Where do I put my GPU on my motherboard?

[Guest]

Hi guys,

I am building a new computer soon. I am using a ASUS M5A78L M USB 3.0 motherboard. I am also using a PCI-E TP Link Wifi card. Are both PCI slots on the motherboard x16? I'm worried I may not be able to fit both cards on. Not sure what card I a m getting yet, most likely an EVGA GTX 960 or a R9 280.

Here is my motherboard: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Asus-M5A78L-M-USB3-Motherboard-Socket/dp/B0054U7HIO/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1446486733&sr=1-1&keywords=asus+m5a78l-m+usb3

 

[glamdringfh]

Hi AKnerd,

Plug your graphics card into the top dark blue PCIe slot, and your WiFi-card into the very bottom PCIe slot. You might also be able to fit the Wi-Fi card above the GPU, but it will almost certainly fit below it.

 

[Guest]

But its PCI E?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-LINK-TL-WN881ND-300Mbps-Wireless-Express/dp/B006BSPTAQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1446487034&sr=1-2&keywords=WIFI+CARD

 

[glamdringfh]

Here's a picture of your board:

You'll want to plug the video card into the long dark blue PCIe slot on the left side of the picture. It will take up a second slot below it, one of the light blue slots.

You will be able to plug your Wi-Fi card above the graphics card into the small dark blue PCI-e slot.

 

[Guest]

Oh thank you! I didn't know a GPU took up two slots? I havn't built it yet, but will be at Christmas (its a gaming PC for myself) and once I have built it I will save up for a decent GPU. Is the 960 better than a R9 280?

 

[glamdringfh]

They are about on par with eachother, which is why most people on the forums suggest going with the R9 280 for the cheaper price. I myself personally prefer Nvidia cards, but you will see equal performance from either.

 

[uberman]

The video card takes two slots because of the big heatsink, fan and shroud on it.

 

[Guest]

They are about on par with eachother, which is why most people on the forums suggest going with the R9 280 for the cheaper price. I myself personally prefer Nvidia cards, but you will see equal performance from either.

Actually, in my country (UK) the R9 280 is more expensive than the 960.

 

[glamdringfh]

Well then, by all means get the GTX 960!