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PCI slots for expansion

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  • PCI
  • Build
  • Motherboards
  • Systems
Last response: in Systems
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October 10, 2014 2:04:23 AM

Im currently on my first build and looking at these two Motherboards

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JKCHDC2/ref=ox_sc_a...

http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-GA-Z97X-GAMING-Gaming-Ne...

I plan on having one GPU to start with but would like the option of being able to SLI in the future.

I plan on adding a sound card and network card as well.

Also, general expansion would be good as well - such as adding USB ports

Would either of these motherboards be suitable for my needs?

Thanks

More about : pci slots expansion

a b V Motherboard
October 10, 2014 2:31:56 AM

Difference only appears to be the sound and network chips. They both have the exact same slots and layout.

If are going to SLI you will probably be left with only the top PCIEX1_1 slot for one of those cards you want to add.

If just one card is installed you have the slots and space for all those additional stuff.
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October 10, 2014 2:38:19 AM

By network, do you mean WiFi, or wired LAN, because both boards have LAN. WiFi / Bluetooth can be added to these boards, or you can buy a USB dongle that fits on a USB port to handle this.

Both motherboards also have room for a sound card.

If you look at the board specifications you will see how many USB2.0 and USB3.0 ports they have. How many do you need?
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a b V Motherboard
October 10, 2014 2:45:18 AM

LAN controller chips. The UD3 uses Intel Gigabit LAN, while the Gaming 3 uses the Qualcomm Atheros E2201 LAN chip.

Neither board comes with wifi.
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October 10, 2014 8:07:47 PM

By network card I mean Wifi (sorry should have been more clear). A wired connection isn't an option for where I will be building so i need a card to allow Wifi.

After looking at the boards a little more, i doubt I will need more USB ports than it already has so adding more shouldnt be an issue.
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a b V Motherboard
October 10, 2014 9:41:47 PM

Then get either board. With 2 graphics cards installed, the top PCIEX1_1 will be free to take your sound card, and get a USB Wifi adapter for Wifi connectivity, and you're all set.

Personally I'd pick the Gaming board.
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Best solution

October 11, 2014 5:06:10 AM

keevkamen said:
By network card I mean Wifi (sorry should have been more clear). A wired connection isn't an option for where I will be building so i need a card to allow Wifi.

After looking at the boards a little more, i doubt I will need more USB ports than it already has so adding more shouldn't be an issue.


Thanks.

So, both boards can take on-board sound, and SLI graphics, and a USB dongle will give you WiFi (and Bluetooth if you choose)

As to which board, now you know what works I'd look thoroughly for ASUS, ASRock, MSI, and Gigabyte to find the best choice for you (price, features, colors). You would need to read the reviews to educate yourself. You also need to be mindful of space and organization so that the parts physically fit.

Here's the link to the motherboard introduction guide.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/motherboard-selecti...

Our advice here can help you avoid mistakes, but what is 'right' for you is usually a matter of personal taste.
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