What can I put in these extra PCI slots (ASRock 970)

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Vanswer

Vanswer

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Jun 24, 2015
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Hi everyone,

I finished building my first pc about six months ago, and really enjoyed it. So much so, that I want to do it again! But since I don't have a money tree, I though I could scratch this itch by adding some bells and whistles onto my rig.

Enter PCI slots. x1, x4, x8, M.2... Officially confused! Could someone please give me a list of what kinds of components could go in these various places and perhaps some recommendations on their usefulness? Gaming is the main purpose here.

Any feedback is appreciated!

CPU: AMD FX-8320 @ 4.2 GHz 1.3375v
CPU Cooler: CoolerMaster Hyper 212 EVO
Motherboard: AsRock Fatal1ty 970 Performace
GPU: Gigabyte G1 Gaming GTX 970 +150 core/+200 memory
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport 4x2 (8GB) 1600 MHz CL9
PSU: EVGA 600W 80+Bronze
SSD: OCZ 240GB Arc 100
HDD: WD Blue 1TB 7200rpm
ODD: Samsung 24x DVD R/W
OS: Windows 7
Case: Corsair Carbide 200r
Intake Case Fans: 2x 120mm Corsair SP Quiet Edition ( Front, Bottom)
Exhaust Case Fans: 120mm Corsair AF Quiet Edition (Rear), 120mm Corsair Stock fan (top)
Monitor: ASUS 24" VG248QE 144MHz 1ms response time (DVI-D cable)

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gilbadon

gilbadon

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Jun 16, 2008
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Well, there is some confusion here, but not a ton.

PCI x1. x4. and x8 slots are typically found on the motherboard and take in parts like SSD's, sound cards, wireless (wifi) cards, extra USB ports (3.0, type C, 3.1 etc), and much more.

M.2 ports are for 2 things depending on the technology. Yours is probably for storage but some for smaller platforms hold wifi or network cards for wireless computing.
Typically in desktops they are used to put in M.2 style SSD's which are very fast.

There are two types of M.2 ports. PCI-E based and SATA based. PCI-E is much faster but is a recent technology and most boards do not use it yet. It comes in x1, x4, and x8 variants. SATA M.2 is more likely and uses the same technology as a standard sata port to transfer data.
 
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