AGP slots?

shortys94 · 25-09-2005 7:37pm #1

Hello
Currently have a dell desktop, have a nvidia fx 5200 graphics card and since my comp is so powerful theres no point in havin a mediocre graphics card in it, so i want to look into openin pc and changin card(first time)
but the one i currently have is in the pci slot number 1 and im not sure if i have an agp slot which someone told me all good graphics cards use? and is there anyway to find out if i have an agp slot without openin comp?

ARGINITE · 25-09-2005 7:40pm

Well if you want o change the graphics card you wil have to open it anyways.
I dont think their is any other way of doing it.
It will be he very top slot if you have one, normally brown in colour and a wee bit smaller than the pci slots.

RicardoSmith · 25-09-2005 7:41pm

We're not mind readers. At least give us a clue with the model of the Dell.

TerrorFirmer · 25-09-2005 7:43pm

If you computer is anyway decent, it has an agp slot, single brown one next to the pci slots.

If its new, it might have pci-e, which you'll get better cards for.

Its hard to tell, someone who knows alot about computers and someone who knows nothing tend to have different ideals on a "powerful" computer..

I know someone who once started bragging about he got a brand new top of the range pc. Turned out to be a 1.8 celeron with 128mb ram and 16mb integrated graphics.

shortys94 · 25-09-2005 7:45pm

dell dimension 4600
3.06 ghz

anyway, so theres now way of findin out witout openin?
is it hard to put new card in ?

Laguna · 25-09-2005 7:47pm

Well I reckon you should just open the PC and look at the motherboard and find this slot

If you found your graphics card in the PCI slot, it's a ****e graphics card and I doubt you have an AGP slot at all, well.... maybe you do, but I can't see why people still use PCI GFX cards, they're so very slow.

If you don't want to open your computer, use Belarc Advisor to query your motherboard, BA will then create a html file listing all available information from your motherboard including available slots.

shortys94 · 25-09-2005 7:50pm

:9 so ure sayin that i prolly wont have an agp:( i bought this comp a year and a bit back

SolarNexus · 25-09-2005 7:50pm

shortys94 wrote:

dell dimension 4600
3.06 ghz

anyway, so theres now way of findin out witout openin?
is it hard to put new card in ?

simple as pie:

1). open case

2). slide graphics card into appropriate slot (AGP, PCI, or PCI-e)

3). screw down graphics card

4). close case

5). install via software

shortys94 · 25-09-2005 7:50pm

yea ok thanks but still porblem of WHETHER I HAVE ANAGP SLOT:( i hope i do

Stevomcs · 25-09-2005 7:53pm

shortys94 wrote:

yea ok thanks but still porblem of WHETHER I HAVE ANAGP SLOT:( i hope i do

just open the case (u dont even have to turn of!)

look for the AGP slot (like in the pic above)

SIMPLE

you wont break anything.

Dinner · 25-09-2005 7:55pm

shortys94 wrote:

yea ok thanks but still porblem of WHETHER I HAVE ANAGP SLOT:( i hope i do

Well I have a 4600 and I have an AGP slot, but I got my comp with an AGP graphics card. If your shipped with a PCI card then it might not have an AGP slot.

Get the manual for your computer in it there should be a diagram of your mobo and an AGP slot will be indicated if its there.

SolarNexus · 25-09-2005 7:56pm

just open the case (u dont even have to turn of!)

Definitely not advisable; though its possible - if you touch anything metal, or you drop anything in, your in for a world of hurt -- believe me, I've got some serious shocks (not just electrical - sparks etc.) doing stupid stuff like that before.

Laguna · 25-09-2005 7:58pm

Jesus! whoever suggested opening the case with the power on obviously isn't thinking of the chaps safety!. Use Belarc Advisor like I said and you won't even HAVE to open the computer!

Stevomcs · 25-09-2005 7:58pm

SolarNexus wrote:

Definitely not advisable; though its possible - if you touch anything metal, or you drop anything in, your in for a world of hurt -- believe me, I've got some serious shocks (not just electrical - sparks etc.) doing stupid stuff like that before.

aye same

just take a peek. dont touch and u will be fine

Laguna wrote:

Jesus! whoever suggested opening the case with the power on obviously isn't thinking of the chaps safety!. Use Belarc Advisor like I said and you won't even HAVE to open the computer!

its perfeculy fine if u dont touch neting.. ive done it loads before..

Laguna · 25-09-2005 8:02pm

Anyway, Dell were notorious for selling PC's without AGP slots, even up until last year, friends of mine (not computer savvy people) bought PC's from Dell that claimed to have "Advanced Graphics" which translates as onBoard Intel Extreme graphics without an AGP slot. Intel onBoard graphics behave like 32mb AGP in my opinion, cheeky bastards.

shortys94 · 25-09-2005 8:03pm

not sure what to do

SolarNexus · 25-09-2005 8:04pm

I always follow the rule of thumb that says if its called Advanced, Extreme, Ultra or Elite, expect it to be crap and you wont be disapointed

Dinner · 25-09-2005 8:05pm

shortys94 wrote:

not sure what to do

Look in your computers manual. It will say it there.

BopNiblets · 25-09-2005 8:07pm

You don't need any fancy Belarc Advisor, there's usually a mention of AGP in Display Properties (Start Menu->Settings->Control Panel->Display->Settings tab) or Device Management (Start Menu->Settings->Control Panel->System->Hardware tab->Device Management).

I'm not familiar with the nVidia Display window anymore since I got my X800PRO, but it should be in there.

shortys94 · 25-09-2005 8:08pm

ok thanks, what mnaual? like not sure?

Laguna · 25-09-2005 8:08pm

Look man, go back up to my original post with the picture. Click on the belarc advisor link, download it, install it, run it, read the HTML file, look for the word AGP slot on the html file

if it's there = you have an AGP slot
if it's NOT there = you don't have an AGP slot

it's simple

Dinner · 25-09-2005 8:10pm

shortys94 wrote:

ok thanks, what mnaual? like not sure?

Follow Laguna's advice first, and if your still not convinced look in the book that came with your computer that says "4600 users guide" or similar.

shortys94 · 25-09-2005 8:10pm

hey bopniblets cud u be more descriptive

shortys94 · 25-09-2005 8:12pm

is it accurate, the advisor

Dinner · 25-09-2005 8:13pm

shortys94 wrote:

is it accurate, the advisor

Yes, it wont lie to you.

Laguna · 25-09-2005 8:17pm

Arabel wrote:

Yes, it wont lie to you.

You never know now, every 1000 downloads, you get a deceitful version, it MIGHT lie to him depending on its mood.

BopNiblets · 25-09-2005 8:18pm

shortys94 wrote:

hey bopniblets cud u be more descriptive

Ok, go to the Display Properties:
(Start Menu->Settings->Control Panel->Display->Settings tab->Advanced)
Pic: http://www.tweakguides.com/images/NVFORCE_5.jpg

When you click Advanced, you should see something like this, these are the settings for your nVidia graphics card (say hello)
Pic: http://www.tweakguides.com/images/NVFORCE_6.jpg

You see in this pic it has under "Graphics card infromation" and "Bus PCI Express x16"?

If you have this and it says "AGP" or "AGB X4" or "AGP X8", THEN you have AGP.

Got it?

shortys94 · 25-09-2005 8:18pm

where does it say the pci slots and agp slots? cuz im not sure where they are
and its not that accurate, it sys i have a dif model and dif process speed, but anyway

The Real B-man · 25-09-2005 8:21pm

i have 4600 it came without agp graphics card but it had a AGP slot which i put a FX5700 ultra in as it only has a 250w psu

shortys94 · 25-09-2005 8:22pm

hey bopinniblets, i think i have one, not sure

Dinner · 25-09-2005 8:24pm

The Real B-man wrote:

i have 4600 it came without agp graphics card but it had a AGP slot which i put a FX5700 ultra in as it only has a 250w psu

Shouldnt matter Dell PSU's peak at aout 345w. I have a 6800Gt running on a 4600 "250w" PSU.

shortys94, does it mention anything about an AGP slot. If it does then you have an agp slot.

greglo23 · 25-09-2005 8:25pm

download this; Everest Home Edition http://tinyurl.com/c29pm. it will scan your comp and tell you exactly whats in it. click on motherboard and it lists the slots onboard.

shortys94 · 25-09-2005 8:25pm

the advisor, i donwloaded but cant find info on what slots i have, device manager says my card is in the pci while display settings say agp 8x

shortys94 · 25-09-2005 8:26pm

on the belarc advisor it doesnt say anything about any ports not even pci

The Real B-man · 25-09-2005 8:28pm

Arabel wrote:

Shouldnt matter Dell PSU's peak at aout 345w. I have a 6800Gt running on a 4600 "250w" PSU.

shortys94, does it mention anything about an AGP slot. If it does then you have an agp slot.

Nice to know Arabel Cheers

Laguna · 25-09-2005 8:29pm

Just open the MOFO to put yourself out of your misery!. If the computer says your display is AGPx8 then most likely your computer is not even using the damn PCI card, yank that card out and buy an AGP one. The only way we can guarantee you have an AGP slot is if you

OPEN THE DAMN COMPUTER!

lol

shortys94 · 25-09-2005 8:29pm

Yes But What If I Make A Mess Of It!!!

Laguna · 25-09-2005 8:31pm

How will you?, you don't even have to touch any components!, do it my son, every computer type person should know the inner workings of their PC anyway!

The Real B-man · 25-09-2005 8:31pm

Laguna wrote:

Just open the MOFO to put yourself out of your misery!. If the computer says your display is AGPx8 then most likely your computer is not even using the damn PCI card, yank that card out and buy an AGP one. The only way we can guarantee you have an AGP slot is if you

OPEN THE DAMN COMPUTER!

lol

lol all you do is hold down the little spring catch and pull the panel backwards off the case

shortys94 · 25-09-2005 8:33pm

uhhhhhhh, i dont thinkits that easy

Dinner · 25-09-2005 8:33pm

Nicely said Laguna.

Your best bet is either open the damn thing or find the manual for it.

shortys94 · 25-09-2005 8:34pm

wat manual , theres so many of them!!!

Laguna · 25-09-2005 8:34pm

Uh, I think it is

I gave you a picture of the slot you're looking for.

The real b man told you it's as easy as flipping the latch.

It's not theoretical physics!

shortys94 · 25-09-2005 8:36pm

yes but do i need to take all wires out? cuz it looks as if i do
and theres like a black switch and black plastic nob on back

DemonOfTheFall · 25-09-2005 8:38pm

I would almost swear that this guy shortys94 is trolling.

1. Open back of case, at the catch thing.
2. Look at previously posted picture.
3. Compare to what is in your computer.
4. If it looks the same you have an AGP slot.

Or you could do any of the other things that everyone else posted and FOLLOW THEIR INSTRUCTIONS accurately.

"wat manual, theres so many of them!!!" - the guy already said the user's guide that came with the pc

Laguna · 25-09-2005 8:38pm

Yes, unplug everything to be safe, some components hold a charge for a while too so it's better to be safe than sorry.

When you open it, don't maul the components with your bare hands as you'll fry the circuitry as they are prone to the static electricity in your hands.

Just literally pop off the lid and have a peek to find the slot.

shortys94 · 25-09-2005 8:39pm

i know, just bend it open, but theres so many screws!!!

Dinner · 25-09-2005 8:40pm

shortys94 wrote:

wat manual , theres so many of them!!!

Here is the online manual for the 4600 with integrated graphics (open that in IE). On the Mobo diagram it has an agp slot. So dopes the one that comes with a graphics card. So the 4600 does have an agp slot.

You should still open up your computer and have a look for yourself. If you're planning on upgrading your card then you will have to do alot more then open it and have a quick look. Dont be afraid of messing it up.

shortys94 · 25-09-2005 8:41pm

got manual, theres an agp connector in one of pics:) presume that means thers one?

Dinner · 25-09-2005 8:42pm

yes there is. Still open it up and have a look. It wont bite.

Laguna · 25-09-2005 8:43pm

HALLELUJAH

Yes, you have an AGP slot

Praise the lord/God is good... I'm worn out with this thread!

AGP slots?

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