Path Pilot Controller better through PCI slot or PCI-e

[Tbkahuna]

I am still using my original Tormach controller from 2010 for my 1100 Series 2 that now has Series 3 drivers and steppers. I upgraded it to Path Pilot in 2015. My Tormach order for the upgrade shows that I got it for a PCI slot. However, I just looked at some pictures I took of my controller at the time to determine if it was PCI or PCI-e and it looks like it is a PCI-e expansion slot.

My old controller only has enough USB ports for the keyboard, mouse, and one for the remote input for programs. With PP 2.0 out I am thinking about getting a new controller for more USB ports and for reliability. My controller has been stable since I had issues with booting after the original PP upgrade in 2015... I was thinking now might be the time to upgrade the controller and put the original controller on the shelf as a backup. If PCI-e is better I would have to buy a new board as well.

I use a fourth axis and a Rapidturn as well.

Is there any advantage to having a PCI-e interface vs. a PCI for the 1100 or will I never notice the difference?


Thanks for your insight,

Rob in Cypress, TX

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[PCW_MESA]

There's no functional difference between the 5I25 (PCI) and 6I25 (PCIE)

But PCIE is more future-proof since PCI slots are disappearing from motherboards
( and pretty much gone from one slot Mini-ITX Motherboards )

[Tbkahuna]

Ok, thanks.

Here is what the Tormach documentation shows. The picture of my expansion slot looks like the one on the right, which the Tormach document shows as a PCI-E slot, but my order said it was for a PCI card. Is that correct?

[PCW_MESA]

The one on the right is PCI (Tormach has their labels wrong)

Note, that to add to the confusion, color is not really diagnostic, many motherboards have black PCI slots
Nor is width a great indicator (16X PCIE slots are about as wide as PCI and you can use a one lane PCIE card like the 6I25 in a 16 lane slot )

Some differences are

PCI connectors are taller and never have a board retention latch like PCIE 16x slots
PCIE connectors are finer pitch
PCIE connectors are inset a bit more from the motherboard (bracket) edge