PCI-E x 16 and the graph and its future

**PAPRIKA** · 23-02-2009

Is the PCI-Express X16 it is only for cg? Some cards offer 2 (or 3) port PCI-E X16 they are only for cg (eg "crossfire"), in other words, if I have a 2 cm with pci-e X16, and can I use only one pci-e, can I use another port for anything other than graphics?

Can we imagine that these ports can be used for other cards, becoming a new standard pci "classic"? ports pci classic will disappear, the Pci-e will replace them, but by which the PCI-E x 1 or X4, or pci-e X16?

Thanks

**EDRIC** · 23-02-2009

So to answer your questions the first PCI-e can be used for other cards that the CG such as sound cards or networks. Then the PCI will be effectively replaced by the PCI-e but no matter X1 X4. simply means that the speed of the ports, there may be several types of PCI-e on a CM. and finally the PCI-e is likely to follow the same path as its predecessor.

**Marco-D** · 23-02-2009

We can say that yes, the PCI-E 16x is mainly for video cards because it must face the evidence, these are the cards that have the greatest need of all this flow. Whether a network card, sound card, or I do not know what, none need all that, and a PCI-E 1x is often already oversize (not for nothing that the PCI-E other than cards are rare videos). After the Schluch said. The PCI-E is such either 1x - 4 x or 16x. Also a 1x or 4x card works perfectly on a port 16x .. and technically the reverse is even possible. In fact, the PCI-Express is defined by lines of flow. 1x means that there is a single line used? 4x => 4 lines etc. When you plug in a card it automatically negotiates the number of lines needed with the controller and the controller gives according to his abilities. So eventually the single PCI should be replaced by the PCI-E .. in general. And it could very well consider maps having only 16x ports even if it part 1 or 2 cards in addition to 1x video card.

**Joachim** · 23-02-2009

Today have multiple ports 16x is used primarily for the SLI or Crossfire video card, but nothing prevent to put another type of card on the second port 16x. But general seen that there is always at least one other port 1x or 4x as much use as there before to block the second port 16x.