Hi, need a bit of advice...

[Davey182]

Hi all,

I'm just about to update my graphics card and I need to ask a few questions before I do.

My system spec is 2.1 dual core Intel with 2gb of ram. My comp is a Phillips Freevents with 1 PCI-E slot, which I believe contains the OE card (Ati 1300/1550 series).

I am thinking of getting a 2900 Pro (when the arrive) but I need to make sure of a few things:

1) Will if fit? - I think it will the case is big enough.
2) Will it work with windows XP or do I need vista for DX10?
3) Will I need to update the power supply thing?
4) Is there anything I haven't thought of that will stop the card working?

Many thanks,

Dave

 

[Carling]

Your not really giving us much to go off...

What mobo do you have? will it fit? well... what case do you have?

It will work fine in xp or vista, only dx10 in vista though...

What PSU do you have?

More info please

 

[Tk7]

Assuming it does fit in the case, I think the biggest problem you'll have is the PSU. OEM machines such as the one you have tend to come with PSU that'll manage the original spec but not much more.

I suppose you can always try it, but be prepared to shell out on a new PSU.

 

[Davey182]

Your not really giving us much to go off...

What mobo do you have? will it fit? well... what case do you have?

It will work fine in xp or vista, only dx10 in vista though...

What PSU do you have?

More info please

Sorry mate, the motherboard is this:

"Your computer contains the ECS 945P-M3 motherboard.

The ECS 945P-M3 mainboard is based on Intel® 945P chipset for optimal system efficiency.
Designed to fit the advanced Intel® Pentium Prescott LGA775 processor.
1 PCI-Express slot
2 PCI slots
2 DDR2 memory slots
24 pin power connector"

Any other info can be found here: http://support.thetechguys.com/Layout.aspx?ID={0d363094-54b2-4dba-b113-d5f04cbcea7f}&CatID={1cb1aaab-ccc0-4bc7-97d1-f94f59e3e004}

How much are new PSUs and how would I know which one to buy?

 

[Topitoff]

This PSU should be powerfull enough and is a very good make:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-006-CS&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=823

 

[Alexrose1uk]

As far as I can see, the motherboard should be fine for running the card. I believe the PCI-E slot is an 8/16x, as its a singular full length slot, and these are usually higher speed, whereas sole 1x slots are smaller.

PSU wise, a new high quality PSU range in price from £45 to well over £100. With a 2900Pro, I wouldnt imagine you'd need any more than a 450-500W, decent brand model to be honest. Something from corsair, enermax, antec, OCZ etc should cover you fairly well, although we'll have a better idea what sort of PSU you'd need when the card comes out and we get some figures on the power usage.
There are cheaper PSUs out there, but the quality, and connector availability, of these is often far weaker than if you pay that little bit more. If a cheap PSU blows up, its also more likely to take components with it, due to usual cases of weaker components, lacking surge protection etc features and other such things.

 

[Davey182]

Are PSUs a standard size then?

 

[Alexrose1uk]

Usually yes. ATX Standard, BTX standard, and MicroATX. For standard design pcs anyway.

 

[Davey182]

Hi again,

I managed to get time to open up my PC today. There is lots of room for a big PCI-E card and the PSU is a Bestec ATX-300-12EB3, so that is 300W max I think. Any ideas yet how much power the Saphire 2900 Pro is gonna need? And how is the Saphire card different to the HIS card?

Cheers,

Dave

 

[Alexrose1uk]

You'd want a decent quality 400-500W PSU to safely power any card out there right now, including the top end. The 2900Pro would likely want a decent 450+ Watt PSU.

Sapphire/HIS cards are the same basically, with slightly different packaging, stickers etc. The cards are usually made by one or two big OEMs then distributed for packaging.