Choosing a graphics card between PCI Express 2.0 vs PCI Express 3.0

robohobo

Honorable
Mar 4, 2013
2
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10,510
I just got a new system:
CPU: Intel Quad-Core Q6600 2.4 GHZ
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45T-DS3R
Memory: 4GB (2x2GB DDR3)

I'm trying to choose a graphics card for it and I'm a bit confused.
From reading online people are putting in graphic cards that are rated for PCI Express 3.0 in this motherboard. Now the motherboard is PCI Express 2.0.

If I buy a PCIE 3.0 will I just be wasting bandwidth?

Also I don't know what resolutions I'll be running since I'm hoping to buy a new monitor.

Thanks!
RD
 


3.0 is backwards compatible, and yes running it in 2.0 mode makes it loose performance, but only in the 1-2% range.

So it's irrelevant.

All you need to worry about is whether your power supply has enough power to run the graphics card you want to get.
 
Thanks guys, great info.

I'm pulling my PSU from my old unit 550W so it should be good to go.

Yeah new to me meaning I got it used for like $115.

So it looks like I'll go for something that best fits my budget.