PCIE Lanes Explanation

DefinitelyNotTom

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Jul 20, 2017
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I've never built a pc and am finding no help anywhere I ask about this.

I have no idea what the number of CPU PCIE lanes really even means, but.... all I know is the 8700 and 8700k say they have 16 and the 2700x says 24.

If a gpu and ssd take up 20, then 1. how would it even work properly on an intel? and 2. even on the ryzen it would leave 0 left, since it said 4 of its 24 are to connect to the mobo (or something like that.... like I said, I know nothing about this).

I am in a big mess. I already have non-returnable 32gb of trident z that is optimized for intel and not listed for any x470 mobo qvl I look at. But then if I go with intel it has less lanes and I read that someone couldn't get powerdirector to use his gpu because it kept wanting to use the igpu from intel, so either way I go I may run into issues. And I also have some gift certificates expiring in less than 2 hours and was hoping to buy a cpu, so now will have to find something else to buy since I have no clue on this situation.

my memory is samsung b die, but it's 15 CAS, not 14. What an annoying situation paying so much for 32gb at ridiculous prices and then realizing despite people claiming ryzen has its memory issues solved, people still say it doesn't and mine isn't listed anywhere. F4-3200C15D-32GTZKW.
 

asoroka

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Apr 19, 2009
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You don't really need to worry about PCie Lanes. You will not run out unless you intend to run multi-GPU config, even then it will still work.

You need to look at your motherboard and how it uses the PCIE lanes as you are at their mercy.

In an ATX motherboard you can expect 3 large slots an 2 or 3 small slots.

Typically the first big slot will get 16 lanes if nothing is in the second slot. If there is something in the second large slot then they will get 8 lanes each.
The third slot will typically get 4 lanes (that wil be shared with the m.2 slot).

The small lots will get one lane each.

The remainder will be used for your sata disks etc.

Just keeping it simple and non-technical.

Your memory is DDR4 standard 3200 DDR4 1.35V DRAM. It can work with an X470 chipset.

Just look for a motherboard that can support 3200 DRAM otherwise you will just have to drive it at a slower clock.
 

DefinitelyNotTom

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It's not as simple as them accepting 3200 RAM. For amd cpus, some 3200 will work properly and some won't, and it's not a good sign when the motherboard websites list compatible memory and mine isn't listed.

And now I read the compatible gpu list for powerdirector and it doesn't list amd rx cards or nvidea 10xx cards. lol. So every item I thought about buying has unresolved issues and I have only 45 minutes to use these gift certificates. I may just buy anything that is returnable and return them to get new gift card money.
 

DefinitelyNotTom

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That's what I have heard from some, but it just makes me nervous when it's not listed.

And if I go with intel instead... I hate to go ahead and buy only a few months before probably an 8 core mainstream one form them. I can't keep putting it off forever, though. I started buying parts last November. lol.
 

DefinitelyNotTom

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But that doesn't mean every kit will work well. I am pretty sure I've read where some people still have problems.

I'm really leaning towards getting 9th gen intel. Only problem is, besides waiting, look what happened last year with 8th gen.... the prices were crazily above MSRP for months. So I'd be paying with both time and money if I go that route.