Core i3-540 Expansion Options?

Hi,

This may seem like a stupid question, but I was thrown off by the spec of the core-i3 processor on this page relating to PCI support:

Intel® Core

I need to replace the motherboard that this chip is running in because there is an absence of a standard PCI slot, If I buy a motherboard with a PCI slot on it, will it be supported by the processor? :sarc:

Er, what?

The link that you provide is to a mobile CPU, usually found in a laptop. (Some all-in-one desktops use mobile CPUs, but they're not the norm.)

Is the Packard Bell ixtreme M3720 the system you're asking about?

Could you be clearer about what it is that you wish to do?

Sorry incorrect Link: (its the Core i3-540)

Intel® Core

This is nothing to do with the Packard Bell ixtreme at all. Its a separate PC I am working on at the moment (HP G5208uk), i need to fit a professional sound card (PCI) but the PC itself does not have a PCI slot, therefore I need to change the motherboard, but when I was checking out the core-i3 540 page I looked at the "expansion options" section and it was only talking about support for PCI-e without any info about PCI

Its probably a bit of a stupid question to be fair, I just don't want to waste my money!

The processor will not determine whether or not you get PCI. The PCI-express expansion is mentioned in the processor specification because the i3 has on-board graphics and supports a PCI-e 16 lane for the graphics.

You need to look at the MB specs to see if the MB supports PCI. Just because the chipset supports it doesn't mean the motherboard will, but most do.

Ok, thanks very much for your help

Welcome.

They also make PCi-e X1 slotted audio cards. It's the small PCI-e slot usually above the PCi-e graphics slot and some boards have 2 one above and one below. Either X1 or I think an X3 slot or both.

Maybe post a link f the board(s) your looking to purchase.
Thanks. Fabe

Professional sound card is different than an audio card.