Will Using PCIE4 Make My GPU Run At 8 Lanes£

Hi. I have i5 10600k (10th gen chip, 16 lanes), Asrock Z590 Pro4, RTX 3070. I have 2 NVME at M2_1 and M2_2.

Long story short.. I want a 3rd NVME for gaming storage. I've been learning about PCIe lanes, PCIe slots vs lanes, etc. Despite the 2 NVME, my GPU is still running at 16 lanes according to GPU-Z.

Now.. if I was to get a 3rd NVME and connect it using an NVME/PCIe adapter and connect it to PCIE5 (bottom x16 slot), would that make my GPU run at 8 lanes?

I've referred to the Asrock manual but it didn't specify. And I'm not super knowledgeable about computers to make any conclusions myself (still trying to learn).

the x8 vs x16 lanes for my 3070 in terms of FPS is pretty significant. So I might just get a SATA as others suggested.

Thank you.

Hi,

Thank you for reply.

To clarify, I already have an NVME to M2_2 and M2_3.

But I'd like to add a 3rd NVME via the Pcie x16 slot at the bottom.

And based on your reply, my GPU will then run at 8 lanes because the bottom x16 slot is connected to the CPU. Am I correct in this assumption?

Thank you.

Just to confirm, my GPU remained at x16 lanes even when the bottom x16 slot is used.

10600k
Asrock Z590 Pro4 (refer to manual to understand my exact configuration)

M2_2 = unused since I only have a 10th gen Intel CPU
PCIE2 = RTX 3070
M2_2 = NVME
M2_3 = NVME
PCIE4 = NVME m.2 adapter

I used GPU-Z to check, even with the PCIE4 slot used, my RTX 3070 remained at x16 lanes.

The NVME in the m.2 adapter (@ PCIE4 slot) was running at advertised speeds as per CrystalMark