Video Card Compatibility

[imported_Bookworm]

I'm frustrated. I'm trying to upgrade a video card with a 1X/2X/4X MB slot. I want T&L capability. Right now I have TNT2. Can you put a 4X or 2X/4X compatible card or even 2X/4X/8X into a 1X/2X/4x slot?

I have 1024MB PCI133 Dram memory, 1.1 Ghz, MSI AMD Motherboard. Can find a clue to this question from my MB specifications.

Thank you.

 

[Matthias99]

The real question is what voltage your MB supports. Newer cards use 1.8V (AGP 4X) and 1.8V with 0.9V signalling for AGP8X (but all 8X cards are backwards compatible to 4X). If your motherboard supports 1.8V operation, you can install any 4X or 8X card in it. If it only supports 3.3V AGP, you're stuck with older 1X and 2X cards (although I think some more recent cards support both, but you'd have to do some research).

It would be easier to help you if you provided the model of your motherboard.

 

[imported_Bookworm]

Hi Matthias,

Here is the link to my support documents. http://support.gateway.com/s//...512594/2512594nv.shtml

and here is the link to the Video card
http://support.gateway.com/s/M...510174/251017407.shtml

It doesn't say anything about the voltage. The support docs on my older computer does give that information for that computer, but can't see it here.

Thank you.

 

[stevty2889]

Whats the exact model number of the gateway? It looks like it's saying it supports 4x, which would mean you could use a modern video card(including an 8x card, but it would run at 4x), but I'm not 100% sure.

 

[imported_Bookworm]

Hi Stevty,
The Model Number is ATX OXN Select 1100.

I appreciate the help.

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: Bookworm
Hi Stevty,
The Model Number is ATX OXN Select 1100.

I appreciate the help.

Based on the specs you posted, it looks like it *should* support 4x cards, which means it should be 1.5V-compatible. However, they don't give enough information there to be sure. You could try calling them -- but good luck finding someone who can dig up detailed technical specs on a four-year-old system, at least quickly.

You *could* try to check the keying on the AGP slot -- if it's keyed "universal", you should be all set. link to maybe help with that.

Honestly, the easiest thing to do might be to just get your hands on a cheap AGP 4X video card (like a GeForce2MX, or a RADEON 7XXX) and see if it fits/works.

 

[imported_Bookworm]

Thank you.