Embodiments of the present invention detect a device's ability to run at a particular frequency on a PCI bus operating in a non-inhibit bus mode. In one embodiment, expansion slots are powered on, connected to the PCI bus and reset. The expansion slots are then disconnected from the PCI bus while power is applied. A frequency detection algorithm, which is operable regardless of the inhibit bus connect setting or capability, is executed. The expansion slots are then reconnected to the PCI bus.