1 Topic by IraSeigel (edited by IraSeigel 2011-01-25 07:11:30)

  • From: Bainbridge Island, WA US
  • Registered: 2007-10-05
  • Posts: 156

Topic: Installing the PCI Interface Card - which way?

I've been using my Digifaces very successfully with my laptops, first with the older CardBus card and most recently with the ExpressCard interface.

Now, I'd like to work with a 1U computer, and I'm trying to install the PCI Interface Card (I have a Rev 1.5 card and a Rev 1.8 card.)

My confusion is due to the 2 small slots on the edge of the Interface Card.  There is only 1 small slot on the PCI card on the MoBo.  I am able to install the card facing in either direction, which can't be right (can it?).

Here are some photos.  Because the computer is 1U, I have to use a PCI Riser Card to accommodate the RME Interface Card


http://rqmu2w.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pEOgYQEU3dsPBzFtX1vjOS1ZrnEbgH7c6QoibtRRkSxODEtZpQFj-Izq-n-R3VpFTdMvZRewFO5d3Allv-69g7EbF1rUEkIiL/01%2024%2011%20001.jpg?psid=1

http://rqmu2w.bay.livefilestore.com/y1prx9-jQ3_Lhb7W-5usZSG6Lal31tgn-0HxXE7aHqayH2ZklIOAhldoMeXBLGz94Ei8jcTUYN-MxyPXy994LbkRLZ1d6HDL47O/01%2024%2011%20009.jpg?psid=1

http://rqmu2w.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p8LmEl1IYLCUONyC9np7Kc0WeI-j3Pl0d1RpYQFhkD71vDssn7Q6SRojVeoiw2xoE0UKlayD8R0QHYpyOCutGnOtuRUW4Bz5r/01%2024%2011%20008.jpg?psid=1

As you can see, I'm able to install the RME in EITHER direction.  But which direction is correct?  I don't want to damage the card by experimenting.

Thanks,
Ira

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2007-04-10
  • Posts: 9,551

Re: Installing the PCI Interface Card - which way?

Clearly, you'd want the card's slot board to be accessible from outside, so the directin is clear, is it not?


Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

  • From: Bainbridge Island, WA US
  • Registered: 2007-10-05
  • Posts: 156

Re: Installing the PCI Interface Card - which way?

RME Support wrote:

Clearly, you'd want the card's slot board to be accessible from outside, so the directin is clear, is it not?


Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Seemingly.  But I am correct that the card can be inserted in either direction?  If so, is there a danger in doing so?

Was the card designed that way, in order to be able to set into whatever slot was accessible on a wide variety of motherboards?  It would seem so.

Thanks for your quick reply, Daniel.  Much appreciated.

Regards,
Ira

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2007-04-10
  • Posts: 9,551

Re: Installing the PCI Interface Card - which way?

IraSeigel wrote:

Was the card designed that way, in order to be able to set into whatever slot was accessible on a wide variety of motherboards?  It would seem so.

There are no mainboards with "reverse" PCI slots... They always face outward.


Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

  • From: Bainbridge Island, WA US
  • Registered: 2007-10-05
  • Posts: 156

Re: Installing the PCI Interface Card - which way?

RME Support wrote:

There are no mainboards with "reverse" PCI slots... They always face outward.


Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

:-) True enough!  But an opening in the back to access the card isn't always in the right spot, especially in a 1U case where you need a riser card to mount the interface.  But it's good that RME built it that way, just for those occasions! :-)

Ira

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2007-04-10
  • Posts: 9,551

Re: Installing the PCI Interface Card - which way?

IraSeigel wrote:

But it's good that RME built it that way, just for those occasions! :-)

I certainly did not say it is possible to insert the card into a PCI slot reverse... Apart from the fact that it doesn't make sense, it might also cause damage. So don't try... fryingpan

I found this, which should answer the original question:
http://linuxtidbits.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/pci-pcix.jpg

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

  • From: Bainbridge Island, WA US
  • Registered: 2007-10-05
  • Posts: 156

Re: Installing the PCI Interface Card - which way?

Thanks for posting these diagrams.  I was wondering about the 2 "notches" on the Interface Card, and what motherboard slot it needs.  The diagrams explain clearly.

I've installed the card into 2 computers, and my card seems to be non-functioning, possibly due to an attempted firmware upgrade as cautioned about on the driver download page.  I will contact Synthax USA for instructions.


Thanks for your help in this.

Regards,
Ira