Computer or motherboard for PCIe 1429 with Intel i7 processor

[David Cook]

I need to purchase a new computer for a system that will use a PCIe 1429 cameralink card. I need this card to run at the full PCIe 4x speed, and not all 4x or faster PCIe busses support bidirectional data transfer. In the past, it's been hit or miss finding a computer that supports this card, and datasheets just don't provide the necessry information. The list of supported computers & motherboards dates back to 2005. I probably couldn't buy these systems new even if I wanted to. Furthermore, I need a fast computer for real time image processing so I want to use one of the new Intel i7 processors. Is the lack of bi-directional data transfer still a problem with modern motherboards? If so, can anybody recommend a computer or motherboard with an Intel i7 processor that supports the 1429 card at 4x data rates?

[SMeserve]

Hi David,

Most new PCs and workstations advertise some form of PCI Express slot, however not all motherboards are configured to provide optimal performance with the NI PCIe-1429. The NI PCIe-1429 frame grabber is intended for a 4 lane (x4) PCIe slot. It will not fit properly and should not be used in a x1 PCIe slot. The NI PCIe-1429 will fit into, and can be used in a x8 or x16 PCIe slot. However, performance may be degraded in x8 and x16 slots with some motherboards.

Using a smaller width device in a larger width slot is called up-plugging. When up-plugging, motherboards are permitted to limit the plug-in devices to the x1 data rate to reduce motherboard costs. If you plan to use the NI 1429 in an up-plugging configuration (in a x8 or x16 slot), with a camera that produces data faster than 200 MegaBytes/second, verify with your computer manufacturer that your motherboard will support a x4 plug-in device at a x4 data rate in the slot you intend to use.

National Instruments does not spec specific computers for their boards; we simply comply with the PCIe standards.  You should contact the motherboard manufacturer to make sure that you won't be bumped down to x1 when trying to use an x8 or x16 slot.  Thanks!