Upgrading graphics

MrJoey · Post by **MrJoey** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 5:51 am

I'm a total noob when it comes to the internal parts of a computer... For graphics all I know about compatibility is the whole pci, pci-e, and agp stuff, I have PCI-e, is there any other stuff that has to match up before you can just upgrade to a graphic card?

Sharp324 · Post by **Sharp324** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 5:53 am

atm i can only think of the PSU, or power supply unit. Too tired to really think

BrokenSaint · Post by **BrokenSaint** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 6:05 am

If you're gonna buy a high-end graphics card, make sure you got a decent power supply unit. since graphics cards use up power. Open up your cpu and look for the wattage (it should be located on the PSU). If the wattage is below 300 watts, better buy a PSU with a higher wattage. I recommend 350 watts or up. That should crank up the power supply to support all the parts of your system, including your new graphic card.

Refer to these sites If you need some more help:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11319_7-6224085-1.html <--- also comes with video tutorial.
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3118_7-5023982-1.html

Draquish · Post by **Draquish** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 6:11 am

Do NOT get an ATI >_>

Jeronimo · Post by **Jeronimo** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 7:53 am

draquish wrote:Do NOT get an ATI >_>

Affirmative !
Way too overrated and overpriced !

Brutish1 · Post by **Brutish1** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 8:50 am

Umm if you are goint for a high end video card here are a few things to look at:

1) Don't bother getting a DX10 (DirectX 10) card unless you are running Vista.
2) Make sure you are going to be puting it in a pci-e x16 not a plain pci-e.
3) Minimum 450 watt PSU NO lower. Also make it a good brand.

pcmech.com has great forums for build-your-own or upgrading.