PCIe 4.0 is the latest, cutting-edge version of the PCIe connection technology that all modern motherboards use to connect to the CPU. In this article, we will guide you through every one of the motherboards available today and see which can support PCIe 4.0.
Features of a Good PCI Express 4.0 Motherboard
When shopping for a new motherboard, those looking to take advantage of the latest PCIe 4.0 standard will want to ensure the board supports it. Here are some features to look for in a good PCIe 4.0 motherboard:
Support for the latest Intel or AMD processors. This is necessary to take advantage of PCIe 4.0’s increased bandwidth.
At least two PCIe 4.0 slots. This will ensure you can utilize all available bandwidth using multiple graphics cards or other high-speed devices.
Plenty of I/O ports, including USB 3.2 and SATA III ports. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices and allows you to take full advantage of all the features your new motherboard has to offer.
How Much Does PCI Express 4.0 Cost?
Today, we’re going to talk about the cost of PCI Express 4.0. In short, it depends on the motherboard that you have. You will likely need a new graphics card if you have a newer motherboard that supports PCI Express 4.0.
On the other hand, if you have an older motherboard, you may use an adapter to connect your old graphics card to the new standard.
The price of PCI Express 4.0 cards will vary depending on the manufacturer and the model. For example, AMD’s Radeon VII is one of the first GPUs to support PCI Express 4.0, retailing for USD 699.
Nvidia’s RTX 2080 Ti also supports PCIe 4.0 and has an MSRP of USD 999. As you can see, there is quite a range in prices for these cards.
Of course, if you want to take full advantage of PCI Express 4.0, you will need a motherboard that supports it. At this time, only a handful of motherboards on the market support PCIe 4.0.
The ASUS ROG Strix X299-E Gaming II is one option, retailing for USD 499. Another option is the MSI MEG X299 Creation which has an MSRP of USD 449. As you can see, some reasonably priced options are available if you want to take advantage of the new standard.
In conclusion, the cost of PCI Express 4.0 will vary depending on the components that you need. A new graphics card can range in price from USD 699 to USD 999. A new motherboard that supports PCIe 4.0 will cost you around USD 499.
Finding a Motherboard That Supports PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0 is the latest version of the PCIe bus standard, offering a significant performance boost over PCIe 3.0. If you’re looking for a new motherboard that supports PCIe 4.0, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, check to see if your CPU is compatible with the new standard. AMD’s Ryzen 3000 series CPUs and Intel’s Comet Lake-S CPUs support PCIe 4.0, so if you have one of those processors, you’re good to go. If you don’t have one of those processors, you’ll need a new CPU and motherboard.
Once you’ve confirmed that your CPU supports PCIe 4.0, look at the motherboard’s specs to see if it supports the new standard. Many manufacturers now offer motherboards with PCIe 4.0 support, so you should have no trouble finding one that meets your needs.
Finally, ensure that your other components are compatible with the new standard. For example, if you want to take advantage of the increased bandwidth offered by PCIe 4.0 SSDs, you’ll need to ensure that your motherboard has an M.2 slot that supports the new standard.
With all that in mind, let’s look at some of the best motherboards on the market that support PCIe 4.
How to Upgrade to a Motherboard with PCIe 4.0
If you want to upgrade to a PCIe 4.0 motherboard, your best bet is to wait for one of these new platforms. If you need or want a new motherboard sooner, there are still plenty of great options with PCIe 3.0.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to upgrade to a PCIe 4.0 motherboard:
- Make sure your processor is compatible with the new chipset. AMD’s Ryzen 3000 processors will work with both X570 and B550 motherboards, while Intel’s 11th Gen CPUs will only work with Z590 boards.
- Choose the motherboard that fits your needs and budget. There are dozens of great options available from all the major manufacturers.
- Install the new motherboard in your PC case according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is typically a straightforward process but read the manual carefully before starting.
- Connect all cables to your new motherboard, including power, data, and video cables. Again, consult your manual for specific instructions on where everything goes.
- Install your processor and any other components you removed from your old motherboard. Make sure everything is properly seated and secured before continuing.
- Power on your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI. You’ll likely need to adjust a few settings to get everything up and running properly.
- Install your operating system and any necessary drivers or updates. Your system should now be up and running with PCIe 4.0 support!
How to Choose a Motherboard with PCIe 4.0 Support
When looking for a motherboard that supports PCIe 4.0, there are a few things to remember. First, check with the manufacturer to see if the motherboard model supports PCIe 4.0. If it does not, then it cannot be upgraded to support PCIe 4.0.
Second, ensure the BIOS is updated to the latest version, which may be required for PCIe 4.0 compatibility. Third, check to see if all of the slots on the motherboard are compatible with PCIe 4.0 devices.
Some motherboards have a mix of slot types, so it is important to ensure that all the slots you plan to use are compatible with your devices.
Lastly, ensure that your power supply can provide enough power for all your devices. A minimum of 600W is recommended for systems with PCIe 4.0 devices.
Motherboard Requirements for a PCIe 4.0
Your motherboard must support the standard to take advantage of a PCIe 4.0 connection. As of early 2020, very few motherboards on the market support PCIe 4.0, as the standard is still relatively new.
However, more and more manufacturers are starting to produce motherboards that support PCIe 4.0, so if you’re looking to buy a new motherboard shortly, check whether it supports PCIe 4.0 before making your purchase.
If you’re unsure whether your motherboard supports PCIe 4.0, you can check the official website of your motherboard’s manufacturer. They should have a list of all the supported standards for each model of motherboard they sell.
Alternatively, you can also check online forums and other websites focusing on tech news and product reviews – these sites often have lists of which motherboards support which standards and features.
Conclusion
To upgrade your motherboard to support PCIe 4.0, you’ll need to research to find one compatible with your system. In this article, we’ve provided a list of some of the best PCIe 4.0 motherboards on the market and a few things to remember when making your purchase.
With so many great options available, there’s sure to be a motherboard that’s perfect for your needs. Thanks for reading, and good luck searching for the perfect motherboard!
