Looking for a graphics card that's compatible with my computer.

[usmovers_02]

Hi. My Nvidia 8800 GT recently fried and I'm looking to get a new and improved graphics card. And while I know a bit about software, I know very little about hardware.

 

So I'm looking to get a new card for about $200 (maybe a LITTLE more) but I'm worried the one I choose may not be compatible with my computer. I currently have a Gateway FX7020 with Windows Vista, 3GB DDR2 memory, Quad Core AMD Phenom 9600.

 

Any help would be appreciated. I'm currently looking at the GTX 260 but don't know if it would work or if it would be the best for the money.

[maynardvdm]

Hi

 

If the motherboard has a PCI Express 16X slot then that card should work.

 

Also have a look at the GTX 275 and see what the price difference is.

[Dalo Harkin]

The 260GTX is a cracking card and can be picked up for around £100 in the UK

The problem with these types of cards though is that they are massive compared to your previous card, you need to check if they will fit in your case - the 260GTX I kid you not is not much short of a foot long

[usmovers_02]

Thankyou for the replies.

[usmovers_02]

I took a look at the GTX275 and it is an amazing card with is just inside my price range. The problem is, it requires 2 6 pin power connectors and I only have 1. Is there any easy way around this because I have no desire to start messing around with the power supply. I'll fry something.

[Dalo Harkin]

In the GPU box there will be a cable that uses 2 MOLEX connectors to provide another 6pin PCI-E :)

[usmovers_02]

In the GPU box there will be a cable that uses 2 MOLEX connectors to provide another 6pin PCI-E :)

 

Beautiful. And all I have to do is connect this to the old cable and then I'll have what I need to use this thing?

[Dalo Harkin]

Most of the newer cards use 2 x 6pin PCI-E

http://www.playtool.com/pages/psuconnectors/pcie6index.jpg

 

Your PSU should have one or two of the above and then in the GPU box there should be a cable like this

http://www.evga.com/support/faq/files/pcie%20pwr%20adapter.jpg

[usmovers_02]

Beautiful. My computer does have a few of those that aren't being used. Those pictures were very helpful. Thank you all for the help. I greatly appreciate it.

[Dalo Harkin]

Just make sure you dont mistake them for 4 pin or 8 pin ATX cables :eek:

4 pin ATX (sometimes there are 2 of these to make an 8 pin one)

The ones for GPUs are normally on much longer wire :)

 

 

4/8 pin ATX

http://www.vebox.com/akasaart/8_4_pin_atx1_v.gif

Edited December 17, 2009 by Dalo Harkin