How to check what GFX Cards a Motherboard likes
By
Cyberberus,
Posted on: 2009-05-06 23:57 in ALL ACCESS Gameplay Technical Issues Bugs
They're likely referring, if nothing else, to the slot type the graphic card uses.
For instance, if my (older, backup) system's video card, a 6800 GT died, I'd have a heck of a time finding a replacement. I couldn't pick up another 9800GT like I just put in my main system - since it's PCI Express. Why? The old system is still running AGP.
If your system is a pre-built (Dell, Gateway, Falcon Northwest,) you should be able to find out on their site or on your order form, perhaps. If it's one that was put together, finding the mainboard will tell you what type of slots it has.
And besides the motherboard, you have to consider the power supply as well. You would need to make sure when you upgrade to a better card, that the power supply has the available power cable and is strong enough to run it. There is usually a label on the power unit showing how many amps are available on the +12v rails. Graphics card manufacturers usually include their recommendation on the box. If not, a quick web-search for your new card should provide you with the info.
I suspect the OP might not have a problem with this because they are already running a fairly decent card... but I'm including this information for those watching that might be running a crappy onboard and trying to upgrade theirs as well.
Ah, people were talking as is it was what my PC could handle. Maybe they meant the CPU.. I just recall people telling me to make sure my PC [Pre-Built Compaq] could handle a new GFX card.
It's not a fancy PC, a Compaq Persario I got in October of 2006. I have since upgraded to RAM and my Power Supply is 650.
I just seem to have bad luck with GFX cards. Simply want one that doesn't get too hot, has a somewhat quiet fan [just want a calm fan] and runs CoX. It's the only real PC game I play.
Just curious ... are you looking to upgrade?
I ask because fans are *usually* easily replaced, and far cheaper than a new card
[ QUOTE ]
Just curious ... are you looking to upgrade?
I ask because fans are *usually* easily replaced, and far cheaper than a new card
[/ QUOTE ] And the other thing to look at is the amount of dust in your system and how is the airflow of the overall case? That could have contributed to overheating and/or the fan/card failure as well... and a new card might end up with the same problem eventually.
Ya, I recently was told about the dust issue. My GeForce 8500's fan just started rattling and making high pitched sounds so I figure it's deadish. I was told it was due to dust and I did notice on the plastic fanblades that dust seemed to have stuck to it ... not like melted onto, but you can't exactly blow the dust off.
My Desktop tower is inside a cubby in the bottom of my desk. I know the airflow is bad there, however it's the only decent place for my tower. I have started dusting it out with compressed air weekly and have the side panel off. I also have an extra fan blowing out the back of the case.
Things should be fine now, but I didn't know you could replace a GFX card fan. I don't know if it's hard or not. Still, I think an upgrade wouldn't hurt either and I figure with my new weekly cleaning, a new GFX card wouldn't die.
The GeForce 8500 actually worked fine for 10 months. It's just one day the fan started being loud. Before I would clean my tower of dust like monthly but when the fan died, I had actually not dusted for a couple months. Dust was probably it.
Anywho, not sure how hard it is to replace a fan, but I think I'd rather upgrade. Nothing fancy but maybe a step up.
Thing is, I really liked the fan design of the 8500. I don't know much on stuff like this but it's... heatsink I think it is.. seemed like a very nice design for dispersing heat.
http://images.tigerdirect.com/skuima...8500-main5.jpg
Should I just buy something like this to replace the fan?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835119079
-----Another edit------
Could I simply take the fan off my GeForce 8500 and put this under the two slots under the GFX card slot?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835209016
I do own that fan, so curious if it's keep my 8500 cool enough... and/or if I can even use said GFX card after removing the fan.
Upon my GeForce 8500 GT's fan dying on me, I have been looking for a new GFX card. I recall someone saying I should make sure my motherboard can handle something before buying. I'm curious how to find this out.
Like is there a site I can use, enter in my desktop's number and see what it can handle?