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Optimizing Performance 43
Optimizing Performance
Understanding PCI Express Cards
PCI Express is the next generation technology for graphics cards and PCI cards. The PCI Express
x16 slot is used in place of the AGP graphics card slot. The dimensions of PCI Express card slots are
different from those of the PCI card slots, and the cards are not interchangeable (you cannot install
a PCI card in a PCI Express card slot, or a PCI Express card in a PCI card slot).
Some benefits of PCI Express technology include:
• Greater available bandwidth — PCI Express bus bandwidth is 250 MB/s in each direction per lane
simultaneously, while PCI bus bandwidth is 133 MB/s in one direction at a time.
• Prioritization of service — Multiple PCI cards installed in a computer all share a common bus, but
each PCI Express card operates on its own channel. Activities such as video conferencing and web
camera functions can be automatically prioritized through the device software to reduce latency.
Understanding Dual Graphics Technology
With dual-graphics technology, an optional second PCI Express graphics card will significantly
increase graphics performance on your computer. Benefits of this technology can be seen in the
improved portrayal of the 3-D graphics used in gaming and design applications.
Each graphics card includes at least one GPU (graphics processing unit). In dual graphics card
configurations, multiple GPUs dynamically share their workload to provide the best possible
performance. For a given application, the software selects the optimum rendering (processing)
mode.
For more information, see the documentation that came with your graphics card.
Understanding CPU Over-Clocking
NOTICE: Dell does not recommend operating the CPU at a frequency that is greater than the manufacturer’s
design specifications. Operating the CPU in this manner may cause your system to shut down unexpectedly,
may result in a loss of data, and may reduce the operational life of the processor. If the system shuts down
unexpectedly or is unstable, select a lower CPU operating frequency.
Your Dell computer provides the limited capability to adjust the operating frequency, or clock speed, of
the processor.
book.book Page 43 Friday, October 27, 2006 4:02 PM