T7600 - PCIe 3 and 2

Question

As a complete novice, I'm wondering which are the best PCIe slots to use in my Precision T7600.

I'm assuming that PCI express 3.0 is a faster laneway than PCI express 2.0, and this motherboard supports both. But the manual is not clear about the specs for each of the six PCIe slots. It only defines one of them as being an "open-ended slot, wired as X4".

As for the 2.0 versus 3.0 standard, the manual does not specify if any PCIe slots are one or the other. Or maybe I'm missing the message and that it doesn't matter.

I'm grateful if someone can add to the discussion.

JOcean · Accepted Answer

This should answer your question. http://avid.force.com/pkb/articles/en_US/compatibility/Dell-Precision-T7600-Workstation-Slot-Order-and-Configuration

bmcowboy · Accepted Answer

Hi @Guswah , The 'CPU2' label means that the upper 2 PCIe slot will be activated only if you have a second CPU in your T7600. Those slots provide 75w each for PCIe cards, not 275w, therefore it's not a typo and nothing related to power for CPU. More information about PCIe slot power. Generally PCIe3 x16 slots provide 75w. Labels on slot2 and slot4 as 225w showing the maximum power for cards, not the power value provided from the slot. You need 2x6pin power supply for PCIe cards to reach this number. that is: 75w from PCIe slot + (2 x 75w from 6pin power supply) = 225w

Guswah · Answer

Thanks sincerely, JOcean. This is a great help.

I noticed that on the link you provided, the secondary slots 1 and 2 (above processors) are defined as PCIe3 x16 (CPU2 75 Watts). I don't know what to make of the space between 2 and 75. Might you know if that's a typo, or does it refer to the second CPU with only 75 watts?

JOcean · Answer

I am not sure what you mean by the space between 2 and 75. Both of those slots supply only 75W and the limitations are stated on the spec page as for the intended use. For example the Intel Pro 1000PT which is a LAN card.

Guswah · Answer

Thanks, bmcowboy. I tried to give kudos for this, but the script the drives this feature doesn't allow it.  Nevertheless, your answer was helpful, with thanks.

bmcowboy · Answer

Hi again @Guswah , Don't mention it. Kudos doesn't mean much but 'marking as answer' do give a helping hand for those with similar question. Thanks a lot!

Precision Fixed Workstations

T7600 - PCIe 3 and 2

Was this post helpful?