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PCIE Bifurcation

Know anyone a worklog or a build where bifurcucation would be use and an itx mainboard in combination with two Gpu's like two R9 Nanos ^^ ?
 
duke00 said:
Know anyone a worklog or a build where bifurcucation would be use and an itx mainboard in combination with two Gpu's like two R9 Nanos ^^ ?
Click to expand...

Yup! I'm working on this, but it will likely be with two GPUs that are R9 Nano sized from the Arctic Islands/Pascal generation by the time I have everything ready to go (PCIe splitter, case, water blocks, custom in/out flow valve for blocks, possibly custom reservoir). Chemist_slime here is also working on this and may have it done sooner!
 
duke00 said:
And have one of you a worklog or samething else?
Click to expand...

Just got your PM, I have the majority of the parts ready, will be doing Dual 970 GTX. I'll need a custom Terminal which EK says they're building for me but have not received it yet. I had to warranty the 970 WB from them and just got it back today due to a stripped stud so now I'm just waiting for a custom terminal to hook the two together. If I don't get it from them soon, I'll have to make my own. Just got my pre-ordered CNC machine from Carbide3D. Will have to draw up the prints to get it CNC'ed.
 
chemist_slime said:
Just got your PM, I have the majority of the parts ready, will be doing Dual 970 GTX. I'll need a custom Terminal which EK says they're building for me but have not received it yet. I had to warranty the 970 WB from them and just got it back today due to a stripped stud so now I'm just waiting for a custom terminal to hook the two together. If I don't get it from them soon, I'll have to make my own. Just got my pre-ordered CNC machine from Carbide3D. Will have to draw up the prints to get it CNC'ed.
Click to expand...

What kind of radiator are you using the dual GTX 970's? I assume you're trying to get this into a small space–– I'm wondering whether a single 120mm rad that is 25mm thick would be fine for 2 GTX 970's with no overclock. Is 290W TDP too much for a 120mm rad?
 
jb1 said:
What kind of radiator are you using the dual GTX 970's? I assume you're trying to get this into a small space–– I'm wondering whether a single 120mm rad that is 25mm thick would be fine for 2 GTX 970's with no overclock. Is 290W TDP too much for a 120mm rad?
Click to expand...

I'm not sure about this and wonder the same myself. My plan was to have two 92mm radiators and 3 noctua fans in sandwich mode cool the processor and 2 GPUs. It would pull air from below and exhaust from the top, very much so like the 6,1 mac pro or the G4 cube for efficiency sake.
 
chemist_slime said:
I'm not sure about this and wonder the same myself. My plan was to have two 92mm radiators and 3 noctua fans in sandwich mode cool the processor and 2 GPUs. It would pull air from below and exhaust from the top, very much so like the 6,1 mac pro or the G4 cube for efficiency sake.
Click to expand...

I think dual 92mm would probably be enough for the two GPUs, but not sure about the CPU as well. I've just revived your old thread about custom rads.
 
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Just received a (working, finally) ASrock Z170 Gaming ITX. There is what appears to be an option for PCIe bifurcation in the out-of-the-box (1.0) BIOS.
BttjpIT.jpg
 
Asrock rocks! Really awesome to see that they are enabling this functionality.
 
I assume PCIE bifurcation would work for 1 graphics card plus a 10gbe adapter? Could an M.2 socket with the right cables and adapters be used for the network card instead?
 
QinX said:
It seems that the only thing you really need to do is multiply the reference clock signal.
All the other signals can be daisychained as seen in the Supermicro example. The only thing the added to the PCIe fingers was more power and 2 more RefClks.

Something like the IDT 9DB233 should be able to double up the Reference Clock signals from the looks of it.

You mentioned you had tried the ARC1-PELY423-C7 and the RSC-R2UT-2E8R.
Could you identify what chip is on those 2 cards? It might be that they have the same type of chips.
Click to expand...

Phuncz said:
My AsRock Z87E-ITX disagrees with you, although it needs a specific BIOS update.
Click to expand...

@Phuncz: do you have this custom bios?
 
chemist_slime said:
@Phuncz: do you have this custom bios?
Click to expand...
I scavenged my mail for that and found it, it's over 2 years ago, though.
Filename: Z87EITX(1.91C)ROM.ZIP
Size: 8.392.704 bytes

The problem is, I can't test it, because BIOS v1.91 misses some very important updates:

2.00
9/30/2013
Improve memory OC capability.

2.10
10/15/2013
1. Update CPU EZ OC table.
2. Improve "UEFI Tech Service" function.
3. Update System Browser.
4. Improve memory compatibility.

2.30
12/12/2013
1. Support New 4th Generation Intel Core Processors.
2. Add "USB Compatibility Patch" setup option in BIOS.

2.50
7/22/2014
1. Update InstantFlash Module.
2. Support i7-4790K, i5-4690K and Intel Pentium G3258 EZ OC.
3. Adjust "Intel(R) Smart Connect Technology" setting.​

The problem is that I have a G3258 in there and I don't want to brick my board.
I'm going to ask if they have a more recent BIOS update.
 
I've received the latest BIOS version from AmeriRack: Z87EITX(P2.50B).zip
They've been very helpful.

I have a GTX 8800 Ultra that I hope still works and a Radeon HD 7770, I'll be trying those soon.
 
Phuncz said:
I've received the latest BIOS version from AmeriRack: Z87EITX(P2.50B).zip
They've been very helpful.

I have a GTX 8800 Ultra that I hope still works and a Radeon HD 7770, I'll be trying those soon.
Click to expand...

@Phuncz: Do you mind PMing that to me as well? Hopefully it works with the asrock x99e-itx splitter that I got from ameri-rack. I just scored a G3258 from fry's for 39 bucks and plan on getting the asrock Z87e-itx to build a plex server.
 
jb1 said:
@chemist_slime

Any progress on that custom block connector? It looks like EK custom built something like what we're trying to build for LinusTechTips, except for 7 GPUs!
https://youtu.be/LXOaCkbt4lI?t=387
Click to expand...

Hopefully I'll get it soon, our CEO is on break in Slovenia which is where EKWB is and said he'll stop by to check in with them! But if they can make that 7 slot, then they sure as heck can make a two slotter!
 
chemist_slime said:
@Phuncz: Do you mind PMing that to me as well? Hopefully it works with the asrock x99e-itx splitter that I got from ameri-rack. I just scored a G3258 from fry's for 39 bucks and plan on getting the asrock Z87e-itx to build a plex server.
Click to expand...

I believe I have the same splitter as you, but you'd better ask Ameri-Rack for the firmware, I'm not sure I'm allowed to distribute it.

BTW, it seems to work. I'll put my crap in spoilers because it's 10 pics total:

8lc6rss.png


First boot after flashing 2.50B, everything seems fine !


mSGVv9T.png


Geforce 8800 Ultra with a PCIe x16 extender from AmeriRack (I believe it supports PCIe 3.0). It boots, it works.


7vv9i6U.png


Windows says it works, good enough for me !


utCkSnN.png


Now let's use the splitter. I did need to enable "PEG support" under Chipset Configuration in the BIOS for it to work.


p8MFFEE.png


While I'm searching for an extra power cable, let's try a dual-port Intel networking card.


isD5OPn.png


As you can see, it works too. The networking card presents itself as two seperate PCIe devices, which is normal behavior for this card. Maybe it bifurcates itself ? Bifur-ception !!


YtJSGvD.png


Now let's try both cards on the splitter while also using extenders. And let's swap that 8800 Ultra for an HD 7770.


Zuu4fiw.png


Still works ! Do note that the card is in idle-mode and the PCIe version for the PCIe x16 slot is set to auto. It might influence what we see here.


2VT6d1N.png


And ofcourse the thing we wanted to achieve: dual ancient GPUs from two different manufacturers. But does it work ?

L7OIOKa.png


On the left you can see the 3 active GPUs: the Intel iGPU from the CPU, an old Nvidia 8800 Ultra and a less old Radeon HD 7770. Because the 8800 is quite old, it doesn't want to play nice at PCIe 3.0 which I'm not surprised. Because I don't have 2 cards from roughly the same era, I'll be looking at some cards in the future.
 
Looks like christmas came again! Our CEO just came off the plane from Slovenia and gave me a fresh gift from EKWB: Single slot parallel terminal for my custom PCI-E bifurcation build. They said that they will also put these on order on their site soon, so you guys can order one as well if you want. THANKS SO MUCH EKWB, you guys are awesome!!!! Pictures attached for your viewing pleasure:

HHaHT8ih.jpg

OI50TCmh.jpg

C46PLFlh.jpg

mreHBhYh.jpg

b0dt23Nh.jpg
 
This is awesome!! Looking forward to ordering one of these soon!

Just curious, how is the in/out flow configured? It looks like fluid would flow in/out through the side of the terminal rather than through the top. It also looks like there might be a third port in the back that could be used?
 
jb1,

From the acrylic version, inflow and outflow ports are indeed on the one side, like all their terminals of this type. Flow is set up in parallel. The extra port is probably for bleeding air / priming.
 
jb1 said:
This is awesome!! Looking forward to ordering one of these soon!

Just curious, how is the in/out flow configured? It looks like fluid would flow in/out through the side of the terminal rather than through the top. It also looks like there might be a third port in the back that could be used?
Click to expand...

I believe jtd is correct, my other dual parallel terminal also has that extra port, although I don't think it's necessary for bleeding but for choice of excurrent port as an option.
 
I think it is done because most of the time the space below the GPU is blocked by a PSU or the case floor. So you can enter either from side and top(towards the CPU).

I also see you have a LED option, always nice to have if that's your thing.
 
Agreed, this is very, very cool. Can't wait to get my hands on one of those block connectors!

@chemist_slime, what is the total length of the PNY GTX 970 without the stock cooler? It looks like the GPU is shorter without it.

Also, can you mount the connector either way? With the terminals facing the bottom or the top of the card, where you have the terminals mounted facing the bottom?
 
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@chemist_slime... this is both REALLY frustrating and REALLY cool at the same time, lol.

I tried contacting EKWB through different channels a few times since September 2014 and was told each time they wouldn't do a "zero slot" header as they don't do custom work.

Have had 2 customised Z97E-ITX and a few different PCI splitters (from Amerirack and some Supermicro ones) along with waterblocks for the 970s etc sitting around for months, lol. Got the Z170 ITX on it's way now too.

Really hope they start selling these ASAP! Chomping at the bit here! haha

Out of curiosity, given that the cap screw alignment etc should all be consistent, you SHOULD be able to turn this around right so tubes can run from the other side, yeah?
 
jb1 said:
Agreed, this is very, very cool. Can't wait to get my hands on one of those block connectors!

@chemist_slime, what is the total length of the PNY GTX 970 without the stock cooler? It looks like the GPU is shorter without it.

Also, can you mount the connector either way? With the terminals facing the bottom or the top of the card, where you have the terminals mounted facing the bottom?
Click to expand...

jb1: I'll check the measurements when I'm back at home. Yes, you can mount the connector the other way.

On a side note, have you made any progress on getting the USB 3.0 to work reliably? I'm still having some issues with it and after I set it up, then just need to hook up the video cards :)

Also, after enabling the speedstep on my 2676 V3 using the method through your PM, when I benchmark using Geekbench 3, the single threaded score really improved but the multi-core suffered.

Geekbench 3 scores 32bit:

Before: 1849/24962
After: 2835/20802

Geekbench 3 scores 64bit:

Before: 2044/27890
After: 3117/23074

I have no idea how robinqu got 2909/32347 <- not sure if it's 32bit or 64 bit but higher nonetheless.

http://www.tonymacx86.com/yosemite-desktop-guides/170818-12-core-x99-hackintosh-pro-build.html
 
kudoz said:
@chemist_slime... this is both REALLY frustrating and REALLY cool at the same time, lol.

I tried contacting EKWB through different channels a few times since September 2014 and was told each time they wouldn't do a "zero slot" header as they don't do custom work.

Have had 2 customised Z97E-ITX and a few different PCI splitters (from Amerirack and some Supermicro ones) along with waterblocks for the 970s etc sitting around for months, lol. Got the Z170 ITX on it's way now too.

Really hope they start selling these ASAP! Chomping at the bit here! haha

Out of curiosity, given that the cap screw alignment etc should all be consistent, you SHOULD be able to turn this around right so tubes can run from the other side, yeah?
Click to expand...

Did you also get a custom bios for the Z97e-itx to make it work?

Yes, you can flip the connector on the waterblock to point in the opposite direction.

Can't wait to see some of your builds!
 
chemist_slime said:
Did you also get a custom bios for the Z97e-itx to make it work?

Yes, you can flip the connector on the waterblock to point in the opposite direction.

Can't wait to see some of your builds!
Click to expand...

Yeah, have custom BIOS for the Z97 based on their BETA firmware.

If you're got a Z97 and want to try it out let me know, I have a sneaking suspicion that they didn't actually do any hardware mods and just wanted me to get the board through them as I had mentioned that was what I was using the splitter for, lol.

Now that the R9 Nano has dropped to $499 USD I'm salivating at the thought of using those in crossfire for even better power efficiency and size!
 
kudoz said:
Yeah, have custom BIOS for the Z97 based on their BETA firmware.

If you're got a Z97 and want to try it out let me know, I have a sneaking suspicion that they didn't actually do any hardware mods and just wanted me to get the board through them as I had mentioned that was what I was using the splitter for, lol.

Now that the R9 Nano has dropped to $499 USD I'm salivating at the thought of using those in crossfire for even better power efficiency and size!
Click to expand...


PM sent.
 
chemist_slime said:
jb1: I'll check the measurements when I'm back at home. Yes, you can mount the connector the other way.

On a side note, have you made any progress on getting the USB 3.0 to work reliably? I'm still having some issues with it and after I set it up, then just need to hook up the video cards :)

Also, after enabling the speedstep on my 2676 V3 using the method through your PM, when I benchmark using Geekbench 3, the single threaded score really improved but the multi-core suffered.

Geekbench 3 scores 32bit:

Before: 1849/24962
After: 2835/20802

Geekbench 3 scores 64bit:

Before: 2044/27890
After: 3117/23074

I have no idea how robinqu got 2909/32347 <- not sure if it's 32bit or 64 bit but higher nonetheless.

http://www.tonymacx86.com/yosemite-desktop-guides/170818-12-core-x99-hackintosh-pro-build.html
Click to expand...

No progress on USB 3.0 yet–– I think all of these issues will go away when Apple refreshes the Mac Pro and OS X gets official C612 support.

That's interesting about the Geekbench score. In addition to speedstep, you can get turbo working by adding -xcpm as a bootflag and 0x0306A0 as a fakeCPUID in your config.plist with USB 3.0 disabled. Should boost both single and multi-thread results!
 
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