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, place a lower-profile card next to the CPU heatsink.
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Whenever possible, avoid placing cards so they block the graphics card heatsink and fan. This is
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especially important for graphics cards that require attaching the auxiliary power cable.
Install a card in a slot that most closely matches its interface technology:
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Install a PCIe Gen2 x16 or a PCIe Gen2 x8 card in the PCIe Gen2 x16 slot.
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Install a PCIe Gen1 x16 or a PCIe Gen1 x8 card in the PCIe Gen1 x16 slot.
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Install a PCIe Gen1 x4 card in the PCIe Gen1 x4 slot.
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Install a PCIe Gen1 x1 card in the PCIe Gen1 x1 slot.
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Install a PCI card in one of the PCI slots.
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Whenever possible, install a PCIe x1 card in an 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 an x16 card in an x4 slot,
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and an x4 card in an x1 slot.
An x1 connector supports an x1 card only. Although an 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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