Videocard PCIe16x to 1x mod

A friend of mine is running two cards in SLI and is unable to run multiple monitors with out switching SLI on and off all the time. But he does have an extra PCIe 1x slot. Seeing as PCIe uses x number of serial channels it would be theoretically possible to simply cut off the extra 15 serial channels. This is that attempt:

I used a Asus 6200TC (64MB onboard 256MB TC) for the mod. Pic here (from newegg)

I carefully taped off the extra contacts and tested it in a PCIe 16x slot to verify that it does run at 1x mode. Pic here.

Then carefully cut off the access contacts being very careful of SMD components and non PCIe traces. Pic here.

I then re-verified that all the required contacts are still intact and there are no damaged traces. Pic here.

The card booted perfectly and made it into windows and was tested with zero errors/artifacts and worked flawlessly for several hours of testing. Unfortunately after testing the card spontaneously stopped booting/working while simply browsing the net. Cause of death is unknown. I will attempt to revive the card and will post results of successful. It should be noted the price gap between 16x and 1x PCIe cards is 40$+ Also special thanks to augiedoggie for donating the Asus 6200TC.

 

Very interesting. Seems to me you could have just kept it taped off instead of actually cutting the card, but I guess the tape is a bit "ghetto", and you get much better bragging rights by saying you actually cut the contacts and got it to work. Nice job!!! I never would have even thought of modding a PCIe video card to fit in the 1x slot.... crazy....

 

My friend has two 16x slots (being used for his SLI) and one 1x slot. A 16x card wouldn't fit. I did however test it in a 16x slot before cutting it.