Choosing An Expansion Card Slot - HP Z400 Maintenance And Service Manual

Choosing an expansion card slot

Whenever possible, use the following tips to help you select the proper slot for an expansion card:
Insert the primary graphics card in a PCIe x16 slot intended for graphics.
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Insert a second graphics card in a second PCIe x16 slot intended for a secondary graphics card.
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Install full-length cards in slots that support full-length cards.
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For optimal cooling and acoustics do not insert a card next to a graphics card to avoid blocking
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the graphics card heatsink and fan. This is especially important for a card that requires an
auxiliary power cable. For best results, choose a lower profile card to place next to the heatsink
and fan.
Install a card in a slot that most closely matches its interface technology:
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Install a PCIe Gen2 x8 card in a PCIe Gen2 x8 slot.
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Install a PCIe Gen1 x8 card in a PCIe Gen1 x8 slot.
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Install a PCIe Gen1 x4 card in a PCIe Gen1 x4 slot.
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Install a PCIe Gen1 x1 card in a PCIe Gen1 x1 slot.
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Install a PCI card in a PCI slot.
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Whenever possible, install a PCIe x1 card in a x1 slot.
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Leave as much space as possible between cards.
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For best operational efficiency, select a slot that:
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Electrically matches the number of PCIe card lanes (e.g., x4 in a x4 slot).
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Has more lanes electrically.
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Has fewer lanes, but is closer to your needs. For example, place a x16 card in a x8 slot, and
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a x8 card in a a x4 slot.
A x1 connector supports a x1 card only. Although, a x1 card can be inserted into any slot, this
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may waste the potential for future card placement.
Install cards that require internal cable connections so that the cables are organized and have the
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least amount of strain on them. Some cables may be routed under, rather than over the other
expansion cards.
To prevent electromagnetic interference, avoid installing a card with external cable connections
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next to a graphics card.
ENWW
Removing and installing components
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