Failed PCIe slot experiments

[64dimensions]

I have tried to (cheaply) increase the number of PCIe slots with the follow gizmo's and not succeeded using a ASUS Z87 MB:


1) PCI to PCIe converter

 http://www.ebay.com/itm/201547872916?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

The problem I've been having with this gizmo, is that it gets stuck in boot and the red MB CPU LED stays on. No messing around with the BIOS has helped.


2) One PCIe to 3 PCIe bridge.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PCI-e-Express-1X-3-Port-1X-Switch-Multiplier-HUB-Riser-Card-USB-Cable-1PC-/141865200790?tfrom=131820595198&tpos=top&ttype=coupon&talgo=undefined

Device manager in WIN7 shows that this thing is working. All three ports actually show up. The problem is that in plugging a GPU using a PCIe 1X to 16X  cable into this bridge, the GPU is invisble.

[joblo]

I have tried to (cheaply) increase the number of PCIe slots with the follow gizmo's and not succeeded using a ASUS Z87 MB:


1) PCI to PCIe converter

 http://www.ebay.com/itm/201547872916?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

The problem I've been having with this gizmo, is that it gets stuck in boot and the red MB CPU LED stays on. No messing around with the BIOS has helped.


2) One PCIe to 3 PCIe bridge.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PCI-e-Express-1X-3-Port-1X-Switch-Multiplier-HUB-Riser-Card-USB-Cable-1PC-/141865200790?tfrom=131820595198&tpos=top&ttype=coupon&talgo=undefined

Device manager in WIN7 shows that this thing is working. All three ports actually show up. The problem is that in plugging a GPU using a PCIe 1X to 16X  cable into this bridge, the GPU is invisble.

Forget trying to convert PCI to PCIe.

Given the slots are recongized by the OS and assuming no HW faults in the bridge or riser, power seems the most likely problem.
You must use powered risers. The host x1 slot may be limited to 25W where x16 can supply 75W. Even if the slot does support
75W that has to be shared with all three slots on the bridge.

You could try connecting the card directly to the MB and then through the riser to troubleshoot any potential HW issues with the card
or riser.

[adaseb]

That looks like a PCI-X instead of PCI

http://www.elnexus.com/articles/64-bit-pci.aspx