Asus Striker Ext (2x8800gtx) will I lose 3rd PCIe16 slot?

[peachy]

Hello,

I'm not too sure (I'm not that technical, still learning ) if I install 2 x 8800gtx cards will the third pci e 16 slot still be available for me to use? I found the following explanation but it doesn't clarify (is middle slot now not useable?)

'ASUS outfitted the board with three PCI Express x16 slots. The two outer slots are used in SLI mode with NVIDIA graphics cards. I tried installing two 8800GTX cards to see how the fit was. The cards fit without issue, as the space between the two slots allows for easy airflow in the case.'

Any help appreciated (I'd only get one card to start....but looking at possible future upgrade).

THANKS :?

 

[Xazax310]

yes havent u seen the mobo pics? the 3rd PCI-E is quite a ways down, however you will lose fuction of both PCI slots if u do SLI and another GFX card

 

[Newf]

The 680 chipset uses 46 PCI-E lanes. Electrically all slots are available for use. Physically it depends on the cards you put in them.

 

[outlw6669]

The 3 16x slots are for 3 card crossfire.

http://ati.amd.com/technology/crossfire/physics/index.html

As of yet, Nvidia only suports 2 card sli, but I hear they are working on expanding that.

You should still be able to support a third Nvidia card with out sli.
The only thing it would be good for, though, would be a 6 display desktop.

 

[Xazax310]

or phyics render with the 3rd GPU :roll: