Saturday 29 December 2012
How to Determine Graphics Card Compatibility With a Motherboard
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To upgrade your computer's graphics card, unfortunately you can't just simply purchase a card and install it to your computer. Before purchasing a card, you must first confirm what is compatible with your motherboard. Graphics cards use either AGP or PCI Express technology. Many older computers use AGP. AGP cards can vary in version and bandwidth, whereas PCI Express cards can vary based on their lane size. Moreover, the card itself is not your only consideration when looking to upgrade your computer's graphics. You must also consider the strength of your computer's power supply as well, since most newer cards use a lot of power.
Instructions:
1:
Download, install and run SiSoftware's Sandra (see link in Resources) to
find out information on your motherboard. Click the "Mainboard
Information" icon, then write down the information next to
"Manufacturer" and "Model."
2:
Navigate to the motherboard manufacturer's website. If you are not sure
of the website's URL, enter the manufacturer's name into a search engine
to find the company's website.
3:
Go to the support page and enter your motherboard's model. Download the motherboard's manual or review the specifications.
4:
Search the manual or specifications for "Expansion slot," "AGP" or "PCI
Express." If the expansion slot uses AGP, note the version (AGP comes in
1.0, 2.0 and 3.0), as well as the bandwidth (1x, 2x, 4x or 8x). If the
expansion slot uses PCI Express, note the amount of lanes (x1, x4, x8 or
x16).
5:
Search the manual or specifications for "Power," "PSU" or "Power
Supply." Write down the power supply's voltage (3.3V, 5V or 12V) and amp
rating (designated by "A"). Not all manufacturers list the amp rating
in their documentation, so you may need to contact the manufacturer for
more assistance.
6:
Compare the graphics card you want to buy to the motherboard's expansion
slot. AGP cards won't work in motherboards using PCI Express, and vice
versa. Similarly, AGP 3.0 cards won't work in motherboards using AGP
1.0. A PCI Express x8 card will not fit in a PCI Express x1 slot.
7:
Check the voltage and amperage of the video card to the voltage and
amperage on your motherboard. A video card that requires a higher amp
rating requires a powerful PSU.
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