Let's assume you are hooking up 6x 1080ti's to a system board that has 2x pci-e x16 and 4x pci-e x1 or whatever. You could plug in two cards directly, and for the other 4 are there different options other than risers?
Just trying to clarify as you say their usage can be avoided but I don't see an alternative mentioned. Thanks!
The alternative would be buying a different board. I don't know why you would buy a board that doesn't support what you plan to do with it. I understand risers have been solid for people in the past, but I've done fine just buying boards that have the amount of slots I plan to use. I guess I've just had the benefit of not being put in a position or situation where I am trying to make something work that wasn't meant to. If you buy a board and a bunch of cards that you didn't research, then I guess yeah you could use risers to fix your mistake. I just wouldn't suggest them as a first option or a priority.