Why don't they use PCIe x1 for graphics cards?

[jnilsson618]

There are a few minor companies that make older models compatible with PCIe x1, but none of the major companies do. isn't it faster than PCIe x16?

 

[dudeman509]

No. x1 = 1 lane = very slow bus.

 

[t53186]

To expand a bit on the explanation by dudeman509, all device that plug into the PCI bus need data in and out of the device. That data is passed back and forth to the CPU via a bus with a number of lanes, much like a highway, more lanes=more data, or vehicles. So in this case more is better.

 

[Sakkura]

x16 is 16 times as fast as x1, assuming they're the same generation of PCIe.

 

[captaincharisma]

why would you believe X1 is faster then X16 when 16 is the higher number?