[SOLVED] Does PCIe Express x16 versions matter?

[shiftup800]

I'm going to buy a new graphic card but I heard that the PCIe Express things should be the compatible, does the version matter to the compatibilties?

 

[Wolfshadw]

For the most part, no. They don't matter as far as compatibility is concerned, but I'd hesitate to put a PCI-E 1,0 card in a motherboard that supports PCI-E 4.0. LIkewise, I'd be hesitant to install a PCI-E 3.0 graphics card in a PCI-E 1.0 motherboard.

-Wolf sends

 

[Cioby]

There is nothing to be hesitant if the card fits in the slot. The only issue is that you will lose graphical power, to put it simply and not go into detail.
For example using a 2.0 instead of a 3.0 might cost you up to 20% performance overall.
So if you don't want to upgrade your motherboard and RAM (probably need new RAM too) expect to lose a little performance. But adding a new GPU will still, generally, provide you the best boost in performance, unless you upgrade very little like, one generation to the next, then don't expect a huge boost unless the cards are also different tiers. The higher the last 2 digits are, the higher the tier usually. Like *60 *70 **80 at the end of the card. First 2 digits indicate the generation.
(unless it's AMD 300 400 500 then they are basically the same GPU with slightly better berformance)