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Riser Card Tutorial
A basic guide to riser card functionality and use for first time user new to bus extenders.
Related Products Include:
- 32-Bit PCI Bus Extenders/Risers
- 64-Bit PCI Bus Extenders/Risers
- AGP Pro Right Angle Extenders/Risers
- AGP Bus Extenders/Risers
- AGP Pro Bus Extenders/Risers
Table of Contents:
- What is a riser card/bus extender and why would I need one?
- What are the different types of riser cards/bus extender?
-
Riser Card Directional Orientation
-
PCI and AGP Voltage Differences
- Riser Cards for 1U and 2U Rackmount Systems
PCI and AGP Voltage Differences

PCI, AGP, and AGP Pro cards and expansion slots have different voltages that affect mechanical compatibility with one another. However PCI cards that are universally keyed are compatible in both 5V and 3.3V slots. AGP and AGP Pro universal cards can plug into any 1.5V and 3.3V AGP and AGP Pro slots.

32-bit PCI Slots and Cards come in 3.3V and 5V options. Below is an illustration of what 32-bit PCI 5V and 3.3V and slots looks like.

32-bit PCI Slot Voltage Visual Comparison
32-bit PCI Slot Voltage Visual Comparison

32-bit PCI Golfinger Voltage Visual Comparison
32-bit PCI Golfinger Voltage Visual Comparison

64-bit PCI Slots and Cards come in 3.3V and 5V options. Below is an illustration of what 64-bit PCI 5V, 3.3V and universal goldfingers and slots looks like.

64-bit PCI Slot Voltage Visual Comparison
64-bit PCI Slot Voltage Visual Comparison


64-bit PCI Golfinger Voltage Visual Comparison
64-bit PCI Golfinger Voltage Visual Comparison

AGP Slots and Cards come in 3.3V and 1.5V options. Below is an illustration of what 32-bit PCI 5V, 3.3V and universal goldfingers and slots looks like.

32-bit PCI Slot Voltage Visual Comparison
AGP Slot Voltage Visual Comparison

32-bit PCI Golfinger Voltage Visual Comparison
AGP Golfinger Voltage Visual Comparison

AGP Pro Slots and Cards come in 3.3V and 1.5V options. Below is an illustration of what 64-bit PCI 5V, 3.3V and universal goldfingers and slots looks like.

64-bit PCI Slot Voltage Visual Comparison
AGP Pro Slot Voltage Visual Comparison


64-bit PCI Golfinger Voltage Visual Comparison
AGP Pro Golfinger Voltage Visual Comparison
Related Products Include:
- 32-Bit PCI Bus Extenders/Risers
- 64-Bit PCI Bus Extenders/Risers
- AGP Pro Right Angle Extenders/Risers
- AGP Bus Extenders/Risers
- AGP Pro Bus Extenders/Risers
Table of Contents:
- What is a riser card/bus extender and why would I need one?
- What are the different types of riser cards/bus extender?
-
Riser Card Directional Orientation
-
PCI and AGP Voltage Differences
- Riser Cards for 1U and 2U Rackmount Systems
Related Links:
- Purchase Riser Cards online
- Riser Card FAQ
- 32-bit PCI Definition
- 64-bit PCI Definition
- PCI Express Definition
- AGP Bus Definition
- ISA Bus Definition