Do I need a PCIeX4 slot

[CanCb]

Hello,

I am trying to select a motherboard for my first computer build.

In regards to the expansion slots....do I need a PCIeX4 slot?

What kind of cards require a PCIeX4 slot?

Very few mobos have a PCIeX4 slot, most have x1 slots.

Thank you

 

[tecmo34]

We need to know what CPU you are looking at to be able to review / recommend you a motherboard.

 

[CanCb]

We need to know what CPU you are looking at to be able to review / recommend you a motherboard.

I will be using an Intel Core i5-650.

I would appreciate any MOBO recommendations. However, my question is more related to PCIe X4 slots. Do I need them?

 

[tecmo34]

As for recommendation on motherboard, I would go with the ASUS P7P55D-E Pro. As for the PCIe x4 slot, it is not required for any system. It is only needed if you plan to use a device that utilizes that slot.

 

[CanCb]

As for recommendation on motherboard, I would go with the ASUS P7P55D-E Pro. As for the PCIe x4 slot, it is not required for any system. It is only needed if you plan to use a device that utilizes that slot.

I guess that was my question...what kind of devices require a x4 slot?

I am trying to determine if I will need a x4 slot in the future, but if I don't know what kind of devices require that slot, I can't decide if I will need it or not.

Yes, the P7P55D-E Pro looks great but is a bit on the expensive side. I was looking for something a little less expensive (around $130...I live in Canada) but of good quality, ideally from ASUS or Gigabyte.

 

[RetiredChief]

The Asus U3S6 card requires an X4 slot. This is a USB3 (2 each) and a Sata 6 (2 ea) card. Many of the Newer Mother boards already have this onboard, so unless you need more then you would not need.

On a side note you can plug a x4 card into an x8 or x16 slot. My motherboard does not have U3 or S6, nor does it have an X4 slot - Have the card pluged in to x16 slot (runing at x8 I believe.

Not sure if some add on sound cards or tv cards may use X4.

 

[lvangundy]

Two years later, the answer to your question is that you'll find most 4x cards are server grade network cards (NICs)