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XPS 8960, PCIe x4 expansion warning
XPS 8960
I recently purchased the XPS 8960 computer and the website and manuals state that it has 1 - PCIe x16 and 2 - PCIe x4 slots. It does NOT mention that if you have a NVIDIA RTX 4070 that the two PCIe x 4 slots are blocked and cannot be utilized.
I need to add 1 10Gigibit Ethernet Adapter (PCIe x4) to the computer.
The XPS 8960 is NOT an improvement over the XPS 8940 based on my requirements.
I just processed a return request.
DELL-Chris M
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November 16th, 2023 18:09
The Dell XPS 8960 Sales site Features section shows the double width PCIe x16 video card covering the PCIe x4 slots.
The XPS 8960 Service Manual also shows the two PCIe x4 slots close to the PCIe x16 slot =
Using a double width video card, The Alienware Aurora have the same limited space. You would have to move to the Precision Tower to get access to the PCIe x4 slot =
(edited)
Chino de Oro
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November 16th, 2023 02:04
In addition to limited access to PCIe slots, the XPS 8960 provides only two DIMM slots. Users must rid of the original lower capacity memory modules if planning for a maximum capacity upgrade.
However, the 8960 product line is working well for most users as the majority of consumers just configured the systems with all the components and features for their needs at purchase point.
Users with knowledge about computer would build their own standard, upgradable system instead of choosing a pre-built with proprietorship hardware.
It's good that you found out and made a decision in time. Although, you may be charged for a restocking fee. If you still plan to purchase a prebuild, look into Precision line.
Robert Willis
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November 16th, 2023 02:07
This is probably going to be my last Dell. I did a lot of research before I purchased the XPS 8960 and was caught by suprise when I opened the computer to add the additional Ethernet card. I already have the return label and will package it for shipment back to Dell.
Thank you for the reply.
DELL-Cares
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November 16th, 2023 02:29
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Robert Willis
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November 16th, 2023 21:17
Yes, but everyone I talked to at Dell before purchasing provide me the manual with NO indication that the two slots were blocked by the RTK 4070. The computer is boxed and being returned.
RoHe
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November 17th, 2023 01:28
Too late now, but you probably could have tried a USB>Ethernet dongle to add a 2nd Ethernet port, because the x4 slots are inaccessible...
Robert Willis
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November 17th, 2023 02:19
I need a 10GB Ethernet and could not find many that offered that capability. With the XPS 8960 2.5GB connection to my 10GB Network switch which has two SYNOLOGY DS1821+ NAS's (10 GB Ethernet Adapters) connected to it my transfer speed was 1/3 the speed that I expected. Based on the purchase price of the XPS 8960 I just could not accept the compromise.
I looked at other Dell options and none of them will meet my system requirements.
Thank you for all of your assistance.
Element115s4
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December 1st, 2023 20:39
I've never tried this but for others:
10 Gigabit Ethernet slots into your M.2 port, costs only $86 | Tom's Hardware (tomshardware.com)
ChuckInFlorida
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June 10th, 2024 09:39
@Robert Willis I own an XPS 8960 with a RTX 4090 and only one of the slots are blocked. Maybe choose a different graphics card.
(edited)