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PCI Express nomenclature

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  • Graphics
  • PCI Express
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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August 17, 2014 3:35:36 PM

Hi

PCI Express x 1, PCI express 3.0 x 16, PCI express 2.0 x 16.

What do these terms mean ? I know they refer to motherboard slots but what do they really mean ? Which ones are important to have on mobos ? Is there any downward compatibility like a USB 3.0 port will power a USB 2.0 device ?

I am very confused.

Thanks

More about : pci express nomenclature

August 17, 2014 3:52:23 PM

x1, x4, x16 refer to the number of lanes and thus also lenght of the slot, the 16x is full lenght slot most commonly used by graphics cards or other devices with high bandwidth needs. X1 or x4 devices can be plugged into x16 slots (x1 goes into x4 as well naturally).

1.0, 1.1, 2.0 and 3.0 are the generations, 3.0 is the latest. They are all backwards compatible so a 3.0 device should work in a 2.0 slot and vice versa...
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August 17, 2014 3:58:46 PM

Kari said:
x1, x4, x16 refer to the number of lanes and thus also lenght of the slot, the 16x is full lenght slot most commonly used by graphics cards or other devices with high bandwidth needs. X1 or x4 devices can be plugged into x16 slots (x1 goes into x4 as well naturally).

1.0, 1.1, 2.0 and 3.0 are the generations, 3.0 is the latest. They are all backwards compatible so a 3.0 device should work in a 2.0 slot and vice versa...


Thanks
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