Toolify Toolify logo
open
Home Hardware Optimizing Gaming Performance with PCIe Risers

Optimizing Gaming Performance with PCIe Risers

Updated on Mar 21,2024

Optimizing Gaming Performance with PCIe Risers

Table of Contents:

  1. Introduction
  2. testing the PCIe Risers
  3. System Specifications
  4. Benchmarking and Results
  5. Performance with GTX 1080
  6. Performance with RTX 3080
  7. Comparison of Performance
  8. Pros and Cons of Using PCIe Risers
  9. Alternatives to PCIe Risers
  10. Why Do Miners Use PCIe Risers?
  11. Conclusion

Article:

Introduction

In this article, we will be examining the performance of graphics cards when connected via a mining adapter. Many of us are familiar with those cheap little PCIe risers that are often used to mine cryptocurrency. But can these risers be used for gaming as well? In a previous video, I attempted to Game on a PCIe riser by plugging a graphics card into an old laptop, and to my surprise, it somewhat worked. However, this time, we will be using more modern graphics cards and testing their performance on a dedicated system.

Testing the PCIe Risers

To conduct our tests, we will be using a computer with an Intel 9700K processor, 32GB of DDR4 memory, and 2.5TB of storage. The graphics cards we will be testing are the Dell OEM GTX 1080 and the MSI GamingX Trio RTX 3080. These cards should provide a good benchmark for assessing the impact of the PCIe risers on performance. We will be running three different games: Refunct, Titanfall 2, and Fallout 76. Refunct and Titanfall 2 were chosen as they would yield higher frame rates, making any performance differences more noticeable. Fallout 76 was included to test both the hardware and the game's stability.

System Specifications

Before diving into the benchmark results, let's take a quick look at the system specifications used for testing. The system consists of an Intel 9700K processor, 32GB of DDR4 memory, and 2.5TB of storage. These specifications should provide a solid foundation for testing the graphics cards' performance.

Benchmarking and Results

We conducted our benchmarking tests by connecting the graphics cards to a PCIe 1 to 16 times adapter, plugged into the slot closest to the CPU on the motherboard. All games were played at 1440p resolution with the highest settings, but without Vsync.

Performance with GTX 1080

With the GTX 1080 connected via the PCIe riser, the average frame rate in Refunct was 161, in Fallout 76 it was 45, and in Titanfall 2 it was 78. Refunct and Titanfall 2 ran smoothly and were completely playable. However, Fallout 76 experienced significant stuttering, making it difficult to play.

Performance with RTX 3080

Next, we tested the RTX 3080 in the same configuration. In Refunct, it achieved 222 fps, in Titanfall 2 it reached 112 fps, and in Fallout 76 it experienced a very stuttery 56 fps. While the performance was better than the GTX 1080, it still didn't reach its full potential.

Comparison of Performance

To further compare the performance, we unplugged the RTX 3080 from the riser and connected it directly to the motherboard. In Refunct, the average frame rate increased to 261, in Titanfall 2 it rose to 144, and in Fallout 76 it remained at 56 fps. Connecting the card directly to the motherboard resulted in improved performance in most cases.

Pros and Cons of Using PCIe Risers

Using PCIe risers does have its advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, they allow for vertical or external GPU mounting, which can be aesthetically pleasing or provide flexibility in certain setups. However, using risers does result in a decrease in in-game frame rates, degrading overall performance.

Alternatives to PCIe Risers

If you prefer not to use a PCIe riser, there are alternatives available. One option is to use a 16 times to 16 times riser, which doesn't degrade performance unless several are daisy-chained together. This provides a direct connection to the motherboard, eliminating any potential drawbacks.

Why Do Miners Use PCIe Risers?

You may be Wondering why miners continue to use PCIe risers if they result in decreased performance. The reason is that mining doesn't require the same level of data transfer as gaming. Mining can take advantage of multiple PCIe lanes at once, while gaming primarily relies on a single lane. This means miners can optimize their setups for mining without sacrificing performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, connecting a graphics card via a PCIe riser will result in decreased in-game frame rates. However, this doesn't render the card useless for gaming. If you prefer a vertically mounted or external GPU setup, you can use a 16 times to 16 times riser, which won't significantly degrade performance. On the other HAND, if you prioritize gaming performance, connecting the graphics card directly to the motherboard will provide the best results. Miners, on the other hand, can continue to benefit from using PCIe risers due to their specific requirements. It's important to consider your specific needs and preferences when deciding how to connect your graphics card.

Resources:

Maximizing Performance: Understanding PCIe Lane Configurations
Maximize Your PC Gaming Experience with the Right Graphics Card

Most people like

Related Articles
Top AI Tools
More Tools
Recommend
Resourse
Browse by Alphabet
Top 1000 AI Tools Directory
Read more
About
Contact Us
toolify
Toolify, The Best AI Websites & AI Tools Directory
English 简体中文 繁體中文 한국어 日本語 Português Español Deutsch Français Tiếng Việt

Copyright ©2026 toolify