I've realized that my GPU is running at PCIe 4.0 x16 but only at x4 speeds. I'm using a B650M-HDV/M.2 motherboard and have a bulky CPU cooler that prevents me from mounting my 7800 XT in the primary PCIe x16 slot near the CPU, so it's installed in a different PCIe slot. How much performance am I potentially sacrificing by running it this way?
4 Answers
Sounds like you might want to double-check your cooler setup. It shouldn't block the top PCIe slot if it's ATX compliant. Generally, all components should be designed to fit together without issues. Have you looked into alternative cooler placements? Just a thought!
Honestly, without seeing it, it's hard to gauge exact performance loss, but at PCIe x4, you're likely throttling your GPU's capabilities. Definitely check GPU utilization, too—it's a great indicator!
Absolutely. If utilization is low, switching the GPU slot or cooler might be worth your time.
It’s strange that your case design starts with the second slot. That could be part of why you're having issues. If your case setup supports it, maybe you can look into optimizing your cooler orientation? It could all be related to airflow or mounting options.
Can you share a photo of your current setup? It’d help figure out what’s going on. Also, keep in mind the performance loss can vary based on the games you play, so monitoring your GPU utilization can give you a better idea of how much you're losing.
Definitely post a pic! I'd like to see how it all looks in action.
Yeah, ATX compliance isn’t always foolproof. Sometimes there are quirks with specific setups. Have you checked if moving the cooler could help?