PCI-E 8x limitations

[Kryptoxian]

Hello,

Ive got a Dell SC430, which is supposed to be a small business server. It doesnt come with a PCI-E 16x slot, or an AGP slot, but it does come with a PCI-E 8x slot, thats strangely large enough to fit a 16x card. Ive found a way to modify the slot, by using a hot scalpel to melt out the two small dividers that prohibit the use of graphics cards. I know for sure that this works, as I had a 6600gt working in there a few months ago, but now ive bought an XFX Geforce 7900gt Extreme Edition card for it, and I want to know what kind of limitations the 8x speed will have on the newer cards performance.

 

[Sniper]

I think it probably wont make much difference but it all depends on the computer specifications best to give it a try and see.

 

[Kryptoxian]

Just incase anybody else has this problem in the future, on this particular motherboard ive found that the 8x port is not compatible with graphics adaptors. Any attempt to install drivers will lead to a BSOD, "NMI: Parity check/ memory parity error". It appears that windows is unable to recognize the card in this port, as the supplied driver cd says it is unable to identify the card as an XFX card. Ive had to modify the PCI-E 4x slot, but it seems to be working fine straight off the bat. Im playing F.E.A.R with all settings at max including anti-aliasing and its running smooth with no errors or anything, so I dont think the 4x slot is too much of a limitation for gaming.