Main -> System expanding -> The ways to expand your system
The ways to expand your system
If there is a need to expand the system beyond the motherboard abilities there are not so much methods available.
The first that comes to mind (to install some riser into x16 slot and then install needed cards) is not so easy - you will have to re-master entire case backplate (not quite easy even if there is a space).
This leaves only two possible solutions:
"Internal" - using ribbon risers with mini-backplanes (riser or a small form-factor backplane) or full-size backplanes. The solution is "internal" because the ribbons do not leave the case (whatever big it is)
External - the use of the PCIe-over-cable solutions with several cases
Both solutions have advantages and disadvantages:
"Internal" - less costly (ribbon connection is about $50-100, cable connection is about $500-700), more compact (one case - no need in a rack or a something like that (not free too)), but the allowed ribbons length is limited to about 9", so not all the board slots may be expanded in this way and the resulting box will be quite a huge one.
External - more expensive but more versatile and the system rack might be even set in another room.
If to consider form factor:
- Single box (the case have two PSU compartments (above and below the motherboard tray), one of which is used for the installation of a mini-backplane
- Dual (or quarto) -board case (using standard dual-board solution or made from two-four connected together standard cases or a custom-built case)
- Two-three cases PCIe-over-cable solution (main case at the desk, others somewhere else)
- Rackmount system with (or w/o) desktop unit - with desktop unit the rack might be installed up to 250 meters from the desk, without - at some 2-5 meters
In this section I will provide some links to the useful expansion resources