Determining PCI slot type in a computer I don't own (yet).

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Komarr

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Jan 1, 2015
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First timer here. I realized over the last year or so when I've looked up computer questions online that many of the better answers have been coming from here, so I figured I'd come straight to the source as it were.

I'm looking at buying a new desktop, specifically a Gateway DX4380-UR19. Here's the Tiger Direct page: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=9151821&CatId=2627. My question is about the PCI x16 slot. Both Tiger Direct and Gateway's website list the PCI slots as: 3 - PCI Express X1, 1 - PCI Express X16 Slots.
I want to buy it and install a better graphics card but have a concern about the PCI slot.

From my research I have a basic understanding of PCI 1.0/1.1/2.0/3.0 and that 3.0 is backwards compatible with 2.0 (with some performance drop) but 3.0 into 1.0 is not a good idea.
BUT, I've also read on some threads here that in many new systems the above label "PCI Express X16" may actually be a PCI 2 slot.
A 1.0 slot seems like it would greatly restrict my card choices. Frankly it may determine whether I buy that system or not. Does anyone know or have a way for me to determine the PCI slot type without actually having my hands on the system?

Thanks.
 
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That desktop has an a75 chipset , which is an fm2 socket. I believe this means that the x16 will be pcie 2.0, as 3.0 is restricted to fm2+ for amd. The difference between a pcie 2 and 3 is negligible for even high end GPU performance as bandwidth is rarely a bottleneck. Even pcie 2.0 x8 slots can run a high end GPU without performance issues.
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coops1

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That desktop has an a75 chipset , which is an fm2 socket. I believe this means that the x16 will be pcie 2.0, as 3.0 is restricted to fm2+ for amd. The difference between a pcie 2 and 3 is negligible for even high end GPU performance as bandwidth is rarely a bottleneck. Even pcie 2.0 x8 slots can run a high end GPU without performance issues.
 
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anti-duck

anti-duck

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Unless you can find the motherboard code somewhere, there really isn't any way, but it is a pretty safe bet that it has a gen 2.0 x16 PCIe slot as it has a Richland APU and SATA III. The thing that is gonna hold you back most is that 300w tin box in there.
 
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Komarr

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First, thanks for the answer.
Second, 8 minutes!? Dang, I've had Tv dinners that took longer. ;)
 
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Komarr

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Thanks for the response. I take it your referring to the power supply. I'm not afraid to tinker, what would you suggest I replace it with?
Thanks.
 
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coops1

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No worries man :) that PSU is fine for the PC as it is, but depending on what graphics card you by it'll need upgrading to a decent quality 400-600W unit. Evga and corsair make popular budget units... Seasonic make high quality PSU too.
 
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Komarr

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Thanks coops1. I ordered the system, but I'm going to wait until I have it and can actually see what kind of room I'll have inside since some graphics cards seem to vary in size aside for the actual slot placement. I will also definitely take your advice on a better power supply as well.
 
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