Single GPU Setup Using PCIEX16_2 on Gigabyte X79-UP4 Board

[MelissaGT]

Hello - this is my first post, but I've been using this forum for years to help with tech questions! So far I've been unable to find an answer to my specific situation.

I've been looking to upgrade my current GTX 780 Ti to the new GTX 980 Ti. The card I'm looking at is a bit taller and longer than my current card. As such, I am thinking that it will not be able to fit into the 1st PCIEX16 slot because of the size of the CPU cooler radiator (Corsair H60). The 780 Ti is already a tight fit height-wise (and that one doesn't have a backplate).

My question is - would I be able to use the 980 Ti in the 2nd x16 slot, PCIEX16_2 in a single-card setup? If I am forced to use the card in the 1st slot, the card's backplate will end up butting right up against the radiator and the coolant tubing. I don't have the tech knowledge to start messing with the CPU cooler itself (my system was custom built for me and my capabilities pretty much end at swapping easy stuff out). All the reading I've done makes me think the answer is "yes," but I just wanted to be sure before I spend the money.

Thank you!

 

[clutchc]

According to the specs, "For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed, be sure to install it in the PCIEX16 slot." But I can see no reason moving it to the 2nd PCIe x16 slot would hurt. They are both the same speed and lanes.

 

[MelissaGT]

According to the specs, "For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed, be sure to install it in the PCIEX16 slot." But I can see no reason moving it to the 2nd PCIe x16 slot would hurt. They are both the same speed and lanes.

Thank you. I read that as well and I was thrown because it does not specify PCIEX16_1 (which is what the 1st slot is labelled as). I took that to mean as long as it's PCIEX16, whether it's _1 or _2. I just wanted to be sure.

 

[clutchc]

A good way to verify it would be to run something like Firestrike with your current card in the 1st slot. Then run it again with your current card in the 2nd slot. It should verify if indeed there is a difference.

 

[MelissaGT]

A good way to verify it would be to run something like Firestrike with your current card in the 1st slot. Then run it again with your current card in the 2nd slot. It should verify if indeed there is a difference.

Thanks - I'm really leary of messing with stuff, especially those clips since I've managed to break them more often than not! I've gotten feedback elsewhere that all should be well using the PCIEX16_2 slot. I've ordered the EVGA GTX 980 Ti SC ACX 2.0+ w/ BP and now it's just a matter of waiting. I should hopefully have it by the end of the week and can report back on how everything goes!

 

[clutchc]

Clips? What 'clips' would you chance breaking by moving your card to another slot and running a benchmark like Firestrike?

 

[MelissaGT]

Clips? What 'clips' would you chance breaking by moving your card to another slot and running a benchmark like Firestrike?

I was referring to the clips that secure the GPU to the slot on the motherboard. I've snapped them off in the past.

Speaking of which, I did end up getting the EVGA GTX 980 Ti SC ACX 2.0+...which works perfectly in the PCIEX16_2 slot. Which is a good thing, because I did manage to snap the clip when removing my old 780 Ti from the 1st slot. The card was jammed up against the CPU cooler so tight that I couldn't get my fingers behind it to properly open the clip. Nor could I get my fingers behind it from underneath the card. Thus, yet another snapped clip. Good thing I don't need that slot. These mobo manufacturers really should plan more room for people to be able to get to stuff.

 

[clutchc]

Oh, you're referring to the slot latch. Yeah, they can be tricky sometimes. Especially certain designs. I like the ones with the wide finger tab that sticks out away from the slot on both sides.

 

[MelissaGT]

Oh, you're referring to the slot latch. Yeah, they can be tricky sometimes. Especially certain designs. I like the ones with the wide finger tab that sticks out away from the slot on both sides.

Yeah - I'd imagine I could use the slot if I really wanted to without the clip. After you screw the GPU to the case it sits in there pretty tight. But, I don't plan on running SLI so I should be fine.

Anyways, thanks for your help! Hopefully someone will come across this thread and get a similar question answered!

 

[Satrun9]

Oh, you're referring to the slot latch. Yeah, they can be tricky sometimes. Especially certain designs. I like the ones with the wide finger tab that sticks out away from the slot on both sides.

Yeah - I'd imagine I could use the slot if I really wanted to without the clip. After you screw the GPU to the case it sits in there pretty tight. But, I don't plan on running SLI so I should be fine.

Anyways, thanks for your help! Hopefully someone will come across this thread and get a similar question answered!

Yup, someone came looking for the exact same answer and found this thread very helpful! Thanks y'all!!