PCIe x16 slot -- Operating @ 4x

K

Kastang

Geek Trainee
I have an ASROCK motherboard, It has an AGP slot on it now, which I am currently using, and a PCIe x16 slot on it. I am currently looking to upgrade my graphics card to something a little more powerful (Not 100% sure what yet). On all the reviews of my motherboard, it says that the x16 slot only will operate at 4x... Will I notice a huge difference between the two? Should I get another monterboard that has a *true* 16x slot on it?

The only video games I play are WoW, Steam (CS/CZ/CSS)


My computer specs can be found @ the link below.

http://www.hardwareforums.com/summer-upgrade-18553/
 
Well, PCIe @ 4x offers 2GB/s bandwidth. AGP 8x offers 2.1GB/s.

While, yes, a true PCIe x16 slot would be better, your available bandwidth will be about on par with what your AGP slot has.
 
Big B said:
Well, PCIe @ 4x offers 2GB/s bandwidth. AGP 8x offers 2.1GB/s.

While, yes, a true PCIe x16 slot would be better, your available bandwidth will be about on par with what your AGP slot has.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the information, Im not too much informed when it comes to Bandwidth on different slots - But lets say that I buy a newer card, Some where inbetween the 150-200 dollar range (Possible a Radeon X1950 or NVidia 8600), If I used that card would I notice an improvement, or will the new card produce too much bandwidth for the slot to handle.. And I would end up with mininal growth in performance?

Also, currently I have 2 17" monitors, When I get my new video card, I am planning on keeping my AGP card in and using the new card for my 20.1 inch monitor I am getting.. I am going to have it arranged like "17 - 20.1 - 17" I am able to use a PCIe and AGP slot at the same time, correct?

Also, Big B do you have a suggestion on a card I should get between the 150-200 dollar range.. If I have to end up getting a new motherboard (which really isnt a big issed) I will probably have to knock the video card price down closer to 150 and/or I might get a 19" monitor rather then a 20.1" monitor.
 
ASROCK, I don't trust cheap boards personally... you want a propper gigabyte/asus/MSI one

my 1st choice is and always will be a gigabyte board
 
I took a curious look at one of those ASrock hybrid mobos as well, but then I got thrown back by the PCIe x4 thing. I agree with Big B that x16 would be better, if only for the fact that you've got a lot more headroom and if you're going for a x1950 or 8600 - you'll need that performance space. That x4 slot of yours might not simply be able to use all the performance available due to the lack of bandwidth.

note: correct me if I'm wrong, but if a x4 PCIe is approx the same as AGP x8, the only difference then would be that a card inserted into the PCIe x4 slot wouldn't need a external power connector (as long as it's not 8800ish) as it would if it were a AGP x8 version.
 
Yes and no. PCIe natively offers more juice than AGP, so a card can require extra power in AGP form, yet not in PCIe. However, if it requires more juice than PCIe can provide, it will still require the power connectors to be plugged in. If you see a power connector on your video card, chances are, it's there for a reason, not just looks.
 
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