How are PCI and PCI-E graphic cards different?

Question

For example, I know I have a PCI slot in my computer. Does this mean I can use a PCI E graphic card? And is it possible I also have an AGP (because that would make life so much easier). I don't currently have a graphic card, just a controller on my mother board. I'm looking to get one to support the Sims 3 and I am trying to figure out what to get.

I need to know how to recognize if I have an AGP slot AND if I can use PCI E graphic cards.

Thanks!

Answer 1

There are AGP cards out there if you search places like Amazon. (Though the price for the performance doesn't get as good as the PCI-e cards.)



PCI-e is newer and PCI-e cards will not work on AGP or normal PCI slots and require motherboards that have available PCI-e slots. The fact that you have an AGP slot is a dead giveaway your computer is old and it may just be time to buy a new one.



Still, AGP cards are still for sale.



Here's one.

http://www.amazon.com/AMD-ATI-Radeon-X1300-Card/dp/B000E5VQP4/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1315963007&sr=8-6



This one should have a much better chance in running the Sims 3, but ouch, it's expensive!

http://www.amazon.com/HIS-Radeon-Native-Graphics-H467QS1GHA/dp/B003CYKCG8/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1315963007&sr=8-5



- Edit -

If you have an AGP slot, it's a dead giveaway that you cant use ant PCI-e cards.



Try restarting your computer and pressing 'delete' during the BIOS load up. Hopefully from here you can find out your motherboards brand name. After writing it down, google it in order to find out it's specifications-- you should be able to figure out what types the slot are.

Answer 2

look at inside your computer, the slot where you think is the agp or pci slot. theres a big chance itl say AGP or PCI on it. best way to check this actually is to let us know your motherboard. if you cant, your processor may help.

Answer 3

It means they are ALL different. You CANNOT interchange ANY of them. Secondly, unless you can muster up a tad bit of common sense and give us at least the make and model of your PC, you're on your own!

EDIT: What part of "MAKE AND MODEL" don't you understand?