Replacing GFX Card

[steeLh]

Right, so I have ATi Radeon X1950 XTX 512MB that I want to put in my system, but Im not 100% sure its compatible with my motherboard, so I thought i'd run it by you guys.

Here's the MOBO in my system right now, EP-9NPA+ULTRA

It looks to me that it'll be just fine but than again i'm no expert.

 

[TestedAcorn]

If it is a Pci-e card then it will work.

 

[steeLh]

I took a quick picture of the box, Text

 

[steeLh]

so Im guessing ill be fine, question though. That X1950XTX will be replacing a Nvidia GeForce 6800 GS so is there any special steps I need to take like uninstalling nvidia drivers, and things like that?

And should I be expecting some slight bottlenecking with the system its going into?

-AMD 64 3700+
-1 gig RAM

 

[MegaVovaN]

How many AMPS on your PSU?

 

[LOUISSSSS]

here are the steps

1. download and install driver cleaner pro or driver sweeper
2. download latest ati drivers from www.ati.com
3. uninstall your current nvidia drivers from the control panel
4. restart and boot into safe mode, run driver cleaner pro or driver sweeper and clean all NVIDIA drivers
5. change your boot back to normal startup (not safe mode)
6. shutdown
7. ground yourself by touching something metal
8. remove old video card
9. install new video card with Power adapter
10. boot into windows
11. install latest ati drivers (cancel all found new hardware popups)

 

[LOUISSSSS]

and yes, the card is compatible with ur mb

 

[steeLh]

Originally posted by: MegaVovaN
How many AMPS on your PSU?

Would it tell me on the PSU itself, because I know is that its a Antec 450 watt

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
here are the steps

1. download and install driver cleaner pro or driver sweeper
2. download latest ati drivers from www.ati.com
3. uninstall your current nvidia drivers from the control panel
4. restart and boot into safe mode, run driver cleaner pro or driver sweeper and clean all NVIDIA drivers
5. change your boot back to normal startup (not safe mode)
6. shutdown
7. ground yourself by touching something metal
8. remove old video card
9. install new video card with Power adapter
10. boot into windows
11. install latest ati drivers (cancel all found new hardware popups)

Steps 4, and 5 are the only things Im really worried about as I never go in and mess with my BIOS ( im assuming thats where I change it to safe mode)

EDIT: Would it be a good idea to add another gig of RAM to my system?

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: steeLh
Would it tell me on the PSU itself, because I know is that its a Antec 450 watt

There should be a label on the side of the PSU itself. Specifically you want to look at the +12V rails. With a 450W PSU, you should be fine though. Do you recall what model of Antec PSU it is? Some of their older ones had capacitor problems that led to the death of the PSUs.

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
here are the steps

1. download and install driver cleaner pro or driver sweeper
2. download latest ati drivers from www.ati.com
3. uninstall your current nvidia drivers from the control panel
4. restart and boot into safe mode, run driver cleaner pro or driver sweeper and clean all NVIDIA drivers
5. change your boot back to normal startup (not safe mode)
6. shutdown
7. ground yourself by touching something metal
8. remove old video card
9. install new video card with Power adapter
10. boot into windows
11. install latest ati drivers (cancel all found new hardware popups)

You forgot one step.

6b - Open the computer case.

Originally posted by: steeLh
Steps 4, and 5 are the only things Im really worried about as I never go in and mess with my BIOS ( im assuming thats where I change it to safe mode)


EDIT: Would it be a good idea to add another gig of RAM to my system?

It's not in the BIOS, but it is available right when you boot your computer up before the windows logo appears.
For instructions on two ways to get into safe mode, read this:
http://www.pchell.com/support/safemode.shtml

Another gig of RAM wouldn't hurt. What programs/games are you using?

 

[steeLh]

So I was wrong about my PSU, its not an Antec. Here it is on Newegg, looks like 2 +12v Rails.

Im mostly using HL2 Engine based games, as well as CS 1.6 (nothing to worry about there)

Heres the info on my RAM.
Text
Text

I'll probably be looking to get a 1 gig stick of RAM then, currently have 2 sticks of 512MB, any recommendations?

 

[MegaVovaN]

He has two +12v rails 18A each

that should be enough for any gfx card (except maybe GTX/Ultra).

 

[steeLh]

I just found the current RAM i'm using, here with the specs listed once you scroll down on that page.

I found, Patriot 1GB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Desktop Memory - Retail on newegg, would that work with what I have now without messing anything up?

 

[MegaVovaN]

2 sticks of same size ram are better than 1 stick since you can run dual channel

If RAM worked before it will work fine after you swap video card...