-scaling/24.html

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I didn't say interference, I said extremely tight. There is actually some interference with the Notuca clips coming just off the bottom of the fans and just touching the bottom side of the GPU. There doesn't appear to be any actual components there for them to touch and short but still a concern. I plan to upgrade to a 3080 (perhaps in 2052?) and that thing isn't any smaller than my current 1080. The GPU also installs right over top of my NVME which certainly isn't helping with keeping it cool. I have it apart right now, no picture to include at this moment.
 
My question is whether I can install the GPU in either of the two PCI Express 4.0 x16 slots.
Upper PCIE x16 slot operates at x16 PCIE 4.0 mode.
Lower PCIE x16 slot operates at x4 PCIE 4.0 mode. That is 4 times less bandwidth than upper x16 slot.

Yes - you can install. But your graphics will operate at reduced bandwidth mode.
GTX 1080 is PCIE 3.0 card. It will operate at PCIE 3.0 x4 mode in lower slot.

Expected performance hit:

perfrel_1920_1080.png


https://www.techpowerup.com/review/nvidia-geforce-gtx-1080-pci-express-scaling/24.html
 
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