Question: Just a quick question, I've got a DELL T3400 CN-0TP412 Motherboard, and I was wondering if:

* it is compatible with "PCI-E 3.0" video cards?
* Are there any performance implications (if PCI-E is backwards
compatible)?

Specifically the 'Sapphire Radeon R9 270X Vapor-X 2GB'.

<http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193_1560&products_id=25511>

How would I determine this myself by looking at the specs?

* 3 x PCI Connectors
* 1 x PCI-E x1 Connector
* 2 x PCI-E x4/x8 Connector

Thanks!

Answer: 
We’re talking about this thing, right?
![Board](https://i.stack.imgur.com/ifI9i.jpg)

If so, there’s no problem. Performance might be limited somewhat, but considering the CPUs that fit, that won’t matter anyway.
From what I found on the Sapphire site, your motherboard is not compatible with this graphics card because you don't have a x16 slot. There are additional power & connector requirements as well, and we did not outline what you have available for power.

The [system requirements](http://www.sapphiretech.com/presentation/product/product_index.aspx?pid=2036&lid=1#) are as follows (my emphasis added):

* **PCI Express® based PC is required with one X16 lane graphics slot  

available on the motherboard.**
* 4X75 Watt 6-pin PCI Express power connector is required for
CrossFireX™ system.
* 2X75 Watt 6-pin PCI Express power connector is required.
* Installation software requires CD-ROM drive.
* DVD playback requires DVD drive. Blu-ray™ / HD DVD playback requires
Blu-ray / HD DVD drive.
* 500 Watt Power Supply is required.
* 600WattPower Supply is recommended for CrossFireX™ System.
* 64-bit operating system highly recommended