Pcie x16 versus pcie 2 0 x16

[sfarris]

I am considering two similar pre-built desktops. The systems each run Intel i3 2120 processors. The motherboards support slightly different graphics configurations;

First System: The ASUS CM6730-US-2AA, which has Intel HD Integrated Graphics with pcie 2.0 x16 slot.
Second System: The Lenovo H420-HU, which has Intel HD Integrated Graphics 2000 with pcie x16 slot.

Note: There are other minor considerations with these systems, but the graphics matter most for me.

Is that a reason to prefer one of these configurations over the other? Also, do I read correctly that a pcie 3 x16 graphics card can still run in the pcie x16 slot also? Perhaps there is a performance hit, but it still will run?

Thanks-

-Steve Farris

 

[itzdanielp]

For 1 there are no PCIe 3.0 Graphic cards, nor will there be for a while. They don't fully use anywhere near a ful 16 lanes of 2.0

Both systems are PCIe 2.0 X16 systems, just different advertising.

 

[sfarris]

my error I menat a pcie 2 x16 graphics card.

 

[itzdanielp]

Yes, PCIe 2.0 cards can run in normal PCIe slots.

However both of the systems are going to have the newer PCIe 2.0 X16 slots.

 

[sfarris]

Best answer selected by sfarris.