Yes, I know, n00b question - but I'm interested in learning how to assemble my own PC, so here it is.
If I'm using only one gfx card, does it matter which PCIE slot I put it in (x16, x4)? The reason I'm asking is that a lot of the mid-range and above cards like, say the 9600's and 8800's, are really long and tend to block some SATA ports/connectors on a number of motherboards. I know, for example, if I decide to purchase such a card it'll definitely be blocking the ports on my current Gigabyte mobo. I don't have an issue with the card taking up an extra slot as I don't need it. But if I wanna leave my SATA ports open, and I'm using only one card, can it be installed in the other slot? Thanks in advance.
And in case you guys were wondering, this is the card I'm looking at
Newegg.com - EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics
It's a pretty big card, and in case I can't install it in my second PCIE slot, I'm just gona buy a stock 8600gt. Cheers.
If I'm using only one gfx card, does it matter which PCIE slot I put it in (x16, x4)? The reason I'm asking is that a lot of the mid-range and above cards like, say the 9600's and 8800's, are really long and tend to block some SATA ports/connectors on a number of motherboards. I know, for example, if I decide to purchase such a card it'll definitely be blocking the ports on my current Gigabyte mobo. I don't have an issue with the card taking up an extra slot as I don't need it. But if I wanna leave my SATA ports open, and I'm using only one card, can it be installed in the other slot? Thanks in advance.

And in case you guys were wondering, this is the card I'm looking at

Newegg.com - EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics
It's a pretty big card, and in case I can't install it in my second PCIE slot, I'm just gona buy a stock 8600gt. Cheers.