Going to get a new Graphics card.

[BigAznDaddy]

I need help with something and I think you guys would be the guys to help me.
my specs:
I have a dell Dimension 9200
Processor intel core 2 cpu
6300 @1.86ghz
32bit OS Vista

I was looking to upgrade from my Nvidea GE 7300 le
to this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121274
But I have no clue if it would work with my computer.
any Help or suggestions on a new graphics card would be appreciated.
thanks guys.

[Sidoh]

Your primary concern is probably your motherboard.  If it doesn't have the kind of bus the video card uses, you're SOL.

Interface     PCI Express 2.0 x16

is what the website says.  I'm pretty sure that's been the standard for several years, so you'll probably be okay.

[Warrior]

Just a note PCI-X 2 is backwards compatible with 1.0
You'll probably want to check with your motherboard vendor to make sure you have PCI-X. You should if your PC is fairly modern, but some OEMs like to cheap out.

[Blaze]

I believe your motherboard won't be PCI-Express 2.0, only 1.0/1.1.  AFAIK, it will still work, just it won't be running as good as it could be.

Just a note PCI-X 2 is backwards compatible with 1.0
You'll probably want to check with your motherboard vendor to make sure you have PCI-X. You should if your PC is fairly modern, but some OEMs like to cheap out.

His current graphics card is definitely PCIe.

[Warrior]

Yeah, PCI Express just slows down the card speed if it's not 2.0 .

[BigAznDaddy]

Man I have no clue what you guys are saying haha. I just wanted to know if it would work or not hahaha.
I sort of get it now tho. But How do I check if my Mobo is PCIX2 or not. Should it be labeled if I open up my Pc.

[Sidoh]

As others have mentioned, even if it's not PCIe 2.0, it can still work.

If my understanding is correct, PCIe 2.0 (how the video card "communicates" with the motherboard) has a faster transfer rate than its predecessor, but PCIe 2.0 cards will work with previous versions of PCIe.

To see which bus your motherboard is using, try looking up your computer's model on Dell's website.  It'll usually have a list of hardware.  Unfortunately, sometimes they use different hardware with the same model, so I'm not sure you'll get a definitive answer form there.  Do you still have the order paperwork (and/or e-mails) from when you got the computer?

[Hitmen]

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim9200/en/SM_EN/specs.htm#wp1096985

google ftw?

[Sidoh]

http://tinyurl.com/azfzvo lolz?

[Blaze]

PCIe 1.1a, just FYI.

[BigAznDaddy]

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim9200/en/SM_EN/specs.htm#wp1096985

google ftw?

I saw that. but I had no clue how to interpret it.

[Warrior]

Also, make sure your power supply is powerful enough to support your graphics card.

[Sidoh]

Also, make sure your power supply is powerful enough to support your graphics card.

Ah, that's a good point.  I'd imagine he'll be fine.

What do you guys think? 400W? 500W?

[Warrior]

350 is usually bare minimum, I'd recommend 400W - 500W if he has a lot of things in his PCI slots, a lot of fans, etc.

[Chavo]

I'd love to hear what you base this on.  Assuming you have only one processor, one video card (by far the 2 most power hungry components actually powered by the PSU) and a sane amount of internal peripherals, 350W is plenty.