PCIE USB Risers/ PCIE Splitters

[sekani20]

Hey Guys,

Been trying to figure out the best way to mount external cards. So far I've tested using two usb 3.0 pcie 1x to 16x risers with varying results. I tend to get various system crashes when I render.

I hear people using amfeltec splitters but it doesn't quite give as much extension from the motherboard as the usb 3.0 risers. I'd be curious to know what people's experiences are with these risers and if anyone is successfully using them currently, and if not, what other solutions they have conjured.

[glimpse]

The best is to not introduce any mess in a path of signal & seat cards directly into PCIe slots, but if do so, et good quality components (shielded, with good contacts) & enjoy. Haven't got any issues from Amfeltec splitters. However You need to ground them properly..& there are such issues with everything =) You just need to go around the corners creativelly.

[slepy8]

I used this kind of risers.
What's important is to have them powered separatelly.

So you have GPU powered from PSU, than riser slot powered from GPU via molex and than it connects to MoBo.

Some risers have no additional power attachment and they may cause some crashes.

[glimpse]

I had no issues with non powered risers. It's a mixed bag of facts..- the best thing in the end is simply to try =)

[slepy8]

I agree Glimpse

[glimpse]

I agree Glimpse

by the way, Am I wrong to say there are no 16 to 16 ribon cables that would be powered? only 8 t0 16 or even lower?

[slepy8]

As far as I remember - I saw them somewhere.
But I could be wrong.

I used 16x-1x.

[sekani20]

The best is to not introduce any mess in a path of signal & seat cards directly into PCIe slots, but if do so, et good quality components (shielded, with good contacts) & enjoy. Haven't got any issues from Amfeltec splitters. However You need to ground them properly..& there are such issues with everything =) You just need to go around the corners creativelly.

Ahh so you are using the Amfeltec splitters with success, this seems like the way to go. I have proper shielding is pretty important when using these risers.

Do you have any experience with the USB 3.0 risers glimpse?

[glimpse]

The best is to not introduce any mess in a path of signal & seat cards directly into PCIe slots, but if do so, et good quality components (shielded, with good contacts) & enjoy. Haven't got any issues from Amfeltec splitters. However You need to ground them properly..& there are such issues with everything =) You just need to go around the corners creativelly.

Ahh so you are using the Amfeltec splitters with success, this seems like the way to go. I have proper shielding is pretty important when using these risers.

Do you have any experience with the USB 3.0 risers glimpse?

nope, I don't use USB3 risers, but as You see other use & they seem to work. Just as mentioned be prepared for everything. There has been prety funny situation of forums where A do work & B not for one, while for other it goes opposite (usign exactly the same products =) so it's tricky sometimes even to know what's wrong. The best is to try - then You know for sure.

[sekani20]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the feedback, really appreciate it.

This is my current setup, 4 980tis, two connected directly to the mobo and two external via usb 3.0 risers for better thermals. Sometimes it works beautifully others times i tend to get MACHINE_CHECK_EXEMPTION blue screens. Everything is powered separately. Both risers have molex connections. Im using it with a splitter though, perhaps i could try giving each riser its own power source, though i doubt thats the problem.
Will need to play around.

It's very uplifting to know that you are using them with success slepy8. Thats very encouraging. Im currently using some longer USB 3.0 cables to get some extra reach, Im curious if that has anything to do with it.

I'll keep playing around and let you guys know what results I get.