Used PCIE lanes > CPU PCIE lanes

[takkwin]

Hi, I'm a novice PC builder and I've recently stumbled upon a CPU spec sheet stating it's maximum number of PCIE express lanes and am confused by it.

I'm currently using an I5 2400 proc with a maximum of 16 PCIE lanes. But my current system uses 17 PCIE lanes, x16 for gtx660 and x1 for sound card. So how does my system function flawlessly despite the limitation? Does it cut down my GPU lanes to x8 even though GPU-Z states it's on x16? My mobo is Asrock Z68 Extreme4.

Couldn't manage to find an answer in Google, I'd appreciate if someone could enlighten me on this. Thanks!

 

[Suztera]

Your cpu support up to 16 pcie lanes.
Certain pcie lanes are shared, which pcie slots are shared depends on your motherboard as it can differ. The chipset itself support more pcie lanes but some are reserved for storage purposes.