Will PCI Express Work In PCI? PCI stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect; it is found on the motherboard and used to connect add-on controller cards, GPUs, and other components to the computer. The PCIe stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect Express, and it is the newer and upgraded PCI socket; it offers swift data transfer and exceptional latency.
PCI Express can not work in PCI because the two have different notch positions on the socket. Also, the configuration of PCI is different from that of PCI Express. A PCI Express can only work in PCI through a PCI adapter converter. You can get these converters in the store and use them to connect PCIe and PCI.
Note that PCI became popular in the 90s and is still in use today; the introduction of PCIe does not eliminate the relevance of the former. PCI Express, on the other hand, got into the limelight in the early 2000s. You can use it to connect GPUs, WiFi cards, and storage cards to your device, making it unique. What more do you need to know? Keep reading.
PCI Express Slots And How To Use Them
PCI slots are additional slots on your system’s motherboard; the essence of these slots is to connect extra hardware components such as graphics cards, WIFI cards, and sound cards to your computer. The slots exist in different sizes, and the most common is the 16x and 8x slots. Also, some modern motherboards feature 4x and 2x PCIe slots.
The digit behind the “X” describes the bandwidth that the slots can work with; this means a 16x PCIe slot can work with 16 more bandwidth than a 1x SLOT. The number also specifies the connection speed; the lower the number, the slower the connection, and vice versa. You need a 16x PCIe slot to connect the GPU to your device.
You can connect a sound card to your computer using any PCIe slot. In addition, PCI Expansion Cards in case you need to add extra ports to your computer. The expansion cards allow you to add ports such as USB 3.0 or eSATA, mostly 4x and 8x cards.
Note that many motherboards have unlimited PCI slots existing in different sizes; the slots give you the freedom to customize and create the perfect build-up for your needs. For example, you can install a 16x graphics card into one slot and another 4x USB 3.0 card in another.
In another special insurance, you can install two 8x cards for several GPUs, providing a swift gaming experience.
How To Install A PCIe Adapter On A PCI Slot
Contrary to what you might have heard, you can easily install a PCIe adapter on a PCI slot, as simple as plug-and-play devices. Just align the card with the slot and push it firmly into the right spot until it clicks. In some cases, you will need to remove a retaining clip behind the card to insert it.
Note that you must turn off your computer before carrying out this process; this is a safety measure to avoid injuries and permanent damage to your computer system. Once you get familiar with the PCIe slots setup, you can then proceed to expand your computer and integrate new hardware components that satisfy your needs. However, ensure they are compatible.
Differences Between PCI Express And PCI
There are different ways to distinguish PCIe from PCI, but the most common is in the number of pins. PCI features a 62-pin connector, while the PCIe features 164-pin. Also, the two components are different in size; the PCIe slots are longer than the PCI slots.
| PCI Express | PCI |
| PCI Express is faster with high bandwidths. | PCI is slow with low bandwidth |
| PCIe features extra electrical lines to provide the required current for exceptional performance. | It features limited electrical lines. |
| PCI Express features a 164-pin connector. | PCI features a 62-pin connector. |
| It features a high-speed serial computer expansion bus. | It features a local computer to connect hardware. |
| PCIe has a parallel interface. | PCI has a serial interface. |
PCI Express is new and has unique features. It is the most common expansion slot you will find on most modern computer motherboards. PCIe offers higher speed and bandwidth. Some modern motherboards also feature 4x and 2x slots. Check the table below to find out how different bandwidths are as related to the PCIe slots.
| Bandwidth | I-Gen PCI-e | II-Gen PCI-e | III-Gen PCI-e |
| 1x | 250MBps | 500MBps | 1GB/s |
| 4x | 1GB/s | 2GB/s | 4GB/s |
| 8x | 2GB/s | 4GB/s | 8GB/s |
| 16x | 4GB/s | 8GB/s | 16GB/s |
You can use PCI slots for devices such as graphics cards, sound cards, and RAID controllers.
PCI Express Or PCI, Which One Is Better?
The one you choose between PCI Express and PCI depends on your preference and needs. If you need more bandwidth than the PCI can provide, then PCI is the best choice. However, PCI is versatile and compatible with many devices. Also, PCI Express has a faster response compared to PCI.
When shopping for a new motherboard, look for one with PCIe and PCI slots so your computer will be compatible with various PCI devices.
External PCIe To PCI Adapter?
Connecting an external PCIe to a PCI adapter can work, but all the devices connected with the adapter will perform at the PCI speed rate. For instance, if you have a PCIe 16x GPU, its performance will be slow because of slow PCI speed; however, installing it to the regular PCIe 16x slot will make it perform at exceptional speed.
A similar scenario will occur if you use USB 3.0 or eSATA; the speed will be based on USB 2.0 version. The bottom line is that an adapter can work, but the performance of the devices connected to it will be reduced.
Conclusion
The straightforward answer to the question “Will PCI Express work in PCI”? Is NO. First, the notch positions of both on the socket are different. Also, they have distinct configurations. The only instance where PCIe will work in PCI is through PCIe to PCI adapter converter.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do All Motherboards Have PCIe Slots?
Although the PCIe slot has been gaining extra popularity recently, not all motherboards feature it; some old motherboards only have a PCI slot. If you have an old motherboard and want to install a PCIe device, you will need to use the PCI to PCIe adapter. The adapter supports graphics cards and expansion cards.
2. Are All Graphics Cards Compatible With All PCIe Slots?
Not all GPUs are compatible with every PCIe slot. There are different graphics card sizes; the most common are 16x and 8x. A 16x graphics card will not perform well in 8x slots. Also, some graphics cards require an excess power supply, which is unavailable in many motherboards. Hence, it is crucial to consider motherboard-graphics card compatibility before shopping.
3. What Are The Advantages Of PCIe?
You should go for the PCIe if you want more bandwidth. The PCIe is faster and compatible with various devices. Also, the PCI Express is backward compatible.
4. What Are The Advantages Of PCI?
It works with more devices compared to the PCIe Express. You should go for the PCI if you want a cheaper option. Also, it supports multiple devices.
5. How Fast Is The PCIe Than The PCI?
The undisputed fact is that the PCIe provides more speed than the PCI. For instance, the PCIe 1x is 118% faster than the PCI counterpart. The speed issue is more noticeable when you compare a PCIe graphics card to a PCI graphics card; the PCIe graphics card is 16x is 29 times faster than the PCI graphics card.
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