I know this is Noobish

[killergamer]

I really wanna put a new card in my computer but as of right now I'm not allow to open it up. I was wondering how I could find out exactly what the slots I have in my computer are?

I'm Pretty sure this (http://developer.novell.com/yes/83319.htm) is mine but not quite sure.

That happens to be a shot of my CPU-Z
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd292/killergamer0/Mainboard.jpg

[FuzzyPlushroom]

Bus Type: PCI Express X16
PCI Express X1
2 PCI

If you're right, that's what you need to know: you have two PCI slots, one PCI Express x1 slot (which isn't terribly useful) and one PCI Express x16 slot (which is mainly used for video cards).

If you can get a definite model number, we can tell you for sure.

[TheGreatSatan]

Take a pic of the inside of the case. That would be the most definitive

[nevermind1534]

one PCI Express x1 slot (which isn't terribly useful)

It can be if you're getting a sound card, TV tuner, or RAID controller. Not otherwise, unless you want to spend extra unnecessary money.

[DaveW]

I know this is Noobish

Don't worry man, we're cool. Everyone was a noob sometime. Even guys like Crimson. ;)

-Dave

[Omega]

Don't worry man, we're cool. Everyone was a noob sometime. Even guys like Crimson. ;)

-Dave

Nonsense. Crimson came out of the womb carrying his collection of punchcards. Everybody knows that.

[DaveW]

Yeah, but he was drooling all over them till he was 2 years old. That means by his current standard, he was a noob. ;)

-Dave

[Twigsoffury]

If you're right, that's what you need to know: you have two PCI slots, one PCI Express x1 slot (which isn't terribly useful) and one PCI Express x16 slot (which is mainly used for video cards).

If you can get a definite model number, we can tell you for sure.

Theres his model number in the CPU-Z readout.

Well i can say that chipset (as far as i know) Supports the original PCI-E format but its no biggie as the new cards are backwards compatible.

So you do need a PCI-E 16x card.

But one thing to be VERY aware of is the power limitations of your power supply. So dont go throwing a 9800GTX+ in there and expect it to work.

A good rule of thumb when working with "off the shelf" computers is... If the video card has a additional power plug it's to powerfull for the power supply provided.

But you are in luck. Gateway follows the ATX standard so you can drop a new powersupply in without problems.

So for a Ethusist card you should really look at a 650-750W with at least 40Amp across the +12v rail(s)

Budget cards should fall into the 500-650W 32A +12v

Low end desk station cards 350-500W 24A +12v

there is a sticker on the power supply with a chart that will tell you your total amperage and wattage.


also be aware of space requirements for video cards. some are wide some are extremely long. others occupy space below and block a PCI slot or two. And most all of them spit out a Great deal of heat so i'd also look into a couple fans to install to exchange some air in the case.


But for a guy on a budget that still wants some good performace... Heres a Video card and power supply that matches what your CPU and Ram can do in terms of speed. (if you buy a uber card, the speed of your cpu/ram can actually bottleneck the cards performance)


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130424

Geforce 9600GT /512MB/ GDDR3/ 64 Proccessors/ 256 bit 104.99 (85$ after rebate)


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341022

0Cz Fata1ity 550W 50A ATX 74.99


probably about 200$ after shipping and all.

But that performance will blow your F'n socks off so hard there vaporise re entering the atmosphere.

hope some of this helps.

[DaveW]

Good advice twigs, +rep.

-Dave

[Twigsoffury]

Good advice twigs, +rep.

-Dave

Oh i used to run a Video game support forum back in the day. till the "everything is 1337" people came in. pretty much now its "buy more ram" and "AMD proccessors suck" instead of... "oh maybe if you install your chipset and GART drivers you'll net a 75fps increase".