Can my computer support PCI Express video cards?

Question

I got my computer from Dell back in 2005 and have a GeForce 6800 installed. All that the system displays in the device manager is GeForce 6800 without GT or XT on the end. So I am guessing that this is an older version of the 6800, I don't really know much about graphics cards.

When I open up the properties, it displays that the card is installed on the PCI bus. I am guessing this model of card is PCI, but what I am wanting to know (without having to open up my comp) is if I am able to get a PCIE card. Here is a screenshot of my device manager and I see something that indicates a PCI Express port.

http://s541.photobucket.com/albums/gg381/thelostegg/?action=view¤t=pci.jpg

Please let me know if this helps.

Answer 1

I really,really doubt it. 2005-Dell no.



But if you want to be sure the PCI Express slot is always a light brown color and much smaller with only one pin gap as PCI has 2. It will be just above the PCI slots under the chipset. You really only need to crack open the case about 1/2 inch and look in with a small flashlight.

I think the device manager is showing what values would be if YOU HAD a PCI expres slot.

I'm looking at a GeForce 8600 card now and it is PCI Express. You can look through the back fan slot as this card has PCI EXPRESS slanted across the heatsink and fan-I guess to show speed or something.



Darn good question-Open it up because everything else will just be a guess.



s_e_s.

Answer 2

I believe that the 6800 model is AGP, so you will most likely not have a PCI-E slot in on your MotherBoard. You can EASILY tell by opening the system (this will not void the warranty) Just look inside and see if there is a PCI-E slot or an AGP slot.



PCI-E

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/45/PCI-Express-Bus.jpg/475px-PCI-Express-Bus.jpg



or



AGP



http://slo-tech.com/testi/plate01/agp_slot.jpg



(in this link, the AGP slot is black)

Answer 3

that's obtainable to apply a low skill pics card with a 250 watt PSU even nevertheless you're having a huge gamble on opportunities that your skill furnish might delay and not supply up the ghost once you start to play a game or do something remotely in intensity with the cardboard. i assume you may improve to a Radeon 5450 pics card, even nevertheless AMD recommends a 300 watt skill furnish. The 5450 makes use of 6.9 watts at idle (that's amazingly low!) yet will use as much as 17 watts throughout operation. i might say that 250 watts is somewhat proper, inspite of what AMD says. they have a tendency to magnify standards to cover for themselves. The 5450 isn't crucial card nevertheless, so do no longer assume to be leaps and limits greater valuable than your contemporary integrated pics.