Litecoin: 1x to 16x PCI-E extenders, CPU question

[Gazylion]

Also do you think it's a better idea to get a CPU/mobo with integrated graphics, or is it okay to use one of the mining GPUs for video? (this would be a dedicated mining rig... it would just be sitting there with a terminal running cgminer)

For my latest build I picked up an AMD APU to power the monitor instead of off the gpu or integrated graphics. $43 for the APU, just needs to be set as default display in BIOS. The only problem with this is you are more limited with the mobos available, most only have 2 pci x16 because of the APU slot, but mine also has 3 PCI x1 slots.

Best mobo for APU is ASRock A55DEL 5 x PCI-E for under $70


And btw You don't have to use powered risers even for 6 GPUs if your mobo has power port next to PCI-E (6PIN usually. I have MSI 990FXA-GD65 with 6 GPUs, no problems at all.

[hoplouie]

I will going up to 5 cards on my Gigabyte 990fx-UD5 (it doesn't have a 6pin connector like that MSI board, *nifty*)

I've read that 6 pin connectors will supply 75w while the 6+2 pin connectors will supply125w for a total of 225 watts to the card. I'm using gigabyte 9750's.. I read on the AMD site that they draw 200W a piece.

Why would I need powered risers when a LEPA G 1600w PSU will be in place? That's enough power for 5 cards and 300w to spare.

[Anazha]

Also do you think it's a better idea to get a CPU/mobo with integrated graphics, or is it okay to use one of the mining GPUs for video? (this would be a dedicated mining rig... it would just be sitting there with a terminal running cgminer)

For my latest build I picked up an AMD APU to power the monitor instead of off the gpu or integrated graphics. $43 for the APU, just needs to be set as default display in BIOS. The only problem with this is you are more limited with the mobos available, most only have 2 pci x16 because of the APU slot, but mine also has 3 PCI x1 slots.

Best mobo for APU is ASRock A55DEL 5 x PCI-E for under $70


http://pl.msi.com/pic/product/five_pictures1_2401_20110531112823.jpg

I've heard of a lot of problems with asrock, I try to avoid them. I got lucky and got an open box deal on a gigabyte FM1 socket for $65. But no 6 pin. http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128515

[demigo]

...

And btw You don't have to use powered risers even for 6 GPUs if your mobo has power port next to PCI-E (6PIN usually. I have MSI 990FXA-GD65 with 6 GPUs, no problems at all.

http://pl.msi.com/pic/product/five_pictures1_2401_20110531112823.jpg

does this MSI 990FXA-GD65 require shorting pin A1 B17 for pci-e 1x to work?

I have problem with 1x extenders on MSI 990XA-GD55 and I am thinking about changing it for this 990FXA-GD65.

[Boxman90]

I can confirm that the 990FXA-GD65 needs the presence mod on all PCI-e slots, yes.

[demigo]

I can confirm that the 990FXA-GD65 needs the presence mod on all PCI-e slots, yes.

thank you

[barwizi]

no noticeable performance decrease unless your rig is underpowered. no need to worry about the cpu, cheapest is fine, youll be using the gpu.

Yup spend the money on the GPU and the extra 100 for a rock solid PSU. Go with PCpower and cooling, or heck corsair and seasonic.... just because it say 1100w on the sticker dont mean its high quality.

Also, try to make it a single rail PSU.  Not as critical as some people would have you believe, but if it is a multi rail PSU you have to pay attention to how you balance your loads.  I overloaded a rail one time on a multi-rail PSU and the thing died really quick.  Luckily no other hardware was damaged. 

what is this railing stuff?

[digitalindustry]

no noticeable performance decrease unless your rig is underpowered. no need to worry about the cpu, cheapest is fine, youll be using the gpu.

 not exactly accurate - your cpu will need to support the Pcie lanes for the cards, so if you run multiple cards your cpu (while not having to be high end ) has to support the Pcie channels .

if you are going to try to run more than 4 cards , better to get powered risers .

but you can get away without - don’t skimp on the PSU. - Everyone comes back and say "I wish i had of...."

[digitalindustry]

Also do you think it's a better idea to get a CPU/mobo with integrated graphics, or is it okay to use one of the mining GPUs for video? (this would be a dedicated mining rig... it would just be sitting there with a terminal running cgminer)

For my latest build I picked up an AMD APU to power the monitor instead of off the gpu or integrated graphics. $43 for the APU, just needs to be set as default display in BIOS. The only problem with this is you are more limited with the mobos available, most only have 2 pci x16 because of the APU slot, but mine also has 3 PCI x1 slots.

Best mobo for APU is ASRock A55DEL 5 x PCI-E for under $70


And btw You don't have to use powered risers even for 6 GPUs if your mobo has power port next to PCI-E (6PIN usually. I have MSI 990FXA-GD65 with 6 GPUs, no problems at all.

a couple of questions :

1. do you run CGminer?

2. what do they all hash ?

i'd love to see a screen shot with 6 running ?

[hippiex]

I can confirm that the 990FXA-GD65 needs the presence mod on all PCI-e slots, yes.

What do you mean by mod ? 

To shortpin or..?

[k0vic]

I just got some minipcie to pcie16, no issues what so ever, now I can get double the cards per rig!

[k0vic]

you should be able to get 6 cards in that puppy. Just fine tune the settings so all the cards are running good together, you may have to tune back each one a bit, but your overall is higher. Make sure ya have the power too.

[hippiex]

you should be able to get 6 cards in that puppy. Just fine tune the settings so all the cards are running good together, you may have to tune back each one a bit, but your overall is higher. Make sure ya have the power too.

Something weird is going on.. ive attached 6x 7950 (using powered risers) to the 990FXA-GD65. Rig installed with Ubuntu.
When i boot it up and list devs, it only shows 2 devs..

Any idea?

By the way, do you mind do link the device you are using to have more pcie's ?

 

[djdooum]

I am confused.com  hasn't someone somewhere posted an easy definitive guide on how to build a multi-GPU rig?