Adaptor for PCI-E soundcard?

[artyboy]

Ever since i changed to an Asus Maximus VI Hero mobo, I no longer have space to install my Creative X-Fi Titanium soundcard - becos i have 2 graphics card in SLI mode. There is no space between the gigantic CPU-Cooler and first GPU, and there is also no space in between the 2 GPUs. I didnt know how bad on-board audio sounded until im forced to go from a dedicated soundcard to an onboard one becos of lack of space to install the soundcard. Is there any way thru a PCI-E extension/adaptor or the only way is to get an external soundcard (if there's such a thing)?

 

[wtfh4x]

I think you can use the last PCIE x16 slot (the grey one). Should be no problem.

 

[MoneyFace =p]

Yes but will be super ugly against your lovey dovey motherboard...

The above is called a riser.

 

[MoneyFace =p]

I rather you give up your CPU cooler either spend extra for a AIO watercooling unit or just use stock cooler and install sound card on first slot.

 

[artyboy]

Thanks for your response guys. The remaining slot between the 2nd GPU and PSU also no space because of the 2 USB headers being used in between (the slot seems longer unlike the 2 above). Seems like the riser is the only option, ugly also bopian for better sound's sake. I can't use a stock CPU cooler as I've overclocked my 4770K to 4.2 Ghz with a Noctua NH-D14. Don't think I want to go into water cooling after just upgrading my rig recently.

 

[royfrosty]

Like what moneyface mentioned. It is called a pcie riser. You need to visualize how the ribbon goes. If you know how to then you can hide it well.

 

[wtfh4x]

The slot longer don't need to worry. For PCIe as long as it will fit it can work. I think the sound card would be short enough not to interfere with the USB headers, but then again, you're the one looking at the case so I may be wrong.

 

[Mythmaker]

Risers always gives me problems :/

 

[artyboy]

I checked with my reg shop was told riser has to order online, anyone knows where to get off the shelf in SLS? I checked all 3 available PCI-E slots for the soundcard, it would be a very tight fit even if it can fit in, not feasible. Looks like the riser is the only option. This would force me to look into dual-GPU graphics cards in future altho I'd always prefer SLI of 2 cards if given a choice My previous MSI BigBang X-Power mobo seems to have no issue accommodating 2 graphics card + soundcard previously, strange...

View is obscured by 2 fans next to GPUs but it really is tight in between the GPUs and CPU cooler/PSU...

 

[MoneyFace =p]

I checked with my reg shop was told riser has to order online, anyone knows where to get off the shelf in SLS? I checked all 3 available PCI-E slots for the soundcard, it would be a very tight fit even if it can fit in, not feasible. Looks like the riser is the only option. This would force me to look into dual-GPU graphics cards in future altho I'd always prefer SLI of 2 cards if given a choice My previous MSI BigBang X-Power mobo seems to have no issue accommodating 2 graphics card + soundcard previously, strange...

View is obscured by 2 fans next to GPUs but it really is tight in between the GPUs and CPU cooler/PSU...

Referring to the illustrations below will tell you why your current ASUS ROG motherboard don't fit everything well...

Look close to the relative positions of the socket and CPU cooler holes. The one on MSI motherboard is noticeably closer towards the top, giving it better leverage on the limitation of CPU coolers that can be installed, thus giving rise to the possibility of installation of your gigantic Noctua HSF together with an expansion card on first slot.

 

[MoneyFace =p]

What you can do (with your money) is to swap your NH-D14 for an AIO watercooling solution. Time to move ahead of technology (even if it change improve cooling performance by any huge margin)..

 

[kevin_ong]

Consider using an external (USB) sound card - eg: Asus Xonar U7 ?

 

[artyboy]

Thanks for all your invaluable inputs guys. Will probably go for an external soundcard or go the riser route. Will try the latter first since I already have a very good soundcard. If not it'll be the Asus Xonar or the Creative equivalent.

 

[artyboy]

Irony of ironies I got the space I needed for my sound card eventually. Itchy backside tried to squeeze soundcard in between the 2 graphic cards - while PC was on - heard a '****' and smelt smoke and realised the soundcard's metal chassis brushed against the lower graphic card's backplate's naked multiple soldered points!! Tried on/off PC, unplug/plug power connectors and removed/install back the graphic card but altho the fans were still Spinning, Windows no longer detect it and it nl longer sends a signal to the LCD Is there any way it can be revived? Fortunately I have 2 so can still use my PC. The only "good" thing to come out of it is now I have space to install back my Creative X-Fi Titanium and boy does it sound way better than the onboard audio! Looks like have to start reading up on the 780Ti.. Or is there a dual GPU version that could free up space for a dedicated sound card...

 

[Mythmaker]

I checked with my reg shop was told riser has to order online, anyone knows where to get off the shelf in SLS?

If you are adamant on a PCIe Riser, I can sell you mine for $6. Mine is a 16 lanes riser bought from Chamoxa last time. Made in Oct 2011. Used for like 1 month lol!

 

[artyboy]

If you are adamant on a PCIe Riser, I can sell you mine for $6. Mine is a 16 lanes riser bought from Chamoxa last time. Made in Oct 2011. Used for like 1 month lol!

haha but does it work? any problems using such an 'extension' device? if you're in the west i dont mind getting from you.

 

[artyboy]

no burnt marks or blackened points but its dead

 

[shadow84]

You short the gpu liao.. can send for RMA or get new gpu.

 

[Mythmaker]

haha but does it work? any problems using such an 'extension' device? if you're in the west i dont mind getting from you.

Lucky for you, I stay boon lay lol. PM me your contact.

It's just like your USB extension. Just an extension lol.

I never had much luck using it. I use it for a TV Tuner last time, and the tuner was later found to be faulty. Then I used it for something else, didnt work and much later found out that the mobo was faulty. Was never required to use it again. Therefore concludes my stint with the riser lol.

Here's how mine looks:
http://postimg.org/image/4nghsuj7r/

 

[artyboy]

Lucky for you, I stay boon lay lol. PM me your contact.

It's just like your USB extension. Just an extension lol.

I never had much luck using it. I use it for a TV Tuner last time, and the tuner was later found to be faulty. Then I used it for something else, didnt work and much later found out that the mobo was faulty. Was never required to use it again. Therefore concludes my stint with the riser lol.

Here's how mine looks:
View image: 20140126 214634

So Chiaklat haha. KIV first bro, if I get 2x 780GTXs it'll be back to square one of having no space for my X-Fi soundcard again haiz...