32-bit PCI vs 64-bit PCI controller

[Ayman Altounji]

I purchased an NC7131 Gigabit Ethernet adapter and an SA-431 SmartArray-2 controller for my proliant 1600 server after talking with Compaq sales. Both of these cards are 64-bit PCI and my system only has 32-bit PCI slots. I added the cards and they seem to work fine but I'm not sure what the consequences are of using these 64-bit cards in 32-bit slots other than the obvious expectation of reduced performance. Does anyone have a clearer explanation of the compatibility of this configuration and what it means to this server? Thanks in advance.

Travis Laird

[Sunil Jerath]

Hello Travis,
There are 6 PCI and 4 PCI/ISA shared slots. The long slots are 64bit. You are right about the reduced performance when using 64bit cards in 32bit slots. There are no compatibility issues either. If you need further assistance please feel free to contact our Technical Support at 1-800-OK-Compaq.