PCI or PCI Express?

[PLAbass]

Hello!

I've been looking at the UAD cards for a couple years now and I think I'm finally ready to grab one. My question: do you guys think it's worth it to go for the PCIe version? Is it that much of an improvement over the PCI? The flexi pack looks like the best solution to me except that it's not the most current technology, so i'm kinda wary. Anyone had experience running both PCI and PCIe that could speak to the improvement over the old technology? Thanks for reading!


-Nate

 

[Fundy]

The PCI Express version is faster operating at 500MB/s rather than 133MB/s, so it will operate faster. To be honest, PCI Standard slots are becoming very uncommon in modern designs of motherboards. So it makes sense to get PCI Express over the other.

 

[PLAbass]

The PCI Express version is faster operating at 500MB/s rather than 133MB/s, so it will operate faster. To be honest, PCI Standard slots are becoming very uncommon in modern designs of motherboards. So it makes sense to get PCI Express over the other.

Okay that makes sense. Question though; does the faster transfer rate actually provide a performance increase (i.e. higher plug count)? PCIe provides a faster potential transfer rate but, as the processing on the card is the same, does it matter? In other words the data could move quicker from the card to the host but the card is no more powerful so does it actually take advantage of the increased bandwidth?
I am tempted to get the PCIe just because of your point that it is the newer, more prevalent technology. The flexi-pack is just really nice because it so well....flexible! I guess it comes down to being outdated quickly versus fewer plugins now.

Thanks for the quick reply!

nate

 

[ZION357]

The PCI Express version is faster operating at 500MB/s rather than 133MB/s, so it will operate faster. To be honest, PCI Standard slots are becoming very uncommon in modern designs of motherboards. So it makes sense to get PCI Express over the other.

Okay that makes sense. Question though; does the faster transfer rate actually provide a performance increase (i.e. higher plug count)? PCIe provides a faster potential transfer rate but, as the processing on the card is the same, does it matter? In other words the data could move quicker from the card to the host but the card is no more powerful so does it actually take advantage of the increased bandwidth?
I am tempted to get the PCIe just because of your point that it is the newer, more prevalent technology. The flexi-pack is just really nice because it so well....flexible! I guess it comes down to being outdated quickly versus fewer plugins now.

Thanks for the quick reply!

nate

Nope!

Just a different form factor at this point. More for compatibility with newer
mother boards. Get the PCI-e.

 

[Paul Woodlock]

Getting a PCIe might not be the best option for newer motherboards. most new mobos come with PCI-X ( and even PCI ) slots. Bear in mind that a UAD-2 can't be far away and is likely to ne PCIe only. So if you're planning on expanding the system in the future, a PCI version still might be the best option to leave your PCIe slots free for UAD-2

Just a thought!

 

[PLAbass]

Oh that's an interesting thought! I do only have one PCIe slot so whatever I put in there is it for this motherboard. Saving that spot for the new kid makes a lot of sense! Thanks everyone for the advice, I think I'll probably grab the PCI version as the flexi-pack is the most attractive for me right now and it seems as though everyone agrees that the PCIe is not offering any major performance increase for this particular card.

Thanks again!
Nate