First build - Can I use the 2nd PCI-e slot 1st?

hagakure_s81 · Jan 14, 2017

Hi guys & girls,

Another noob question here

I'm up to installing my graphics card (Palit GTX 1070) onto the motherboard (Z270-AR), and I'm wondering: can I use the 2nd (down from CPU) PCI-e slot for the single GPU?
The motherboard manual states them all as being 16x1 slots, and I know that if I had 2 GPU's (which I don't) they would be 8x1 + 8x1 regardless. But the manual doesn't say I should use the top slot first... The only indicator I have is that the top slot is coloured grey while the other 2 are coloured black. For the RAM the manual said to use the grey RAM slots first.

Can anyone advise?

Herc08 · Jan 14, 2017

You always want to use the top one..why? It's more speed and more effiicent. Also, there is clearance by using the top which will create better airflow. Why would you want to use the 2nd one? Is there a reason?

hagakure_s81 · Jan 14, 2017

Herc08 :

//update: I think the manual is actually recommending the top slot after all, even though it seems all 3 slots are 16x - my mistake.

As to your question, I just thought it would have better airflow not just for itself but the cpu cooler as the fins of the cooler bottom edge would be close to the backplate of the graphics card. The only other (slight) consideration, was asthetics as it seems kinda everything is crammed up in the top side of the motherboard. But from your point of view more space under the card is better airflow for the actual grpahics cards fans - I get that.

Top slot it is, thank you.

Herc08 · Jan 14, 2017

hagakure_s81 :

Herc08 :

//update: I think the manual is actually recommending the top slot after all, even though it seems all 3 slots are 16x - my mistake.

As to your question, I just thought it would have better airflow not just for itself but the cpu cooler as the fins of the cooler bottom edge would be close to the backplate of the graphics card. The only other (slight) consideration, was asthetics as it seems kinda everything is crammed up in the top side of the motherboard. But from your point of view more space under the card is better airflow for the actual grpahics cards fans - I get that.

Top slot it is, thank you.

No worries, the top slot is always prefer, and CPU cooler makers know that.

hagakure_s81 · Jan 14, 2017

Herc08 :

A good point!

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