Hey guys,
I got my Sound Blaster ZX today Here are the installation pics, but I'm not sure about the PCI-E slot I installed it in and I have some questions.

 

 

 



1.) I would of installed it into the gray slot, but as you can see it would of blocked my GPU's fan. So I installed it on my bottom PCI-E slot. It runs max at x4. Would that make a difference than the gray one that runs at x8?

2.) Is it normal that the card is wobbly in the PCI-E slot, even screwed down? I know it doesn't take up the whole length of the slot, but man does this thing feel unsecure.

3.) In the second image you can see I have some wires touching the card. You can't see it, but it's right up against a connecter that looks like the blue one you see to the right of the card. It's also super close to the PSU. Will these wires touching my sound card or the PSU being so close create interference (static noise)? I wouldn't think so but I just want to make sure.

So basically I am just wondering if it's fine where it is, or if I should move it to the gray slot. Thanks!

1) You can't put that card in the grey slots because those are specifically designed for the graphics cards.  Can you post a pic with the card out of the case and just the slots showing?
 
2)  The card should not have a ton of flex if it is properly seated.
 
3) It is fine that the card is close to the PSU but make sure the wires are out of the fan area.  You can usually touch your PSU even when the computer has been running since the PSU doesn't get that hot.

No, you choose the right place, blocking air flow for the graphics card is a no-no also the graphics card has much more electrical interference and of the the sort that could affect DAC:s etc. The PSU just hums.

As for it being flimsy seated, yes, the pci-e connector is very small so it is unavoidable but it is of no other importance than cosmetic(and inside a case).

Lastly, you don't get better connection in a 8x-slot as the card only has conductors enough for 1x in any slot.

velvetx said:

1) You can't put that card in the grey slots because those are specifically designed for the graphics cards.  Can you post a pic with the card out of the case and just the slots showing?

2)  The card should not have a ton of flex if it is properly seated.

3) It is fine that the card is close to the PSU but make sure the wires are out of the fan area.  You can usually touch your PSU even when the computer has been running since the PSU doesn't get that hot.

Click to expand...

It WILL work in the graphics slot as well, it only uses the conductors it has so it doesn't matter that the slot is much larger, however it is no good idea because of said blocking of the airflow.

edit. congrats for your new shiny red card, I really like mine

Quote:

xeizo said:

It WILL work in the graphics slot as well, it only uses the conductors it has so it doesn't matter that the slot is much larger, however it is no good idea because of said blocking of the airflow.

Click to expand...

Never knew that to be the case.  I've always been told that this could cause a short. 

velvetx said:

Never knew that to be the case.  I've always been told that this could cause a short. 

Click to expand...

Yes, it could, if you seat it wrong. That is possible with force I guess, while it is physically impossible in a 1x/4x-slot which should be the safe option.