How Do I Tell If A Graphics Card Is Compatible With My Pc

[CharlieChaplin]

Hi, I'm interested in picking up a

GeForce GTX 260

 

, however before I purchase it I want to make sure that my computer is compatible with this graphics card, but I'm not sure how to tell if its compatible or not, and if it's not how do I make it compatible?

 

 

My specs are:

Manufacturer: Dell Inc.

Model: Inspiron 531s

Processor: AMD Sempron Processor LE-1250, ~2.2GHz

Memory(RAM): 3518MB

 

Tell me if you need anymore, and thanks for the help.

Edited June 10, 2011 by CharlieChaplin

[KenB]

Hi and welcome to ExTS

 

I think this is the spec for your machine:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/inspd531/en/om/appendix.htm

 

It shows that you have one PCIe 1.0 x16 slot.

 

The new card is PCIe 2.0 x16.

 

The card is backwards compatible with 1.0 ( according to the additional details on your card specs ) but you will not get the full 2.0 bandwidth.

The card will operate at 1.0 speeds.

 

You may also find that you need to upgrade the PSU - depending upon what you have at the moment.

[CharlieChaplin]

Thanks for the help! But, how would I make it operate fully at 2.0? And, since it would only operate at 1.0, would there really be a difference from my old graphics card (it's an NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430)?

[KenB]

Hi,

 

I cannot say for sure.

 

Bare in mind that your old card would not be using the full bandwidth. Your new card should, therefore, perform better ( being 2.0 ).

 

If Dalo Harkin is about he will be able to advise further.

[CharlieChaplin]

Ok, thanks, I really appreciate the help! :)

[KenB]

how would I make it operate fully at 2.0?

I missed this. Basically you can't.