X1 - x16

[kitteh_]

I've seen drives, graphics cards, etc. on quiz apps. [i.e. PSU checks] when it has asked me whether my components are x1, x2, x3 through to x16.
I assume these are the speeds they run at but how do I know what mine are?
Thanks

 

[megamanx00]

I believe you are referring to the number of PCI-E lanes. The common numbers are 1x, 4x, 8x, and 16X. A 4x or 8x slot for a GPU may be like a 16x slot, but still only have 8 or 4 lanes.

 

[kitteh_]

I believe you are referring to the number of PCI-E lanes. The common numbers are 1x, 4x, 8x, and 16X. A 4x or 8x slot for a GPU may be like a 16x slot, but still only have 8 or 4 lanes.

What are the 'lanes'?

 

[megamanx00]

Just read this

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCI_Express

 

[kitteh_]

Bandwidth?
http://epolonnaruwa.com/images/pci-express-slots.gif