Using a PCI-e x16 Video Card in PCI-e x1 Slot for PhysX

[TheTrueGamer]

So I found out recently that any PCI-e x16 video card will fit and function in a PCI-e x1 slot (just as long as it's not superbly heavy); it will just not run at full potential. That said, I'm wondering if it would be worth it to use a low-end video card, like one of these just for dedicated PhysX:

-EVGA GT 220 1GB 128-bit GDDR3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130522&cm_re=nvidia_gt_220-_-14-130-522-_-Product

-MSI GT 430 1GB 128-bit GDDR3 (probably leaning towards this one)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127541&cm_re=GT_430-_-14-127-541-_-Product


Cheers!

 

[popatim]

it would work but not at full potenial. An x4 slot would be better if you have one. and you'd pick up another ~10% performance increase. X8 over x4 made no difference and x16 over x4 was only another few frames per second, around 5% performance gain.

As for 'fit' - usually you have to cut the end of PCIe connector on the motherboard off as the x16 cards aren't notched to fit into an x1 slot. You'll see what I mean when you actually try to install the card.

edit - By the Way, a 512M card is plenty for PhysX. AMD says 256 and iirc a review said he never saw usage above 300mb. The 1Gb card would be easier to sell down the road thou.

 

[TheTrueGamer]

Thanks for the response, I understand that it won't work full potential but wouldn't it provide enough 'oomph' just for PhysX?

As for less than 1GB, the only one that came to mind that was Physx ready was a 9500GT, but that goes for the same price for a GT 220 on Newegg so I was thinking about just going for the newer item.