5 helpful PC upgrades in your unused PCIe slots

1. PCIe graphics playing cards

In case you have a desktop PC with at the least an mATX motherboard or bigger, likelihood is you’ve gotten entry to a number of PCIe slots.

If that’s the case, the highest slot seemingly runs at PCIe x16, that means 16 information lanes, which is good for high-bandwidth add-ins like a graphics card. And in case you have a second slot, it seemingly runs at PCIe x8. That’s half the velocity, 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 under).

However everybody already has a graphics card, proper? The truth is, the one PCIe add-in that most individuals learn about is the graphics card, to the diploma that some even imagine 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 may suppose extra is merrier, however it normally causes extra hassle than it’s price, to not point out the additional area and PCIe slots taken from different potential PCIe add-ins.

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

Furthermore, in case 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 method could also be greatest for multi-GPU setups. The highest GPU is at most threat of decreased airflow, which might result in overheating with insufficient airflow.

For those who water cool your GPUs, then you definitely may even be capable of transcend two GPUs — in case your motherboard helps it. Some apps can make the most of two or extra GPUs, and the thinner kind issue plus water-cooled warmth dissipation decrease overheating threat.