Briefly about PCI and the differences with PCIe and AGP. PCI controller, what is it?

1. Hello! Please explain the difference in bandwidth between the interfaces PCI Express 3.0 x16 and PCI Express 2.0 x16. Now there are still motherboards with PCI Express 2.0 x16 interface on sale. I'm with I will lose a lot in video performance if I install new video card interfacePCI Express 3.0 on a computer with motherboard, where there is only a connectorPCI-E 2.0? I think that I will lose, because the totalbaud rate for PCI Express 2.0 it is - 16 GB/s, and totalPCI Express 3.0 has twice the data transfer speed - 32 GB/s.
2. Hello! I have a computer with a powerful, but not new Intel processor Core i7 2700K and a motherboard with a PCI Express 2.0 slot. Tell me if I buy a new video card PCI interface Express 3.0, then this video card will work twice as slow as if I had a motherboard with a connector PCI Express 3.0? So it's time for me to change my computer?
3. Please answer this question. My motherboard has two slots: PCI Express 3.0 and PCI Express 2.0, but in the slot PCI Express 3.0 new video card PCI Express 3.0 does not fit, the radiator is in the way south bridge. If I install a video cardPCI-E 3.0 in slot PCI-E 2.0, then my video card will perform worse than if it were installed in a PCI Express 3.0 slot?
4. Hello, I want to buy a slightly used motherboard from a friend for two thousand rubles. Three years ago he bought it for 7,000 rubles, but what confuses me is that it has a slot for an interface video card PCI-E 2.0, and I have a video cardPCI-E 3.0. My video card on this motherboard will run on full power or not?

Hello friends! Today on sale you can find motherboards with a connector for installing PCI Express 2.0 x16 video cards, and PCI Express 3.0 x16. The same can be said about graphics adapters; there are video cards with an interface on sale PCI-E 3.0, as well as PCI-E 2.0. If you look official specifications interfaces PCI Express 3.0 x16 and PCI Express 2.0 x16, then you will find out that the total data transfer speed of PCI Express 2.0 is- 16 GB/s, and PCI Express 3.0 is twice as large -32 GB/s. I won’t go deep into the specifics of how these interfaces work and will just tell you what it is. a big difference Vdata transfer speed is visible only in theory, but in practice it is very small.If you read articles on this topic on the Internet, thenyou will come to the conclusion that modern PCI Express 3.0 graphics cards operate at the same speed in PCI Express 3.0 x16 and PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots and difference in throughputbetween PCI-E 3.0 x16 and PCI-E 2.0 x16 is only 1-2% loss in video card performance. That is, it doesn’t matter which slot you install the video card in, PCI-E 3.0 or PCI-E 2.0, everything will work the same.

But unfortunately, all these articles were written in 2013 and 2014 and at that time there were no games like Far Cry Primal, Battlefield 1 and other new products that appeared in 2016. Also released in 2016 family GPUs NVIDIA 10 series, for example video cards GeForce GTX 1050 and GeForce GTX 1050 Ti and even GTX 1060. My experiments with new games and new video cards showed that the PCI-E 3.0 interface has an advantage overPCI-E 2.0 is no longer 1-2%, but on average 6-7%. What's interesting is if the video card is of a lower class than GeForce GTX 1050 , then the percentage is less (2-3%) , and if on the contrary, then more - 9-13%.

So, in my experiment I used a video card GeForce GTX 1050 PCI-E 3.0 interface and motherboard with connectors PCI Express 3.0 x16 and PCI Express 2.0 x16.

N Graphics settings in games are maximum everywhere.

1. FAR game CRY PRIMAL. Interface PCI-E 3.0 showed an advantage over PCI-E 2.0, since always higher by 4-5 frames, which is approximately the percentage 4 % %.
2. Battlefield game 1.The gap between PCI-E 3.0 and PCI-E 2.0 was 8-10 frames , which in percentage terms is approximately 9%.
3. Rise of the Tomb Raider. Advantage of PCI-E 3.0 averages 9- 10 fps or 9%.
4. The Witcher. The advantage of PCI-E 3.0 was 3%.
5. Grand Theft Auto V. The advantage of PCI-E 3.0 is 5 fps or 5%.

That is, there is still a difference in throughput between the PCI-E 3.0 x16 and PCI-E 2.0 x16 interfaces and it is not in favor PCI-E 2.0. Therefore I would not buy at this moment motherboard with one PCI-E 2.0 connector.

One of my friends bought a used motherboard for three thousand rubles. Yes, it was once sophisticated and cost about ten thousand rubles, it has a lot of connectors SATA III and USB 3.0, also 8 slots for RAM, it supports RAID technology and others, but it is built on an outdated chipset and the video card slot on it is PCI Express 2.0! In my opinion, it would be better to buy. Why?

It may well happen that in a year or two the latest video cards will only work in the connector PCI Express 3.0 x16 , and your motherboard will have an obsolete connector that is no longer used by manufacturers PCI Express 2.0 x16 . You buy a new video card, but it will refuse to work in the old connector. Personally, I have already encountered many times that the video card PCI-E 3.0 did not run on the motherboard. board with connector PCI-E 2.0, and Even updating the BIOS didn't help. motherboard. I also dealt with video cardsPCI-E 2.0 x16, which refused to work on older motherboards with the interface PCI-E 1.0 x16, although everywhere they write about backward compatibility.Cases when PCI video card Express 3.0 x16 did not start on motherboards withPCI Express 1.0 x16, even more.

Well, don’t forget about the appearance of the interface this year PCI Express 4.0. In this case, PCI Express 3.0 will become obsolete.

The motherboard is the “body” of the computer, and without it not a single system unit can exist. All the components that make up the system unit are attached to the motherboard and connected to it. From the point of view of assembling a computer, connecting elements to the motherboard is not extremely challenging task, but there are important nuances that need to be paid attention to. In this article, we will look at what main connectors are on the motherboard, what to connect to them, in which cases they are compatible and in which they are not, as well as other issues.

Connector for connecting the processor on the motherboard

One of the main components and the “heart” of any computer is CPU. Without it, you won’t be able to start the system unit, and it is very important to install it correctly. When choosing a processor, you need to focus on what motherboard you are using, or vice versa. The fact is that there are 9 modern processor socket standards that have different pinouts or incompatible with each other for other reasons.

The processor socket is usually located in the middle of the motherboard. It's hard not to notice - it's a large rectangular platform that has a special mechanism for attaching the processor.

Please note: Most often the area around the processor socket on the motherboard is quite deserted. The fact is that it is installed on top of the processor, which can be quite impressive in size.

Connector for connecting a video card on the motherboard

The next connector on the motherboard that you will probably need when assembling a computer is a connector for connecting a video card. Some time ago, two types of connectors were used - AGP and PCI Express. Today, all video cards are connected to a PCI Express connector.

Most often, the PCI Express slot is located in the lower left corner of the motherboard. It can be used not only to connect a video card, but also for other devices.

Important: The PCI Express connector can be presented in several variations: PCI Express x1, PCI Express x4, PCI Express x16. To connect standard video card The last of the listed connectors is used. Other connectors may not always be present on modern motherboards.

The PCI Express X16 connector for connecting a video card can be different versions. As of 2017, there are 4 types of PCI Express slot:

These connectors differ from each other only in throughput. Moreover, they are backward compatible.

Example: If you connect a device designed for PCI Express 2.0 to a PCI Express 3.0 slot, it will most likely work without any problems. But if you do the opposite, then a device designed for a higher type of connector may not have enough bandwidth to fully or partially perform its functions.

It is worth noting: On some motherboards you can find a connectorPCI located nearbyPCIExpress. This connector is now practically not used, but if necessary, additional elements can be installed in it.

Connector for connecting RAM on the motherboard

Connectors random access memory most often located to the right of the processor (sometimes they can be located on both sides). There are at least 4 such connectors on a modern motherboard.

Currently, RAM connectors are based on the DDR3 protocol. At the same time, DDR1 and DDR2 were previously used, which lagged behind the modern standard in terms of bandwidth. Connector and device compatibilityDDR1DDR2 andDDR 3 no. That is, it will not be possible to install a DDR1 device into a DDR3 slot.

It is worth noting: On modern motherboards you will notice that several connectors for connecting RAM are made in one color, and several in another. This is due to the fact that different channels highlighted in different colors. If you use several RAM sticks, it is better to connect them all to connectors of the same color.

Connector for connecting a hard drive on the motherboard

On the motherboard, most often in the lower right part, there are several connectors for connecting hard drive. These connectors are called SATA, and they come in three versions: SATA 1.0, SATA 2.0, SATA 3.0. Most often, these connectors are highlighted in color, different from all other connectors on the motherboard.

All connector versionsSATA is backward compatible, and the difference is speed. Connector SATA 3.0 is the fastest at the moment, which is why it is used in all modern motherboards.

Motherboard power connector

On the right side of the motherboard there is another important connector, which serves to power the motherboard. It usually consists of 20 or 24 pins and is used to connect to it

This article will discuss the most common PCI devices today. What it is and when you can’t do without it are the key questions of this material. Although this standard is gradually becoming a thing of the past, but it will still be relevant for quite some time for a long time. Essentially, it can be considered the progenitor of the most modern USB and PCI-Express interfaces, which replaced it.

Tire characteristics

Before we get the answer to the question: “PCI devices: what are they and where are they used?”, Let’s consider the characteristics of this bus. This standard began its victorious march in 1991. The first processor that could fully function with it was the 80486. A little later, the first Pentiums appeared, revealing its potential even more. Physically, this abbreviation hides a group of connectors soldered on the motherboard. One of the microcircuits installed on it is responsible for organizing their work. The characteristics of PCI are as follows:

• Bit capacity - 32/64 bits.
• Operating frequency - 33 or 66 MHz.
• Maximum - 500 MB/s (for 64-bit PCI 2.0 version).
• Supply voltage - 3.3 V (for 32 bits) or 5 V (for 64 bits).

Another important nuance, which predetermined the future of this standard. Intel made it "open". That is, each developer could, if desired, develop any expansion board that would work without problems with this standard.

What devices can be installed

The PCI expansion slot can be installed various devices. Among them are:

• Graphics adapter.
• Sound card.
• Tuner.
• Expansion board.
• Network card.

This list can be continued indefinitely. Essentially this is complete analogue modern USB bus, but only with a lower data transfer rate. Even the PCI device driver is installed in a similar way. Many of the ideas that were implemented in this legacy bus received further development to more modern standards. had a very great influence on the further development of computer technology.

Graphics adapters

For withdrawal graphic image PCI video card was used. At one time, this made it possible to significantly increase the performance of computer systems and fully unlock the potential of the 80486 processors and the first Pentiums.

But time does not stand still. What was then a revolutionary decision is now outdated both morally and physically. Until 1997, such graphic accelerators had no analogues. Therefore, they could be found on every personal computer. And only with their appearance on the motherboard did such adapters give way to new graphics solutions in terms of performance.

Nowadays a PCI video card is a rarity. It can only be found on very old personal computers. One might say that this is already an anachronism. Their performance is only sufficient to solve the most simple tasks- typing, working with and viewing pictures. But with more complex applications Problems are bound to arise, and in this case it is better not to run them.

Sound card

A sound card is also a type of PCI device. What it is? The answer to this question is quite simple. Until 1997, motherboards did not have integrated sound adapters. Therefore, for the organization speaker system These are the devices that were used. On the one hand, such a board was equipped with a “classic” connector for installation in an expansion slot. Its interface panel was displayed on the back side system unit.

One bolt was used to secure it inside the computer. Their sound quality left much to be desired. But still it was a breakthrough that should not be underestimated. It was the installation of such devices that previously made it possible to turn any computer into a real one. multimedia center. You could listen to music, watch a movie, and play a game on such a computer.

Tuners

Another important type of device for this bus is a tuner. This PCI controller allows you to watch television programs and listen to radio. To ensure the functionality of such a board, it needs to be mandatory to plug external antenna. Otherwise, the quality of the received signal will be far from ideal.

In addition, the tuner included a mandatory bullet remote control. This made it possible to turn the computer into a real TV. This practice did not become widespread, but there were still cases when it was impossible to do without such know-how. For example, such a solution allowed a busy person to constantly be aware of events.

Modem

An important attribute of old computers is the modem. With its help it was possible to connect to the Internet earlier. Most of these devices were internal, that is, installed in a PCI slot. Now they have been successfully pushed out of this segment, although there are still areas where there is no alternative to them. One of them is the “Client-Bank” system, which is often found in accounting. With its help, an accountant can monitor the status of the company's accounts and, if necessary, make payments.

Expansion board

You can often find next device: « PCI controller simple communications". This phrase hides an expansion card. It allows you to increase the number of ports for connection or hard drives. That is, such a device is installed in the expansion slot of the motherboard, and on the outside it is equipped USB connectors, KOM or LPT. About 5 years ago this made it possible to significantly increase the number of connected peripheral devices. Now the number of ports on the motherboard has increased significantly, and the need to install such controllers has simply disappeared.

Results

IN this material the answer was given to the question: “PCI devices - what are they and where are they used?”

As you can see, this is a fairly wide range of devices that allows you to turn your computer into real center for fun. By at least, this statement was true until recently. Now the situation has changed a little. More and more components are being integrated directly into the processor itself or onto the motherboard. Therefore, the need for them disappears. You can also find other PCI bridge devices, for example, a network card that allows you to combine computers into a local computer network. The only device that does not yet have worthy alternative, is a tuner for receiving TV programs and listening to radio. But compact USB analogues have already begun to appear in this segment. All in all, PCI standard is gradually becoming a thing of the past, but it will still be long time be present on the market.

Almost all modern motherboards are currently equipped with a PCI-E x16 expansion slot. This is not surprising: a discrete graphics accelerator is installed in it, without which creating a productive personal computer is generally impossible. It is about its background of appearance, technical specifications And possible modes work will be discussed further.

Background to the appearance of the expansion slot

In the early 2000s, with the AGP expansion slot, which at that time was used for installation, a situation arose when maximum level performance has been achieved and its capabilities are no longer sufficient. As a result of this, the PCI-SIG consortium was created, which began developing the software and hardware components of the future slot for installing graphics accelerators. The fruit of his creativity was the first PCI specification Express 16x 1.0.

Some companies, to ensure compatibility between the two discrete installation ports that existed at that time graphics adapters developed special devices that made it possible to install outdated graphic solutions into the new expansion slot. In the language of professionals, this development had its own name - PCI-E adapter x16/AGP. Its main purpose is to minimize the cost of upgrading a PC by using components from the previous configuration of the system unit. But this practice has not become widespread due to the fact that video cards entry level on the new interface had a cost almost equal to the price of the adapter.

In parallel with this, more simple modifications this expansion slot for external controllers, which replaced the usual PCI ports at that time. Despite their external similarity, these devices were significantly different. If AGP and PCI could boast of parallel information transfer, then PCI Express was serial interface. Its higher performance was ensured by a significantly increased data transfer rate in duplex mode(information in this case could be transmitted in two directions at once).

Transfer rate and encryption method

In the designation of the PCI-E x16 interface, the number indicates the number of lanes used for data transfer. IN in this case there are 16 of them. Each of them, in turn, consists of 2 pairs of wires for transmitting information. As noted, more high speed is ensured by the fact that these pairs operate in duplex mode. That is, the transfer of information can go in two directions at once.

To protect against possible loss or distortion of transmitted data, this interface uses a special information protection system called 8V/10V. This designation is deciphered as follows: for the correct and correct transmission of 8 bits of data, they must be supplemented with 2 service bits to perform a correctness check. In this case, the system is forced to transmit 20 percent of service information, which does not carry a useful load for the computer user. But this is the price to pay for reliable and stable work graphics subsystem of a personal computer, and you certainly can’t do without it.

PCI-E versions

The PCI-E x16 connector is externally the same on all motherboards. Only the speed of information transfer in each case may differ significantly. As a result, the performance of the device is also different. And this one has modifications GUI such:

• 1st PCI modification - Express x16 v. 1.0 had theoretical throughput at 8 Gb/s.
• 2nd generation PCI - Express x16 v. 2.0 already boasted twice the throughput of 16 Gb/s.
• A similar trend has continued for the third version of this interface. In this case, this figure was set at 64 Gb/s.

It is impossible to distinguish visually by the location of the contacts. At the same time, they are compatible with each other. For example, if you install a graphics adapter card in a version 3.0 slot that meets the 2.0 specifications at the physical level, then the entire processing system will automatically switch to the lowest speed mode (that is, 2.0) and will continue to function with a throughput of 64 Gb/s .

First generation PCI Express

As noted earlier, PCI Express was first introduced in 2002. Its release marked the emergence personal computers with several graphics adapters, which, moreover, could boast even with one accelerator installed increased performance. The AGP 8X standard allowed for a throughput of 2.1 Gb/s, and the first revision of PCI Express - 8 Gb/s.

Of course, there is no need to talk about an eightfold increase. 20 percent of the increase was used to transfer service information, which made it possible to find errors.

Second modification of PCI-E

The first generation of this one was replaced in 2007 by PCI-E 2.0 x16. 2nd generation video cards, as noted earlier, were physically and software compatible with the first modification of this interface. Only in this case did the performance decrease significantly graphics system up to the PCI Express 1.0 16x interface version level.

Theoretically, the information transfer limit in this case was equal to 16 Gb/s. But 20 percent of the resulting increase was spent on official information. As a result, in the first case, the actual transfer was equal to: 8 Gb/s - (8 Gb/s x 20%: 100%) = 6.4 Gb/s. And for the second execution of the graphical interface, this value was already this: 16 Gb/s - (16 Gb/s x 20%: 100%) = 12.8 Gb/s. Dividing 12.8 Gb/s by 6.4 Gb/s, we get a real practical performance increase of 2 times between the 1st and 2nd versions of PCI Express.

Third generation

Latest and most current update this interface was released in 2010. The peak speed of PCI-E x16 in this case increased to 64 Gb/s, and maximum power no graphics adapter additional food in this case it can be equal to 75 W.

Configuration options with multiple graphics accelerators in one PC. Their pros and cons

One of the most important innovations of this interface is the ability to have multiple x16 graphics adapters at once. In this case, video cards are combined with each other and form, essentially, a single device. Their overall performance is summed up, and this allows you to significantly increase the performance of your PC in terms of processing the output image. For solutions from NVidia, this mode is called SLI, and for graphics processors from AMD - CrossFire.

The future of this standard

The PCI-E x16 slot will certainly not change in the foreseeable future. This will allow more powerful video cards to be used as part of outdated PCs and thereby carry out a gradual upgrade of the computer system. Now the specifications for the 4th version of this data transfer method are being worked out. For graphics adapters in this case, a maximum of 128 GB/s will be provided. This will allow you to display the image on the monitor screen in “4K” quality or more.

Results

Be that as it may, PCI-E x16 is currently the only graphics slot and interface. It will be relevant for quite a long time. Its parameters allow you to create both computer systems entry-level and high-performance PCs with multiple accelerators. It is precisely due to this flexibility that no significant changes are expected in this niche.