putting a 32bit PCI card in a 64bit slot?

musicman_ace · 09-23-2005, 01:14 AM

Fairly simple question. Can I plug a 32bit PCI video card into one of my motherboards 64bit PCI slots? Is there any risks?

Deih_Ahs · 09-23-2005, 08:55 AM

There shouldn't be a problem as a 32-bit card has 124-pin physical structure and a 64-bit has 184-pins. A 64-bit card can generally fit into a 32-bit slot as well, as long as features on the motherboard do not interfere. However, a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link, therefore the data bus will only support 32bit data to that card in both scenarios.

Hope this helps,
Cheers

musicman_ace · 10-04-2005, 07:57 PM

Sorry for the late reply. It did work. I didn't have any 64bit PCI cards, so having that loss of bandwidth really wasn't an issue. I just wanted to make sure that I wouldn't burn up the PCI cards or the motherboard if I stuck the 32bit cards into the 64bit slot. Anyways, Thanks for the help, my server is working fairly well.