Question Do I have a 3-slot GPU on a motherboard with 2-slot spacing? So i cant use Nvlink if I buy the same exact GPU?

[SeriousGaming101]

Hello all,

This is my current GPU:
https://www.newegg.com/gigabyte-gef..._re=gigabyte_gaming_oc-_-14-932-064-_-Product
https://www.gigabyte.com/us/Graphics-Card/GV-N2080TGAMING-OC-11GC#kf

Here is my current MicroATX motherboard:
https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144214?Description=z390 micro atx&cm_re=z390_micro_atx--13-144-214--Product

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MPG-Z390M-GAMING-EDGE-AC.html

I have heard that my motherboard has a 2-slot spacing in between the GPU slots. And my current 11GB RTX 2080 Ti is huge (Maybe 2.5 - 3 slot thickness)

So my question is:

If I buy the same exact GPU (The Gigabyte Gaming OC version), then I cannot fit both cards into my motherboard in Nvlink correct?

 

[Phaaze88]

That is correct.
Your motherboard also doesn't even support SLI/CF, so no point in trying for a dual gpu solution.

 

[SeriousGaming101]

That is correct.
Your motherboard also doesn't even support SLI/CF, so no point in trying for a dual gpu solution.

How do you know?
If it doesnt support Nvlink, then why are there 2 GPU slots?

 

[TJ Hooker]

I'm assuming you have the graphics card installed now? Does it overhang/block the 2nd PCIe x16 slot?

 

[SeriousGaming101]

I'm assuming you have the graphics card installed now? Does it overhang/block the 2nd PCIe x16 slot?

I have the GPU installed on the bottom slot so I cant tell.

 

[Phaaze88]

How do you know?
If it doesnt support Nvlink, then why are there 2 GPU slots?

They are PCIE slots, they're not specifically for gpus. There are other devices that can use those slots.
Sure, you can put 2-slot cards in those slots, but you won't be able to SLI/CF them.
There is no mention of SLI/CF on the specs page, or on the box itself, that's how I know. Not all motherboards carry that feature, and they're usually more expensive.

 

[TJ Hooker]

There is no mention of SLI/CF on the specs page

"Supports 2-Way NVIDIA® SLI™ Technology"
https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MPG-Z390M-GAMING-EDGE-AC/Specification

 

[TJ Hooker]

I have the GPU installed on the bottom slot so I cant tell.

Err, why? Your GPU is probably running at PCIe x8 rather than x16 as it would be in the top slot.

 

[SeriousGaming101]

Err, why? Your GPU is probably running at PCIe x8 rather than x16 as it would be in the top slot.

I thought both slots are PCIe x16 slots and its indifferent to which slot the GPU is in. Whats the difference in performance whether I put it on the top slot or bottom slot?

 

[TJ Hooker]

Depends on the game/settings, in general it's small, but I don't see any reason why you wouldn't just put it in the top slot.
https://www.techpowerup.com/review/nvidia-geforce-rtx-2080-ti-pci-express-scaling/6.html

 

[SeriousGaming101]

Depends on the game/settings, in general it's small, but I don't see any reason why you wouldn't just put it in the top slot.
https://www.techpowerup.com/review/nvidia-geforce-rtx-2080-ti-pci-express-scaling/6.html

My 970 Pro NVME is on the top slot and I dont want the GPU to obstruct it.

 

[TJ Hooker]

My 970 Pro NVME is on the top slot and I dont want the GPU to obstruct it.

But given that you want to install a 2nd GPU then you're obviously going to end up putting a GPU in the top slot anyway.

Or, given that you have two M.2 slots which provide identical performance, why not move the SSD?