Hard Light Productions Forums

Off-Topic Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: JoeLo on December 18, 2005, 06:51:31 pm

Title: Video card upgrade questions
Post by: JoeLo on December 18, 2005, 06:51:31 pm

Howdy ya'll I'm upgrading my video card for Christmas, but first I got some quick questions.

How can I tell if I have PCI or PCIe ports? is there software that can do it?

I have integrated graphics currently, if I install a new graphics card what will happen will Intel just step aside, or will it fight for it's position?

Title: Re: Video card upgrade questions
Post by: BlackDove on December 18, 2005, 06:57:25 pm

I don't think boards with integrated graphics have any places in which you can stick any AGP, PCI-E or PCI-X cards.

You need to throw that **** out.

Title: Re: Video card upgrade questions
Post by: JoeLo on December 18, 2005, 07:08:58 pm

I definantly have open PCI slots, I believe you can upgrade your video card through those. I think I might have a PCIe slot open, please answer my question though, is there a program that can scan, and figure out what kinds of open "expansion" slots I have.

Title: Re: Video card upgrade questions
Post by: WMCoolmon on December 18, 2005, 07:28:53 pm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCI-Express

Just look at the friggin' mobo. :p

Here's an AGP port: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accelerated_Graphics_Port

The mobo manual should say as well. The reason why such programs are not commonplace is because if you know how to write such a program, it's not worth the effort.

Title: Re: Video card upgrade questions
Post by: JoeLo on December 18, 2005, 07:45:56 pm

Thanks, I'm just technologically impaired. It appears I'm stuck with a basic PCI interface graphics card. Damn....

Title: Re: Video card upgrade questions
Post by: Kosh on December 19, 2005, 07:05:43 am

Quote from: JoeLo on December 18, 2005, 07:45:56 pm

Thanks, I'm just technologically impaired. It appears I'm stuck with a basic PCI interface graphics card. Damn....

By todays standards, the only PCI cards available are outdated at best, and obsolete at worst.

Title: Re: Video card upgrade questions
Post by: Nix on December 19, 2005, 12:07:32 pm

Before considering upgrading your videocard, upgrade the motherboard and processor.  With a machine that old, you definetly do not want to buy a PCI videocard, because any PCI videocards out there are outdated, and quite honestly, are a waste of money.  Consider upgrading the backbone first, along with faster system RAM, and then decide on a new videocard.  With new motherboard choice, you can choose either AGP or PCI-E, and go from there.  I would highly discourage anyone buying a PCI videocard today, unless the system they're using absolutely cannot be upgraded.