PCI expansion slots.

[IceBergs]

Hello.

I have a Gigabyte Ultra Durable 4 Classic GA-78LMT-USB3 Desktop Motherboard.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128565&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-PC&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-PC-_-pla-_-Motherboards+-+AMD-_-N82E16813128565&gclid=Cj0KEQiA2b20BRDj4buduIG-y9EBEiQAhgMGFdhEBxZRGZgVx_fVQv7rlMFN5FgdS0VZIm8Oc2n-IaEaAl108P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds


I only have two slots open other than my R9 380 in the first slot. I was wondering if it's possible to expand my PCI slots with the 3rd slot. Because my R9 380 is covering the smaller slot and preventing me from putting really anything in the final slot what can I do? Yes I know I was stupid at the time to buy this smaller board, But what can I do now that it's said and done and I don't want to take apart my entire build for a new mobo I don't have money for.

 

[Wolfshadw]

Just for clarification, you have a PCI-Ex16 slot, a PCI-Ex1 slot and a PCI slot.
In the PCI-Ex16 slot you have installed an R9-380 whose cooling shroud covers the PCI-Ex1 slot, leaving only the PCI slot available.
There's nothing to keep you from installing anything in the PCI slot (unless the graphics card is triple-slot width). It may reduce the cooling your graphics card gets so I wouldn't recommend it, however.

If you're looking to install a PCI-Ex1 card, look for a PCI-Ex1 riser cable. Something like this

-Wolf sends

 

[IceBergs]

Just for clarification, you have a PCI-Ex16 slot, a PCI-Ex1 slot and a PCI slot.
In the PCI-Ex16 slot you have installed an R9-380 whose cooling shroud covers the PCI-Ex1 slot, leaving only the PCI slot available.
There's nothing to keep you from installing anything in the PCI slot (unless the graphics card is triple-slot width). It may reduce the cooling your graphics card gets so I wouldn't recommend it, however.

If you're looking to install a PCI-Ex1 card, look for a PCI-Ex1 riser cable. Something like this

-Wolf sends

Yes I will buy one of those.
In the near future I would like to maybe corssfire but I only have a normal PCI slot open. It's difficult to fit anyting in the normal slot from cords connecting to the mobo. Do normal PCI to PCI Ex16 risers exist? How would I use the riser?
I would have to remove my card and put that in under it correct?

Like would this work for a graphics card?
http://www.amazon.com/Express-Adapter-Extender-Flexible-Extension/dp/B008BZBGX6

Or this for my more open slot?
http://www.amazon.com/Express-Adapter-Extender-Flexible-Extension/dp/B008BZBH80

 

[Wolfshadw]

You cannot use that motherboard for Crossfire.
PCI is the old expansion card standard. It was replaced by PCI-E. The two are not compatible.
I do not believe there are any PCI to PCI-E risers and would not recommend them even if there were.

You would need to remove your graphics card to reveal the PCI-Ex1 expansion slot.
Install the PCI-Ex1 riser card.
Reinstall the graphics card.
Install your PCI-Ex1 expansion card into the female end of the PCI-Ex1 riser.
Attach the card to an available expansion slot at the rear of your case (it should have at least four).

-Wolf sends

 

[giantbucket]

if you're specifically thinking about crossfire, i wouldn't bother. most likely better to simply get one better card than another current card to try to double them up. less power use, too.

if you're thinking in generalities, PCI (legacy) is still perfectly usable for SATA controller card, WiFi cards, sound cards, and a few other things. it has more than enough bandwidth for this stuff.

 

[IceBergs]

You cannot use that motherboard for Crossfire.
PCI is the old expansion card standard. It was replaced by PCI-E. The two are not compatible.
I do not believe there are any PCI to PCI-E risers and would not recommend them even if there were.

You would need to remove your graphics card to reveal the PCI-Ex1 expansion slot.
Install the PCI-Ex1 riser card.
Reinstall the graphics card.
Install your PCI-Ex1 expansion card into the female end of the PCI-Ex1 riser.
Attach the card to an available expansion slot at the rear of your case (it should have at least four).

-Wolf sends

OK!

I'll probably over time just upgrade the card. And I will buy one of the Ex1 risers for a usb hub for my studio. I was a little confused and curious. Thanks.

 

[Wolfshadw]

You're very welcome.

-Wolf sends