How to check if the motherboard supports PCIe 4.0?
PCIe is an abbreviation of Peripheral Component Interconnect Express, it is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard. PCIe 4.0 is the fourth generation of PCIe technology, theoretically doubles the transfer rate and bandwidth when being compared to PCIe 3.0.
PCIe 4.0 features faster speed, backwards compatible, and can be connected to more devices. Nowadays, there are more and more devices that support PCIe 4.0. Let’s find out the limitations of the motherboard and how can we check if it is supported?
PCIe 4.0 Tech Limitation
Note: The availability of PCIe 4.0 technology depends on both the motherboard and the CPU. If a motherboard that supports PCIe 4.0 is paired with a CPU that does not support PCIe 4.0, then PCIe 4.0 cannot be used.
CPU limitation
INTEL have supported PCIe 4.0 since the 11th generation of CPUs, while the 10th generation and below do not support it.
AMD have supported PCIe 4.0 since 3rd generation CPUs (3000 series), and 1st and 2nd generation CPUs do not support it..
PCIe slots with channel restrictions
There are multiple PCIe slots on the motherboard that are connected to the CPU and the motherboard chipset. Since PCIe 4.0 requires CPU support, only the PCIe slot that goes straight through the CPU will support PCIe 4.0.
Take below picture as example, if you want to use PCIe 4.0, you must insert the device in PCI_E1 or PCI_E3.
Note: The motherboard technology is ever-changing, please check the motherboard manual for specific information to confirm.
Check if the motherboard supports PCIe 4.0
Take the MEG Z590 ACE as an example, click on the "Magnifying Glass" in the upper right corner of MSI's website, type in "MEG Z590 ACE" and press the "Enter button" to search.
Find "MEG Z590 ACE" and click "Specification".
Click "Details" in the upper left corner to view the motherboard PCIe slot specifications.
