[SOLVED] Using a PCIe 4.0 M.2 Drive in a PCIe 3.0 Slot?

Dec 4, 2020
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Hey folks

I am hoping the above is a relatively stupid question!

I have specified a new Intel i9 system using the Socket 1200 and Z490 chipset which as such does not support the PCIe 4.0 protocol.

In the spirit of a little future proofing should intel catch up, I have opted to acquire a PCIe 4.0 M.2 hard drive card (specifically Seagate).

I fully appreciate that it will not run any faster than PCie3.0 protocol rates, but am I right in thinking that it will operate on that basis?

Thanks again!

James
 
Solution
D
Yes it will work fine. However it would require a new motherboard that does support it to actually support it
D

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Yes it will work fine. However it would require a new motherboard that does support it to actually support it
 
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Solution
Dec 4, 2020
14
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Perfect thanks so much for such a quick response!

Ref the Motherboard, yes I figured as much - to be honest, I suspect it may prove to be a bit of a waste of money.

The only way I think I will see it used at its max speed will be if Intel provide PCie4.0 support on a chipset that still retains the Socket 1200 architecture (who knows!).

I would be prepared in the future to replace the motherboard, but frankly not that and CPU.

My guess is that I will never use it beyond the PCie 3.0 max speed, but take comfort in that it will at least work to that speed!

Thanks again

JJ
 
Dec 4, 2020
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Thanks!

That makes the point very well! As you say - difference is barely noticeable!

I wonder if this is why intel have not spent a great deal of time on it.

Does make you think about some of the claims!

Thanks again! To be fair, I think part of my thinking was that the drive would be working less hard if not at max speed (ie working at PCIe 3.0 speeds) , but this is deeply unscientific thinking!

JJ