… PCI-SIG also released an Optical Aware Retimer ECN for PCIe 6.0 and 7.0 designs in mid-2025, with optical updates explicitly planned for 8.0, All of these fancy new connectors and additions to the standard that I've mentioned are already found in the enterprise world: data center hardware already h… …
… However, if the Ethernet port on your motherboard has worn out after years of plugging and unplugging, you don't have any option but to add a replacement. A PCIe network card is the ideal solution in this case, unless a motherboard upgrade is already coming up. …
… Related My motherboard's POST code display is one of the best features I never knew I needed The built-in POST code display has spoiled me What do the lights mean? …
… The 9207-8i I have uses SFF-8087 connectors, while newer SAS-3 cards moved to SFF-8643, so step one is matching the cable to your specific card. …
… Your motherboard probably has multiple unused headers, M.2 slots, and PCIe slots that can patch many of your motherboard's flaws. You don't always need a new motherboard to use faster Ethernet, modern Wi-Fi, additional ports, or a debug display. …
… Internal header adapters also exist that can bridge older front panel connectors to newer motherboard headers, though compatibility can be inconsistent, and it's worth researching your specific setup before buying. …
… Most new GPUs ship with dust covers for unused ports, and they're a nifty solution. If you misplaced or disposed of yours, new friction-fit ones are a 10-minute print away. …
… They're highly versatile connectors that use high-speed PCIe lanes to connect to a variety of devices. You could bring new features to your old motherboard or improve your already-capable motherboard with more advanced devices. …
… DisplayPort Alternate Mode passes DP signals over USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 connectors, which are now commonly found on laptops and many desktop motherboards. That is now on par with large DisplayPort connectors, with a maximum bandwidth of 80 Gbps, enabling up to 16K video output. …
… My HBA and my motherboard were both trying to use that bus during the earliest moments of POST, and they were stepping on each other badly enough to stall the whole boot. This doesn't happen to every card and motherboard combo, but it's common with specific LSI cards in consumer motherboards. …
