Graphics card question...
 

My son uses a Dell Inspiron 531. He wants a new graphics card to be able to play games at a higher framerate.

According to Dell, the system uses a PCI Express 1.0a.

If I purchase a PCI-E 2.0 will it work with the system? Or do I need to strictly use a 1.0? In otherwords, is the difference between 1.0A throughpu ant 2.0 on the videocard end? Or the Motherboard end?

Thanks for any help.

Shit, son. A better graphics card will increase the framerate.

sounds like it will work:
http://www.overclock.net/ati/299941-...-card-pci.html

how are you gonna purchase it? it comes built into the motherboard.

Yes it will work. PCI-Express is backwards compatible.

The card, and thanks guys. Appreciate it.

you'd be better off buying a new computer

he wont be able to play anything decent on that outdated piece of crap (Dell Inspiron 531)

Just be careful of the power supply. Some of those shitty towers come with just enough juice to run what is already in there.

Look for a video card with low power consumption just in case.

Absolutely. I was looking at a card upgrade for my Dell and from what I read, the big issue is that killer kards = serious wattage, while Dell = low power

Having said that, I also read that Dell power ratings are conservative and the supplies better performing than many competitors.

Still, look for a card at 300w max :2 cents:

A better gift would be a new gaming pc and you dont have to worry about if the card will work or not :)

yes, but the 2.0 card can't use its full bandwidth capability in a 1.0 slot.

I'm guessing this is an ancient computer. I'd say get a new system with GTX460 card.

Also, as mentioned, the newer cards have bigger power drains to think about. Older systems with small PSU's can't handle it.

The card I am looking at is this one:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...&sku=G458-0430

And for you people telling me to jump out and buy him a $2k gaming rig... well, he is 7.

See, this is what I meant when I asked if the 2.0 vs 1.0 was on the mobo side or the card side. I appreciate this input.