Viewing topic Small Form Factor GPU-PassThrough Build

Title: Small Form Factor GPU-PassThrough Build

AdamRHargreaves 12 May 2017

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Hi All!
My poor aging gaming rig is beginning to die a slow death, so it's time for a new one - and what better upgrade than to a proper Linux box!

However, I have a challenge. The Mrs has recently 'demoted' me to the TV (rather than the desk), so I need a small form factor build. However, I have some games that have to run on Windows (Thrustmaster drivers...), but would still like to do the bulk of my gaming on the Penguin. So that means GPU Passthrough (not a fan of dual booting - did it for years and it always went screwy eventually)

Ideally, I'd like to go for a Mini-ITX sized case - however there is the major problem in that itx only has one GPU slot!

Does anyone know of an ITX board that can take two graphics cards, or - perhaps better - a dual 1070GTx card (if such a thing exists?!)

Failing that, does anyone have any advice for a really compact MicroATX case - that would fit under a coffee table (and would take 2 1070s?)

All ideas welcomed!

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GustyGhost 17 May 2017

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An ITX board that fits two graphics cards?... barring the obvious IGP paired with dGPU. That's going to be tough, but it's doable. Now hear me out, you will need a chassis that allows a little more flexibility than most small form factor but it could still fit. Many ITX boards are equipped with a mini PCIe slot for wireless cards but with the right [adapters](https://www.amazon.com/BQLZR-PCI-E-Express-Extension-Adapter/dp/B012C3HWQW/ref=sr_1_11/136-8100744-3276343?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1494987673&sr=1-11&) and [cables](https://www.amazon.com/Tenext-Quality-PCI-E-Extender-Ribbon/dp/B0067WZH2Q/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1494988284&sr=1-2&), a second card may be installed to it ..albeit at 1x interface speed. Just move the wireless task off to some USB dongle if needed and maneuver the cables over to GPU #2 however possible.

Oh wait, scrap that lol bunch of drivel silly me... there are actually ["mini ITX" boards that do have two PCIe slots and are only the ~1-2 centimeters longer to accommodate it.](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K65D010/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00K65D010&linkCode=as2&)

But no really other than that, PCIe riser ribbon cables will be your best friend here.

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