 Video Card Compatibility Confusion, How can I tell if a video card is compatible or not? |
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 Sep 22 2008, 04:24 AM
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New Member  Group: Members Posts: 2 Joined: 22-September 08 Member No.: 240,515  |
I am hoping to upgrade my older computer with a new video card. Unfortunately I have no idea how to check to see if a videocard will work with my system... Now I do know how to find the specs, just don't know what the important ones are=). Could you folks please give me some tips for identifying the important quantifiers while shopping around? Like u can only choose from cards that say this or that... Thank you. My model number is a1330n, and it's an HP pavilion. The spec listing says I have a pci express slot, but man this stuff is confusing=). Thank you very much, I really appreciate it! |
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Sep 22 2008, 05:32 AM
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 430 Joined: 12-February 08 From: Illinois Member No.: 189,860 |
You have 3 different options.
1) a regular PCI card. A very bad idea, the technology is ancient and your onboard will probably outperform it anyway. 2) PCI-Express X16. It is the longer *probably black* slot with the little clip on the end of it. Its the most widely used. Anything from Nvidia 8000 series or better uses it (most 7000 series too). ATI started using it with x###. Then they ditched the x part of the number and stuck an HD on the end of it. 3) PCI-E 2.0 Same interface, just faster i think. Basically, long story short as long as you DON'T buy an AGP card, you can use it. One thing to note though is you need to make sure if the card needs its own power supply plug, you have the correct one. Mine uses the standard 4 pin molex that all PSUs have had probably since the dawn of time. Most use a 6 pin PCI-e plug, some use 8 pin, Some use none at all, just look at the pictures of the card carefully before you buy it to see if you need an adapter or a new power supply. This is going to be a very long list but here's what my favorite internet seller has for your slot. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList....alue=696%3A9641 ****The following only matters if you are a gamer, or someone who would like to save money**** One more thing to note, Nvidia(GeForce) used to break down their series numbers nicely. The first digit in the 4 digit series number is what series it is, 4xxx - 9xxx, higher the newer. The second digit tells you what the card is for. x0xx-x5xx is general purpose, surfing, chatting, office whatever. x6xx is the budget gamer card. x8xx is the high end gamer card. Which for all intents and purposes means that the 8800 will run your games better than a 9300, even though the 9300 is newer. Hope I answered at least some of your questions, if you have any more post back. This post has been edited by smurfgod: Sep 22 2008, 05:34 AM |
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Sep 22 2008, 01:22 PM
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New Member Group: Members Posts: 2 Joined: 22-September 08 Member No.: 240,515 |
Thank you so much. Shook alot of the confusion out.
Thank you! |
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| Lo-Fi Version | Time is now: 21st November 2008 - 11:55 PM |
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