Magma P13R User Manual

The Fan-OutConfiguration is the

recommended solution. It typically

provides optimumperformance

on most systemsbecause there are

fewer PCI b

ridgesbetween the

Computer CPU and the PCI

cards.

Fa

n-

Ou

t Configurati

on

PCI Expansion

Host Card

4, 7, 13Slot Chassis

PCI Expansion

Host Card

Proprietary

Expansion

Cable

Proprietary

Expansion

Cable

4, 7, 13Slot Chassis

PCI Expansion

Host Card

4, 7, 13Slot Chassis

Magma

Expansion

Cable

 

In this configuration, you have fewer “Toll Booths” (PCI Bridges) to pass 
through; therefore there are fewer opportunities for concern. 

 

For clarification, it is necessary to understand that the amount 
of latency caused by any PCI Bridge (even those built into a 3

rd

 

Party PCI card or the computer motherboard itself) is negligible 
(“nanoseconds”) and will not produce any visible effect on most 
systems. It is only mentioned here because on a few rare 
configurations which use some unique PCI cards with special 
software drivers, the total number of PCI buses that the data 
must pass through COULD make a difference. See 

 for more information if you suspect this could 

be an issue with one of your specialty PCI cards. 

Before you start installing your PCI cards (refer to 

 for more information), you should confirm that 

everything is in proper working order. Refer to 

 for guidance in verifying the proper installation of your 

Expansion System.  The following image shows the Windows Device 
Manager display when a Windows PC has 2 Expansion Systems 
connected in a “Fan-Out” configuration.