Desktop PCI Slot Count

• PCI spec allows 10 loads:

  • A PCI chip is a load
  • Desktop connectors represent a load

• Desktop PCI: chip is 1 load, connector is 1 load = 2 loads per plug-in card.

• CPU support chipset and GPIO chip on motherboard = 2 loads

• Therefore, 4 slots/system maximum in desktop PC PCI without PCI to PCI bridging

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