Need your opinion of CPU choice that uses PCI express interface for high speed digitizers?

[Azazel]

Hello all,

I am currently involved with a project that requires huge amounts of bandwidth.  I will eventually be running 8 PCI-5122 DAQ cards on two PXI chassis that will be connected to the computer via 2 MXI express cables which takeadvantage of the higher bandwidth associated with PCI Express.  I have been shopping around to find a computer that has at least 2 PCI-express x1 slots but have been unsuccesful.  So...... my question is what is everyone using for this type of application. ie.  processor, motherboard, etc.  Can anyone suggest an off the shelf unit or do you build your own via chipsets?

Thanks,

Azazel

[psisterhen]

The Dell Precision 380 has 3 PCIe slots: a x16 (for video cards), a x1, and a x4.  I'm sure there are other PCs on the market with multiple PCIe slots.

Alternatively, the PCIe-8362 has TWO cabled PCI Express links.  So you only need one slot in your host PC.  This may not be the best solution, however, if bandwidth is your primary concern.  With one 8362 connected to two chassis, the total maximum throughput is 160 MB/s.  With two 8361s (each connected to a different chassis), the total maximum throughput is 220 MB/s (110 MB/s on each).

Finally, keep in mind that the PXI chassis in your system are still running at PCI speeds (132 MB/s).  Plus, this bandwidth is shared across all devices in the system.  So the MXI Express connection to the chassis may not be the bottleneck in the system.

Good luck!