Need some simple help.

Blaringblur · 10-15-2007, 10:17 PM

I'd like to upgrade my graphics card from the one I bought with this Dell (Radeon X300/X550/X1050 Series), but knowing nothing about these things, I'm not sure if a higher end graphics card is compatible with this standard XP or if I need anything special for it to install and work properly (I won't even be the one doing the installing; I have more experienced friends for that). I'm looking into an ATI Radeon X1900 XT 512MB PCI-Express...am I all set for this already, or am I a complete fool as I suspect, and I need other equipment in order to be able to install and play that? I'd really rather not buy something that's not usable immediately, so if that doesn't work, what graphics cards will?

Also, any sites overviewing the basics of graphics cards would be helpful as well, as I know I'm going to have to look into and learn this stuff eventually. Since I'm actually getting more into PC gaming, I'd like to not be so entirely clueless. Thanks in advance.

ebackhus · 10-16-2007, 12:44 PM

It's hard to say without knowing what your motherboard will support. If it has just an AGP slot then you'd have to get an AGP card. If it lacks both AGP and PCI-Express then you'll be VERY limited in what you can buy. Another very important factor is the power supply. Dell is notorious for slapping in power supplies that barely meet the needs of that system. Additions made to it may overwork it and cause big problems.

Blaringblur · 10-16-2007, 03:04 PM

Is there any way to check whether I have AGP and PCI-Express slots? Do I have to actually examine the motherboard to determine that? Same thing for power supply, how do I check that? If it helps any in estimations, I got this PC just over a year ago.

ebackhus · 10-16-2007, 03:54 PM

It likely DOES has PCI-Express slots in it. Opening it will confirm that. Another important factor is the power supply. Often mass producers slap in generic PSUs that provide enough power for the stock configuration and nothing more.

Blaringblur · 10-18-2007, 02:05 PM

I got you there, but is there any way to actually check my power supply?

HawMan · 10-18-2007, 02:56 PM

Remove the side of your case and look at the Details on the sticker thats on the PSU.

Blaringblur · 10-23-2007, 09:48 PM

Alright, thanks guys. One more bump for this to make sure there's no more ground to cover.

10-15-2007, 10:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
Blaringblur Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 4 OS: XP	Need some simple help. I'd like to upgrade my graphics card from the one I bought with this Dell (Radeon X300/X550/X1050 Series), but knowing nothing about these things, I'm not sure if a higher end graphics card is compatible with this standard XP or if I need anything special for it to install and work properly (I won't even be the one doing the installing; I have more experienced friends for that). I'm looking into an ATI Radeon X1900 XT 512MB PCI-Express...am I all set for this already, or am I a complete fool as I suspect, and I need other equipment in order to be able to install and play that? I'd really rather not buy something that's not usable immediately, so if that doesn't work, what graphics cards will? Also, any sites overviewing the basics of graphics cards would be helpful as well, as I know I'm going to have to look into and learn this stuff eventually. Since I'm actually getting more into PC gaming, I'd like to not be so entirely clueless. Thanks in advance.

10-16-2007, 12:44 PM	#2 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 14,249 OS: WinXP Pro SP3/Windows 7 RTM My System Blog Entries: 28	Re: Need some simple help. It's hard to say without knowing what your motherboard will support. If it has just an AGP slot then you'd have to get an AGP card. If it lacks both AGP and PCI-Express then you'll be VERY limited in what you can buy. Another very important factor is the power supply. Dell is notorious for slapping in power supplies that barely meet the needs of that system. Additions made to it may overwork it and cause big problems. __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.

10-16-2007, 03:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
Blaringblur Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 4 OS: XP	Re: Need some simple help. Is there any way to check whether I have AGP and PCI-Express slots? Do I have to actually examine the motherboard to determine that? Same thing for power supply, how do I check that? If it helps any in estimations, I got this PC just over a year ago.

10-16-2007, 03:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 14,249 OS: WinXP Pro SP3/Windows 7 RTM My System Blog Entries: 28	Re: Need some simple help. It likely DOES has PCI-Express slots in it. Opening it will confirm that. Another important factor is the power supply. Often mass producers slap in generic PSUs that provide enough power for the stock configuration and nothing more. __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.

10-18-2007, 02:05 PM	#5 (permalink)
Blaringblur Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 4 OS: XP	Re: Need some simple help. I got you there, but is there any way to actually check my power supply?

10-18-2007, 02:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
HawMan Liam Join Date: May 2006 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Posts: 2,938 OS: Win XP My System	Re: Need some simple help. Remove the side of your case and look at the Details on the sticker thats on the PSU. __________________ Please Consider Donating to keep the site free.

10-23-2007, 09:48 PM	#7 (permalink)
Blaringblur Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 4 OS: XP	Re: Need some simple help. Alright, thanks guys. One more bump for this to make sure there's no more ground to cover.