Will PCIe-8398 Gen 3 x16 Work in a PCIe Gen 4 x16 Slot?

Updated Aug 9, 2025

Reported In

Hardware

  • PCIe-8398

Issue Details

I am considering on purchasing a PC and planning to use it together with PCIe-8398. Since PCIe-8398 is Gen 3 x16, will it be compatible with a PCI 4.0 x16 or higher slot?

Solution

Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) is designed to be both forward and backward compatible across its generation. This means that even though PCIe-8398 is a Gen 3 x16 card, it can be used in a PCI Gen 4 x16 slot. However, do take note that a Gen 3 card will work in a Gen 4 slot, but it will operate at Gen 3 speed. Similarly, a Gen 4 card in a Gen 3 slot will be limited to Gen 3 performance.