How can you tell whether the AGP slot handles 2x/4x/8x, etc?

[darbius]

I have a buddy who has a somewhat old alienware computer, but he wants to upgrade his vid card. He knows it's an AGP card because he got his comp before they even started coming out with PCI-express cards.

I told him to make sure that he's buying the right multiple AGP card. He'll be disappointed if he gets an AGP 8x card, but his mobo only handles 2x/4x. Basically, my question is, is there any way to tell which format/card which mobo would be able to handle?

Thanks!

 

[hellokeith]

I don't know exactly how long Alienware has been around, but I'd reason they never had 2x or 4x AGP boards in any of their PC's. Also, there'd be no point for your friend to spend extra $ on a slower AGP card, with the possibility the card could be used later in a different PC. Just go w/ 8x and be happy.

 

[vhx]

Most 8x cards are 4x compatible. As far as I've read, there isn't a big performance boost going from 4x to 8x either.

Find the motherboard model and google it or check the BIOS for any AGP speed settings.

 

[darbius]

Originally posted by: vhx
Most 8x cards are 4x compatible. As far as I've read, there isn't a big performance boost going from 4x to 8x either.

Find the motherboard model and google it or check the BIOS for any AGP speed settings.

Yeah, I think he's more looking to get a vid card with some more memory. I think the one he has in there is only running 64mb or something and he was hoping to get an 8x 128mb card. Thanks for the advice though!