SPCR

I just purchased a new DTX (small form factor) motherboard that has a x16 slot, but is rated to run at only x1 (the size is x16 size). My question is, could I use my x16 PCIe video card (Radeon 5450) but simply run it slower at the x1 bus speed?

If not, can anyone recommend an affordable video card intended for PCIe x1? Thanks!

It should work fine with that card at x1 speed.

The only possible issue is that a x1 slot is only rated to provide 25W while a full x16 supplies 75W. Your mechanical x16 slot should still provide full power, but even if it doesn't 25W should be enough for a 5450.

I used to run a 4350 in a x1 slot with the end cut open. Worked fine.

These links should put your mind at rest:

Power consumption (<10W typical, and 15W max)
Performance of a HD5870 in a simulated 1x slot (HD5450 should be affected even less)

flemeister wrote:These links should put your mind at rest:

Power consumption (<10W typical, and 15W max)
Performance of a HD5870 in a simulated 1x slot (HD5450 should be affected even less)

I knew the 5450 was very efficient, but that's a pretty interesting article detailing the relative performance of the 5870 at 1x, 4x, and 8x vs. 16x. Thanks.