compatability question

back_on_track

Ok bear with me, I'm learning here lol!

I am trying to figure out if the graphics card I want to get is compatible with my motherboard.
Is is just a simple case of a motherboard having a pci-e x16 slot and the same for the graphics card that means they are compatable?
Where do you look to find out what is compatable with all your computer componants?

Can I put a HD 5670 in my ASRock K8NF4G-sata2 motherboard? It has an AMD Sempron 3100+ 1.8ghz.
Also my PSU is a winpower 450w. Will this card run OK?

Oh also I would like to upgrade further at some point, to a faster processor, and maybe a better psu.
Could I put a faster cpu in this motherboard, or would I need a new motherboard all together?

Thanks for taking the time to read

DCFC79

According to here these are the slots you have available

- 2 x PCI slots
- 1 x PCI Express x16 slot
- 1 x PCI Express x1 slot
- 1 x AMR slot

yes that g card would fit th mobo as it says here its PCI Express x16

AHAR

Bad news is that your CPU upgrade options are a bit limited.
Good news is you'll probably find something cheap on eBay. (you won't find them on sale new anywhere)

esuhl

Check the length of the graphics card to make sure it will fit your motherboard/case. I once bought a card that was technically compatible with my PC, but the card wouldn't fit in (if I remember rightly, the card was so long that it blocked the SATA ports).

As for a CPU upgrade, I've considered it many times, but each time I've looked the performance gain hasn't been enough to justify the expense. By the time you want to upgrade, the latest chips won't be compatible with your motherboard, and the slower chips that are compatible will have a much higher price-to-performance ratio.

If I wanted to upgrade the chip, I'd be getting a new motherboard too. Of course that may mean a new PSU, new RAM, a new case, etc... When I built my current PC I tried to get a pretty decent case and PSU so that, in a few years, (hopefully) I can just swap out the motherboard and CPU - effectively getting a new PC for a fraction of the price.

back_on_track

Oh that's good then, at least I can get the graphics card I wanted, that's a start.

Thanks for your help all.

Esuhl I shall definately measure up to ensure I have enough space in my case, thanks for the tip!
Think I shall go with getting a new motherbard and cpu when I upgrade then.
Any recommendations for any motherboards or cpu's that will go nicely with a HD 5670 card?

Scho

As well as physical space for the card make sure there's enough space for airflow as well - if this new card just makes the machine into a heater you'll end up with worse issues and sudden shutdowns from it.

Hammyman

PSU may most likely need an upgrade and you need to make sure it has a power connector for graphics cards.

AHAR

Hammyman wrote: »

PSU may most likely need an upgrade and you need to make sure it has a power connector for graphics cards.

An AMD 5670 doesn't need a separate power connector.