PCIe x16 graphics slots on new computers?

darren2385

Hello

I wonder if anybody knows...

Is PCIe x16 slot on a motherboard the *best* slot for graphics cards?

I am looking to buy a PC from Dixons but after phoning them cannot find out what motherboard is in the system - is it likely to have a PCIe x16 slot inside?

-TangleFoot-

Which PC were you planning on buying?

Money_Grabber13579

darren2385 wrote: »

Hello

I wonder if anybody knows...

Is PCIe x16 slot on a motherboard the *best* slot for graphics cards?

I am looking to buy a PC from Dixons but after phoning them cannot find out what motherboard is in the system - is it likely to have a PCIe x16 slot inside?

As per usual, no one seems to know what motherboard they put in the computers! I had the same problem and I even got in contact with the manufacturer, and they didn't know either!:rolleyes:

shevavironx

It depends very much on the Motherboard Manufacture and model as to what PCIe slots you have and if they are 16x, 8x 4, etc and also if you intend to run dual,triple quad cards in crossfire or SLI mode.

16x is the standard you would expect for current graphics cards used on their own - Meaning a single card with either single or dual GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) on them.

As a rule of thumb you should always use the fastest PCIe slot available to you for graphics but that might mean a bit of reorganising of the other items of hardware in your PC case or even looking at purchasing a different one. It is also vitally important that you have the correct power connectors on your PSU (power supply Unit) and that it is sufficiently powerful enough (More is always better, but go for quality over cheap always!)

I would suggest you clarify the question a bit more if you want and I can try and give you a more concise answer to the specifics but you are correct in saying that normally you would always use the 16x PCIe slot for the primary graphics card, even if you plan on using more than one.

I would ask for the Manufacture and model and maybe look directly on their website for information or email their customer support who may be able to clarify it. I would imagine seeing as it is a prebuild system then the GFX card would be fitted in the primary PCIe slot which should always be the fastest on the motherboard any way.

Have you considered building your own system so you specify the quality of the components used? Have more of a choice in planning it and the size and upgrade-ability of it?

JasX

darren2385 wrote: »

Hello

I wonder if anybody knows...

Is PCIe x16 slot on a motherboard the *best* slot for graphics cards?

I am looking to buy a PC from Dixons but after phoning them cannot find out what motherboard is in the system - is it likely to have a PCIe x16 slot inside?

the high street is generally one place to gurantee you get v poor value for money when buying a PC, is this one a particularly good deal? have you looked at say getting one from dell (if budget is up to £500-600) or self building (budgets of £800+)?

if you could post a link to this dixons one you'll probably find
1-we're in a much better position to tell you what is on the motherboard
2-probably find you a much more powerful machine for your money by avoiding dixons.....

Oneday77

JasX wrote: »

the high street is generally one place to gurantee you get v poor value for money when buying a PC, is this one a particularly good deal? have you looked at say getting one from dell (if budget is up to £500-600) or self building (budgets of £800+)?

if you could post a link to this dixons one you'll probably find
1-we're in a much better position to tell you what is on the motherboard
2-probably find you a much more powerful machine for your money by avoiding dixons.....

Jas self building budget of £800:eek: are you mad lol £600 wil get a very good machine built with a monitor, £500 without.
I do agree though post a link for what Dixons.co.uk is offering, remember they are internet only now.
Also PCIe slots come in 3 physical sizes or is it 4. 1x, 4x & 8x/16x. 1x & 4x are useless for graphics cards.

timmmers

Who is internet only ? I walked past Dixons yesterday. A good idea walking past there too..or any place selling machines that they don't know the major components of.

t

BillScarab

I though Dixons were online only now and that all the old Dixons stores were now Currys Digital.

You can build a decent machine for a lot less than £600 if you alreyd have a monitor, keyboard and mouse.

In the current PC Format they built a decent machine with a DX11 graphics card for £342, although that was without an OS.

JasX

Oneday77 wrote: »

Jas self building budget of £800:eek: are you mad lol £600 wil get a very good machine built with a monitor, £500 without.
I do agree though post a link for what Dixons.co.uk is offering, remember they are internet only now.
Also PCIe slots come in 3 physical sizes or is it 4. 1x, 4x & 8x/16x. 1x & 4x are useless for graphics cards.

Only because generally below £800 for mid range machines I've not seen you getting 'that much' better value from a self build.... and if OP was going to shop in dixons I suspect a mid range self build might be more hassle than its worth for them

Oneday77

timmmers wrote: »

Who is internet only ? I walked past Dixons yesterday. A good idea walking past there too..or any place selling machines that they don't know the major components of.

t

You should have gone to Specsavers. Dixons left the high street over 3 years ago now. There maybe a Currys.Digital but no Dixons. Even the parent company rebranded to DSGi Plc rather than Dixons Stores Group.
Jas fair point & Bill I did say £600 included a monitor