[SOLVED] New build I need some help with choosing which PCI slots to use

[JBMonkey]

Hello, I currently have the ASUS ROG STRIX X570-E GAMING motherboard. I also have one M.2 storage, 32GB RAM (16GB x 2), EVGA RTX 3080 FTW3 ULTRA gpu, and the Elgato HD60 PRO PCIe capture card.

Is there a certain M.2 slot I should choose over the other? Which PCI slots would be the best? Also, if I only have 2 sticks of RAM do I just put them in the first and second slot or is there a certain way?

I'm not 100% positive but I think someone told me before it does matter which one you use because some PCI slots are shared? I just want to set this up the best way possible.

THANK YOU ALL!!!

 

[Vyrvelata]

1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M Key, Type 2242/2260/2280/22110(PCIE 4.0 x4 and SATA modes) storage devices support
1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M Key, Type 2242/2260/2280/22110(PCIE 3.0 x4 and SATA modes) storage devices support


The only difference in the M.2 Socket's is that the first support PCIE 4.0x4 and the second one PCIE 3.0
You will feel difference only if you use the latest and fastest NVMe on the planet, other than that PCI 3.0 is superior for everything else up to now.

If the ram slots... are not colored (1-3 black and 2-4 white...or 1-2 black 3-4 white) ...then just follow the order and place the ram in the first 2 slots.. (usually there has to be at least markings on the board..slot 1-2-3-4).
You can easily see if there is a problem run CPU-z and see if your running Dual Channel or not.

 

[Dragos Manea]

If the ram slots... are not colored (1-3 black and 2-4 white...or 1-2 black 3-4 white) ...then just follow the order and place the ram in the first 2 slots.. (usually there has to be at least markings on the board..slot 1-2-3-4).
You can easily see if there is a problem run CPU-z and see if your running Dual Channel or not.

Huh? What? Cmon Vyrvelata. Of course there is an order no matter what color are the slots, read the manual of the motehrboard you get instruction there for everything including ram posistion.

 

[SkyNetRising]

Is there a certain M.2 slot I should choose over the other?

Both are fine.
M2_1 slot operates in either PCIE 3.0 or PCIE 4.0 mode (backwards compatible with PCIE 3.0) depending on cpu used.
M2_2 operates in PCIE 4.0 mode (backwards compatible with PCIE 3.0).

Which PCI slots would be the best?

PCIE_x16_1 for graphics card,
PCIE_x1_1 or PCIE x1_2 for Elgato card.

Also, if I only have 2 sticks of RAM do I just put them in the first and second slot or is there a certain way?

You have to put them in slots A2 and B2 to enable dual channel mode (2nd and 4th slot counting from cpu).