5 helpful PC upgrades to plug into your unused PCIe slots

1. PCIe graphics playing cards

When you have a desktop PC with at the least an mATX motherboard or bigger, chances are high you’ve gotten entry to a number of PCIe slots.

In that case, the highest slot possible runs at PCIe x16, which means 16 information lanes, which is good for high-bandwidth add-ins like a graphics card. And when you have a second slot, it possible runs at PCIe x8. That’s half the pace, and that’s why the highest slot ought to at all times get your GPU. Some smaller PCIe slots run at x1 or x4, and these are meant for low-bandwidth add-in playing cards (see beneath).

However everybody already has a graphics card, proper? Actually, the one PCIe add-in that most individuals find out about is the graphics card, to the diploma that some even consider the PCIe slot is solely for GPUs.

There was a time when multi-GPU setups have been the subsequent huge factor for gaming, however these have been defunct for some time now. Nvidia’s SLI tech for linking collectively GPUs is now not supported.

However that doesn’t imply you may’t make the most of a second high-performance GPU in your PC for different, non-gaming functions. Graphics and 3D apps, along with video enhancing software program like DaVinci Resolve, can successfully use a couple of GPU for boosted efficiency.

Certainly, resource-intensive duties are one of the best use case for a number of GPUs now. However for gaming or streaming, don’t even take into consideration throwing in a second GPU. You would possibly suppose extra is merrier, however it normally causes extra bother than it’s value, to not point out the additional area and PCIe slots taken from different potential PCIe add-ins.

For those who do resolve so as to add a second GPU to your system, there are some necessary caveats to concentrate on. For starters, on most ATX motherboards, having two GPUs will possible trigger each to solely run at x8 speeds max, even when plugged into x16 slots. Just a few choose workstation or high-end fashions can do extra.

Furthermore, when you have two GPUs for video enhancing or 3D rendering, maintain a cautious eye on thermals. With GPU coolers being so massive as of late to accommodate their highly effective efficiency, a blower-style strategy could also be finest for multi-GPU setups. The highest GPU is at most threat of decreased airflow, which may result in overheating with insufficient airflow.

For those who water cool your GPUs, you then would possibly even be capable to transcend two GPUs — in case your motherboard helps it. Some apps can reap the benefits of two or extra GPUs, and the thinner type issue plus water-cooled warmth dissipation reduce overheating threat.