Gtx 1080 compatible with msi z97 gaming 3?

[MoblietzS]

Hello guys, i have seen a lot of posts on the internet claiming that the gtx 1080 is compatible with a z97 gaming 3 motherboard, but gtx 1080's use 2 slots.

I'm sorry If i'm wrong I'm new with pc's. The MSI site claims this: 

Slots

• 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (PCI_E2, supports x16 speed)
• 1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slot (PCI_E4, supports x4 speed)*
• 2 x PCIe 2.0 x1 slots
• 3 x PCI slots

 

But, the gtx 1080 uses PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and uses 2 slots, and it says here that the MSI z97 gaming 3 has 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot.

Sorry if it's really stupid what I'm saying right now, but is this even compatible?

 

Thanks,

 

MoblietzS

[Crunchy Dragon]

You'll be just fine.

 

Higher end graphics cards take up 2 expansion slots on your case, and will cover usually at least one other, depending on your motherboard.

In the following picture, notice that the I/O bracket on the graphics card will take up two slots on your case. The graphics card itself will only use one PCIe slot on your motherboard.

 

[Darkseth]

To be precise, Graphic Card only use 1 Slot. However, the Cooler is usually so big, that the second Slot directly below can NOT be used anymore --> 2 Slots.

 

They don't mean for your Board to actually have 2 PCIe x16 Slots ^^

 

Before there is any misunderstanding in that regard

[MoblietzS]

Hello guys,

 

Thanks for the fast replies @Crunchy Dragon and @Darkseth. I really appreciate it, thank you so much. This really helped me with upgrading my pc, I understand it now!