Will my motherboard meet the minimum requirements for my new video card?

Question

I wanna buy a video card for my computer and its minimum requirements are:

# 1GB of system memory

# CD-ROM drive

# 50MB of available hard disk drive space for basic driver installation

# Microsoft Windows XP operating system

# PCI Express-compliant motherboard with one vacant PCI Express x16 slot

# 450W PCI Express-compliant system power supply with a combined 12V current rating of 30A or more.

I'm ok with everything except for the last 2 things... So my question is how do I see my mother board details.......

Answer 1

you can just check your manufacturer's website and find the product number(somewhere on your pc tower case) to see what kind of computer you have. it seems like you are telling me that you dont even have a pci-express x16 slot!? that means your computer is pretty old. no point upgrading!!

for the power supply, you just need to buy a 450w power supply and install it. a weblink to help install

http://www.fonerbooks.com/r_power.htm

from the requirements, i am guessing you are trying to buy a 9800GTX or HD 4850, go for the HD 4850 it is better.

if u have a 4-5 year old computer or older, dont upgrade, buy a new computer!!

hope that helps!

Answer 2

The easiset way is to open your computer and see what type of video card you currently have.  It's either an AGP slot, built in video, or PCI Express.  if your computer is more than 2 years old you most likely have an AGP slot.  If that's the case, you can still get pretty decent AGP cards from NVidia and ATI.  If you are determined to get the PCI Express card and your motherboard doesnt support it - you are looking at a full upgrade - new motherboard, processor, and power supply.

If you cant tell from opening the case - search the internet for your computer brand/make/model and see what the specs are for the motherboard.