timclyma
asked on
PCI & PCI Express: are they compatible?
Hi.
I'm looking to buy a new motherboard and need to know about the compatibility of PCI and PCI Express.
Will my existing PCI cards from my old PC work in PCI Express slots on a new motherboard?
Advice is much appreciated.
Cheers!
I'm looking to buy a new motherboard and need to know about the compatibility of PCI and PCI Express.
Will my existing PCI cards from my old PC work in PCI Express slots on a new motherboard?
Advice is much appreciated.
Cheers!
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According to Intel, unless I am reading this wrong that is not the case...
Form Factor Compatibility PCI Express connectors are similar in width to existing PCI connectors. In addition, they also share the same PCB dimensions, component height, and support existing ATX and server form factors. The PCI Express add-in cards follow the same height and length requirements as PCI, and utilize the same I/O bracket to secure cards to the chassis.
Though I agree with you lidsky that was my impression of what was going to happen becasue I know initially they were talking about PCI Express replacing PCI and not being compatible due to different slots. And yes the software will not be affected as all changes are on physical level...that was a plus of upgrading to PCI Express is that the OS or applications, etc....wouldn't need any special software or coinfiguration other than what a PCI card has now.
Form Factor Compatibility PCI Express connectors are similar in width to existing PCI connectors. In addition, they also share the same PCB dimensions, component height, and support existing ATX and server form factors. The PCI Express add-in cards follow the same height and length requirements as PCI, and utilize the same I/O bracket to secure cards to the chassis.
Though I agree with you lidsky that was my impression of what was going to happen becasue I know initially they were talking about PCI Express replacing PCI and not being compatible due to different slots. And yes the software will not be affected as all changes are on physical level...that was a plus of upgrading to PCI Express is that the OS or applications, etc....wouldn't need any special software or coinfiguration other than what a PCI card has now.
dis1931,
Please read that paragraph carefully.
"PCI Express connectors are similar in width to existing PCI connectors" - They're about the same size.
" they also share the same PCB dimensions, component height," - They don't take up any more room than PCI cards.
In other words slot spacing and card sizes won't change, so old cases can still be used. Motherboard size will remain the same.
No where does it say that the slots are electrically compatible.
Please read that paragraph carefully.
"PCI Express connectors are similar in width to existing PCI connectors" - They're about the same size.
" they also share the same PCB dimensions, component height," - They don't take up any more room than PCI cards.
In other words slot spacing and card sizes won't change, so old cases can still be used. Motherboard size will remain the same.
No where does it say that the slots are electrically compatible.
I guess you are right....it is tricky wording....and that makes more sense too
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http://support.intel.com/support/graphics/intel915g/sb/CS-012289.htm