Question about PCI-e

[djboy6480]

Hello,
Is it possible to split a PCI-e x16 into 4x PCI-e x4? Because I have some old hardware and I want to build it to a 8Gb/s FC Switch.
Dual FC Controller cost about 4€, so it is cheap as hell.

Thx for your answers in advance :)

[TheRandomness]

It's possible but the riser you need is quite expensive. 

[RollinLower]

Yeah this is possible. mining rigs use simmilar PCIe risers for those multi gpu setups. 

I have no idea where to get one of those though

[Space Reptile]

a quick google found this

http://amfeltec.com/products/flexible-x4-pci-express-4-way-splitter/

[TheRandomness]

19 minutes ago, RollinLower said:

Yeah this is possible. mining rigs use simmilar PCIe risers for those multi gpu setups. 

I have no idea where to get one of those though

He means a single x16 to 4 x4 splitter. Not a single x4 to x16 riser. 

14 minutes ago, Space Reptile said:

a quick google found this

http://amfeltec.com/products/flexible-x4-pci-express-4-way-splitter/

Like that. 

[mariushm]

Something like what you want would be fairly expensive, because the pci express switch IC would cost something like 30-50$ in small volume. The card itself, the connectors, the small x4 slots with their connectors would also add money to the total BOM, then add profits and distributor costs and profit for shop if you don't buy directly from manufacturer.

Cheap stuff should be $100-200 ... there's also higher end stuff, for low latency audio and stuff like that for something like $1500 for 7 slot pci-e x8 : http://www.cyclone.com/products/expansion_systems/600-2705.php

 

[legopc]

You want to build a FC switch. Wait, what? Why? How? Why? What?

[djboy6480]

On 14.11.2016 at 10:46 AM, Space Reptile said:

a quick google found this

http://amfeltec.com/products/flexible-x4-pci-express-4-way-splitter/

I have see this page but you can be sure the this is enterprise stuff because they dont tell you what is costs. And it will be expensive as hell.

[Mark77]

Yeah sounds like you'd need a PLX chip.  Really, how much FC stuff can you possibly have anyways?