A word of advice, regarding graphics cards...

[KobayashiFan]

A word of advice by me to anyone considering purchasing a new graphics card for their PC. As I'd like to be helpful and prevent anyone from making the same mistake I did. When purchasing a new graphics card, take time to find out if it is compatible with your PC. Many low range computers that are only used for general tasks such as surfing the Internet and word processing, are not compatible with aftermarket graphic cards. Mostly because many low range PC's will not be able to handle the extra power of the graphics card and will simply freeze on the boot up screen. But also because on some PC's the graphics card will not actually fit into the PC in the first place. So you'll end up wasting money on something you might not actually be able to use. So remember to do your research first. If you can not find out anything, then purchase the graphics card. However, first make sure you are able to return the product if you happen to find out it is not compatible with your PC.

Now, the events which led me to find out all this. My PC is a low range PC and as a result, the graphics card is very low powered. Considering I wanted to play games on my PC, I orderd a newer and more powerful graphics card off of Amazon. When I recieved the graphics card, I went to insert it into my computer...only to find out that it didn't fit. So I tried it on my Dad's computer...it was too powerful for it and it froze up. Luckily we were able to return it.

(Read the two posts below this one. They are a lot more helpful than mine)

 

[LJ]

It would have to be a pretty old PC not to have a slot on the motherboard for a graphics card, If it was a high end card then you would have needed to give it power direct from the PSU on your dads PC, that may be why it froze up

 

[nick09]

Yes you need to look up information about your computer, make sure your computer meets the Power Supply Unit requirements(such as the documentation recommends at least 400 watts, look this information on the card's manufacture website), check to see if your computer has good cooling, and determine if it's really worth giving the computer the new graphics card(is it worth the money).

Basically it's research, research, and research to make sure if the graphics card will fit inside the case and etc. Though if you want help then post at the computer forum. It does not hurt to ask to save a few bucks here and there.

 

[KobayashiFan]

It would have to be a pretty old PC not to have a slot on the motherboard for a graphics card, If it was a high end card then you would have needed to give it power direct from the PSU on your dads PC, that may be why it froze up

Thats exactly what I meant but the word 'motherboard' escaped my mind. I totally forgot what it was called. So thanks!

Yes you need to look up information about your computer, make sure your computer meets the Power Supply Unit requirements(such as the documentation recommends at least 400 watts, look this information on the card's manufacture website), check to see if your computer has good cooling, and determine if it's really worth giving the computer the new graphics card(is it worth the money).

Basically it's research, research, and research to make sure if the graphics card will fit inside the case and etc. Though if you want help then post at the computer forum. It does not hurt to ask to save a few bucks here and there.

Thanks Nick. I'm actually thinking your post is more useful than mine that started this thread. Seems as if I've missed out a lot.

 

[cicohipe]

It would have to be a pretty old PC not to have a slot on the motherboard for a graphics card, If it was a high end card then you would have needed to give it power direct from the PSU on your dads PC, that may be why it froze up

The thing with this is that what you consider to be a fairly old pc, most non tech-savvy (for lack of a better word) would consider to be a fairly new pc.