MOBO H110 Chipset - PCIe spec question

Thanks to you both, I guess I don't understand "Expansion Options" vs "i/o specifications" on Intel's site. So basically, it IS a 3.0x16 slot? And if I put a PCI-E 3.0 card in there, it won't be dummed down to PCI-E 2.0?

Not sure about that. Go to the link.

Yes, under "I/O Speifications", it lists Supported Processor PCI Express Port Revision = 3. But, if you click on "Supported Processor PCI Express Port Revision", it reports..."Note: The processor's actual PCI express revision will be determined or limited by the value of this chipset attribute, even if the processor is designed to a higher revision." I decided to keep on digging...



Maybe. Intel makes it sound like it doesn't matter though. The more I thought about this and read about it though, I feel like you're right here. As the chipset wiki reports: " In newer processors integration has further increased, primarily inclusion of the system's primary PCIe controller and integrated graphics directly on the CPU itself. As fewer functions are left un-handled by the processor, chipset vendors have condensed the remaining northbridge and southbridge functions into a single chip. Intel's version of this is the "Platform Controller Hub" (PCH), effectively an enhanced southbridge for the remaining peripherals as traditional northbridge duties, such as memory controller, expansion bus (PCIe) interface (though the chipset often contains secondary PCIe connections), and even on-board video controller, are integrated into the CPU itself. However, the Platform Controller Hub was also integrated into the processor for certain models of Intel's Skylake processors."

I feel like this contradicts Intel's website though...That PCIE graphics would be v3.0 but another PCIE device (non-GPU) would be controlled by this chipset at v2.0.




This link you provided actually reports that it's 2.0x6. I finally just decided to reach out to Intel. This is the response from them:

Hello,

I understand you have an inquiry about PCI Express support on Intel H110 chipset.

The PCI Express information that is under “Expansion Options” means the chipset supports PCI Express 2.0. The I/O Specifications regarding PCI Express mean the chipset can work with CPUs that support PCI Express 3.0, but the CPU will work at the PCI Express 2.0 speed. Basically the PCI Express 3.0 features of the processor will be downgraded to PCI Express 2.0. This is the only Skylake chipset that supports PCI Express 2.0. all of the other Skylake chipsets support PCI Express 3.0. You can confirm that on Table 1-2 which is on page 21 on this document http://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/public/us/en/documents/datasheets/100-series-chipset-datasheet-vol-1.pdf

Probably the motherboard you found that claims PCI Express 3.0 support may be using a Skylake chipset that is not the Intel H110 chipset.

Let me know if you have or not any other inquiry.

Best regards,

Fred
Intel Customer Support

I guess there isn't one if we all just want to assume that Intel's customer support is right and everyone else was wrong. Including MSI for reporting this board is PCIE 3.0 x16

I think the real question could be: Is the CPU really able to integrate a separate bus of PCIE lanes when a graphics card is installed? Even though Intel themselves say no. Guess the real test would be to get the board, install a system on it, and benchmark PCIE cards. I'm not about to pay for that experiment though.

They said the CPU is capable, but that it would operate at PCIE 2.0 because of the chipset. I posted it above, in my first response today...

"The PCI Express information that is under “Expansion Options” means the chipset supports PCI Express 2.0. The I/O Specifications regarding PCI Express mean the chipset can work with CPUs that support PCI Express 3.0, but the CPU will work at the PCI Express 2.0 speed. Basically the PCI Express 3.0 features of the processor will be downgraded to PCI Express 2.0."

Directly from Intel support staff.

I actually went with a different board days ago, but the whole question over this compatibility issue just WOULD NOT CLICK for me. It's been absolutely bugging the crap out of me ever since. Thank you for the article. I will try to get confirmation from Intel before picking a solution...

Hello,

The motherboard itself may have PCI Express slots dedicated to video cards. Those PCI Express slots are directly connected to the CPU, and can be used for graphics cards only. The motherboard may have other PCI Express slots that can be used for expansion slots, but it depends on how the motherboard manufacturer built the motherboard itself. The best option would be contacting the motherboard manufacturer and asking them if there is or not any PCI Express slot that is directly connected to the CPU PCI Express lanes. If there is any then you should be able to take advantage of the PCI Express 3.0 speed of the CPU.

Let me know if you have or not any other inquiry.

Best regards,

Fred
Intel Customer Support


That makes sense. Looks like it depends. One would have to trust the manufacturer over what the PCI-E slot is directly connected to.