Graphics Card Installation Help PLEASE

Waterfall · #1 02-26-2007, 05:09 PM

I just bought nVIDIA GeForce FX5200 for my PC. I opened up my computer and took the other card out no problem. The problem is that the new card is much larger than the old one and doesnt fit in the slot. The guys at Best Buy told me this thing would fit in my computer. Did I buy the wrong size card? I didnt even know there was different ones. If I have to go go return this bad boy what should I be looking for in a new one? I just want to be able to pllay a few computer games Im not looking to spend much money. Any help or input would be appreciated guys I am lost here.

It says on the side of the box I need a Motherboard with an AGP 2.0 Slot. I am guessing I dont have one. Do they have cards to fit my computer, if so what are they called? Do I need to return this one or is there still a way to install it?

goldtoes · #2 02-26-2007, 05:27 PM

They sold you an AGP card and you need a PCI card.

You will need to return it unless you are looking to replace your motherboard.

Make sure they don't sell you PCI-Express, but just plain PCI.

The performance isn't that great - but you aren't looking to do that much with it.

Waterfall · #3 02-26-2007, 05:34 PM

Those bastards! Hopefully I can still get a refund on this thing. I am guessing if the PCI doesn't have great performance it will be cheaper? Why should I avoid the PCI-Express? Will it not work or am I just better off with the regular one?

Thanks for your help!

goldtoes · #4 02-26-2007, 05:38 PM

The PCI-Express is an even newer technology than AGP (a different slot).

You should still be able to return it because it's their fault. If they give you a hard time just ask for the manager. I used to work retail and sometimes they try to charge a re-stocking fee because when you return it opened they just "def." it out and send it back to the manufacturer.

The PCI might be a little cheaper...say 10-15 dollars.

np

goldtoes · #5 02-26-2007, 05:39 PM

actually though, what is the make and model of your computer/

because there is a chance maybe you don't have an AGP slot but you might have a PCI-Express slot.

For example - Dell Dimension 5540 or whatever.

Waterfall · #6 02-26-2007, 05:41 PM

hmmm its a Compaq from about 3yrs ago how would I find out the specs?

goldtoes · #7 02-26-2007, 05:49 PM

[ QUOTE ]
hmmm its a Compaq from about 3yrs ago how would I find out the specs?

[/ QUOTE ]

Nevermind. If it's 3 years old and a Compaq it 99% doesn't have it. Just go pick up a PCI card.

/gold

Waterfall · #8 02-26-2007, 05:50 PM

ok thats what I'm gonna do, thanks gold

goldtoes · #9 02-26-2007, 05:59 PM

np sir

DQPaulie · #10 02-27-2007, 12:20 AM

They sold a computer three years ago new with a PCI card? I kind of doubt it. Maybe a PCIe card, but not the older PCI.
You said you removed the old video card no problem, this may still have been an AGP card. By " not fit in the slot " do you mean the card won't snap in to the slot, or it is physically too long for the computer's case?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:AGP_slot.jpg

In this case it shows the AGP slot, which is brown in this pic, the AGP slot is also indented from the edge of the motherboard. Also it shows the white PCI slots, which are closer to the edge of the motherboard.

This pic is of the new PCI express ( PCIe ) video cards.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:PCIExpress.jpg

The longest slots in the pic are the video slots. If you see where the little plastic notches are in the two pictures, you can tell which slot you actually have.

Which one looks like the slot your old card came out of?

Paulie