Desktops forum: graphics card compatability

i can use any type of memory in a graphics card as long as it matches the PCI?

The video RAM does not have to match the PCI. I can have any speed, type and bus width connected to the GPU on the video card.

Can you share what article is making folk think otherwise?
Bob

i was told by a guy who owns his own business about the ram matching the mobo ram.
i may have heard hi wrong on what he was saying.
anyway... answer me this: the ram on the graphics card does NOT need to match the ram on the motherboard.
im just double checking because i dont wont to invest on the wrong card.

We have the CPU (I bet you know that one) and we have the GPU (see google if you don't know that one.)

Each has its own memory controller and as such, nothing has to match.

I encountered one person that was think a 256 bit video card could never work on the 32 bit PCI bus or 64 bit OS. Again, not an issue. But folk have a lot of ideas out there about that.
Bob

used with the motherboard....you need to to make sure the type of video card you select is compatible with the MB .... AGP, PCI, PCIe, etc., and the power supply is robust enough to power the system and the new video card.

If you got the info from someone who owns his own (computer) business, you probably misunderstood.

VAPCMD

i understand the connecions, but thanks anyway.
now heres a possible issue; does the graphics card chipset need to match the mobo?
also,
how can i tell the power rating of my power supply because the sticker that had the information isn't on the piece anymore.

1. How to match it to the motherboard.

For 99.99% of the time, I only need to worry about the slot. AGP means I look for that. PCI = I need that, PCIe means I look to see if it's the usual x16 or x1 slot. There are about 2 times in the past decade I ran into a card that didn't work in one machine but did on the next. This is very rare to the point it's not something I fret about.

2. POWER. (queue the "More Power" sound bite)

If this is say some HP a6600f then I can use that detail to figure out the power of that PSU. If not, we get a new PSU if we are going for something that draws, let's say over 40 Watts?

Bob

Ok so heres what ive figured; its a 250W power supply
probably should have mentioned this; desktop i have is '05 HP pavilion a1110n
found the specs on hp's website

so now heres a link for the graphics card i plan to upgrade to:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814505024

will this work with a 250W pwr sply??

This is THE CARD to get when you don't want to change the PSU. Gamers won't like this one but it's going to give you most bang for the dollar.

Great choice. And look around for the 1GB version since that will really nail it.
Bob

does direct x 10 run on windows xp?

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/DirectX-10-for-Windows-XP.shtml is a fast hit. I would not try that unless I was ready to reload the OS.
Bob