Which PCI-E slot for my gtx 970 (z97-e)

[trexiic]

Hi, sorry for my bad English, I speak French.

 

I have an Asus Z97-E motherboard and I'll soon add a GTX 970. There are many cable on the bottom on my motherboard (Audio, USB, etc...) and installing my GPU in the bottom PCI-E slot would hide all of them. I've heard many times that the top PCI-E is faster, but is it true with all motherboards and all GPUs? Thanks!

[Weak1ings]

It is generally true but you can put it on the bottom as it supports x16 in both slots (and x8 in dual/SLI/Crossfire)

 

You'll be fine but i'd rather have my GPU up higher as it'll get more air.

[SleathX1]

The top one!

[MegaDave91]

Try it and check the generation and bandwidth the card is receiving via Nvidia control panel. 

[trexiic]

Hum, 2 answers, both different...

 

 

It is generally true but you can put it on the bottom as it supports x16 in both slots (and x8 in dual/SLI/Crossfire)

 

You'll be fine but i'd rather have my GPU up higher as it'll get more air.

 

Will it get significantly hotter? I don't plan on overclocking them anyways.

 

 

The top one!

 

Why?

 

 

 

Thanks!

[trexiic]

Try it and check the gen and bandwidth the card is receiving via Nvidia control panel. 

 

Good idea! If some people says the slot matters and others don't, I'll do that to make sure. But if everyone agrees that I should put it in the top slot, then I won't waste my time by plugging and unplugging my gpu multiple times.

[runit3]

Good idea! If some people says the slot matters and others don't, I'll do that to make sure. But if everyone agrees that I should put it in the top slot, then I won't waste my time by plugging and unplugging my gpu multiple times.

Always best to consult the manual that came with your Motherboard, it's there for a reason.

Put it in either of the circled slots. Both should run the card at PCIe 3.0 x16, assuming you do not have any other peripherals plugged in to any of the other slots.

[trexiic]

Always best to consult the manual that came with your Motherboard, it's there for a reason.

manual.JPG

Put it in either of the circled slots. Both should run the card at PCIe 3.0 x16, assuming you do not have any other peripherals plugged in to any of the other slots.

I don't have any other peripherals plugged in to any of the other slots.

And yes, I've read the manual, but I don't know what PCIe 2.0/3.0 x1/x16 etc mean and do, so it doesn't really help lol.

 

Thanks! I now know I can plug it to the Slot #5, my case will look waaaaayyy cleaner 

[runit3]

I don't have any other peripherals plugged in to any of the other slots.

And yes, I've read the manual, but I don't know what PCIe 2.0/3.0 x1/x16 etc mean and do, so it doesn't really help lol.

 

Thanks! I now know I can plug it to the Slot #5, my case will look waaaaayyy cleaner 

That should help

[trexiic]

Thanks! 

I'll make sure to check out Techquickie/LinusTechTips videos before asking already answered questions next time 

[runit3]

Thanks! 

I'll make sure to check out Techquickie/LinusTechTips videos before asking already answered questions next time 

Ask away, that's why the forum is here. For this particular question you wouldn't have gotten a 100% accurate answer unless we looked at the manual. First time I've ever seen the Z97-E mentioned. I had no idea any board manufacturer was still putting PCI slots onto Z97's. Learn something new every day.

[trexiic]

Ask away, that's why the forum is here. For this particular question you wouldn't have gotten a 100% accurate answer unless we looked at the manual. First time I've ever seen the Z97-E mentioned. I had no idea any board manufacturer was still putting PCI slots onto Z97's. Learn something new every day.

Is it a bad thing or a good thing?

[runit3]

Is it a bad thing or a good thing?

Neither, just an odd thing to see as most boards now only come with PCIe slots of various bandwidths. PCI slots are generally used for older hardware adapters like serial ports. Could be a good thing if you have a really old business grade printer lying around. I've dealt with my fare share of "I want a new PC, but need my 10 year old amazing printer to keep running".