How to test PCI slots?

soundguydave · 17th February 2007

Hey, we have a G5 here that we think a capture card may of failed. But is there an easy way to test the PCI slots to make sure its not the host computer? It was the only PCI card in that machine, and I am hesitant to put the card in the other machine, in case the card is bad and risk messing something up (plus they're all connected and would be a pain to pull out). So is there some sort or hardware test I can run to test the PCI slots?

**Geert van den Berg** · 17th February 2007

You can run the system diagnosis DVD which came with your OS X installation, though I doubt that I'll spot a malfunctioning PCI slot. Doesn't hurt to try though.

Can't you install the card in another slot in the same computer?

soundguydave · 17th February 2007

I tried that. Do the slots run independent of each other, so only one goes out at a time? Or is the whole PCI bus connected?

**Geert van den Berg** · 17th February 2007

The whole PCI bus is connected.

hociman · 18th February 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geert van den Berg

The whole PCI bus is connected.

This may be true, but each slot is independent. If they weren't, you would only have one slot. On the QuickSilver 2002 G4s, it certainly was possible for a single slot to go bad. I had it happen. Apple Hardware Test is really only going to tell you if PCI slots are present at best. To prove its the slot and not the card, you will have to move the card.

17th February 2007	#1
soundguydave Gear addict Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 497 Thread Starter	How to test PCI slots? Hey, we have a G5 here that we think a capture card may of failed. But is there an easy way to test the PCI slots to make sure its not the host computer? It was the only PCI card in that machine, and I am hesitant to put the card in the other machine, in case the card is bad and risk messing something up (plus they're all connected and would be a pain to pull out). So is there some sort or hardware test I can run to test the PCI slots?

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
New G5 PCI slots incompatible with UAD-1 card. Suggestions for plug-ins?	Classic	So much gear, so little time!	0	12th April 2006 01:09 AM
Powercore and UAD1 card users - are you worried about Mac PCI slots?	Jules	So much gear, so little time!	12	22nd November 2005 09:33 PM
No PCI slots on new G5 PowerMacs - no Pro Tools HD?	GilWave	Music computers	47	26th October 2005 04:28 AM
Want UAD-1/PoCo but not enough PCI slots. Suggestions?	fross	Music computers	5	23rd January 2005 02:50 PM
Quick Question: How many PCI slots in a 2.5 G5?	bnath	Music computers	4	27th November 2004 01:08 AM

17th February 2007	#2
Geert van den Berg Mac Moderator Joined: May 2003 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 3,454	You can run the system diagnosis DVD which came with your OS X installation, though I doubt that I'll spot a malfunctioning PCI slot. Doesn't hurt to try though. Can't you install the card in another slot in the same computer?