Which Slot to use for GPU [pictures showing issue]

[Zynch]

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As can be seen in the image above; my phanteks PH TC14PE is covering the first PCI-E slot, this is the one my manual tells me to insert my GPU into. I have the Asus P8Z77-M Pro. I had asked about compatability before but i was informed that it "Would fit", it fits in the case just fine though it completely covers the first slot ;(
So, which slot should i use for the GPU (which will be the GTX 770 or the 7970)
Sorry for the picture quality; laptop is all that was at hand. the blue smudge under the cooler (can be seen on the left more clearly) is the pci-e slot i was supposed to use.

 

[JRAtk94]

You can put it in the second slot, and it'll be fine.

According to the ASUS website, the first two PCIex16 slots support x16 (or dual at x8). Therefore, the second slot should run at exactly the same speed as the blocked first slot.

Don't use the third slot though, that runs permanently at x4 mode.

 

[Onus]

The second slot may only run at x8, but that shouldn't matter.
Can the cooler be rotated 90 degrees clockwise, and one fan removed or put on the other end?

 

[Zynch]

You can put it in the second slot, and it'll be fine.

According to the ASUS website, the first two PCIex16 slots support x16 (or dual at x8). Therefore, the second slot should run at exactly the same speed as the blocked first slot.

Don't use the third slot though, that runs permanently at x4 mode.

Thank you for the quick reply; does this mean that if i ever wanted to go SLI i would have to get a smaller cooler?
as far as i know sli requires at least 2 of 8x,

On a totally unrelated note, would airflow be better if i moved the default case fan which is now sitting behind the phanteks - to me it looks like it would get in the way - i think the air would move faster if it just went straight out the back. ___
The fan would be moved to the top of the case as an exhaust.

 

[Zynch]

The second slot may only run at x8, but that shouldn't matter.
Can the cooler be rotated 90 degrees clockwise, and one fan removed or put on the other end?

That is possible but i dont have any thermal paste remover- i didnt expect to have any problems other than late parts
*damn you amazon*
Will there be much of a performance loss? in terms of frame rate - first build and i researched everything but things like this on the motherboard - didnt think i would have to.

 

[Onus]

No, the difference is insignificant.
If that rear fan is an exhaust (it should be), there is no need to move it.

You can use 91% isopropyl alcohol to remove thermal paste, but you'll need to apply fresh paste to replace it.