Want to buy Radeon 9600xt. Is my system compatible?

[Dhetal]

Hey techies. I'm not a hardware geek, so I need a little help detemining if the graphics card I want is compatible with my system.

http://www.sapphiretech.com/us/produ...?gpid=49&grp=2 This is the card I want for my system. (Or something very similar to it. I've found cards that are different, but have the same name. =/ )

I'll give you as many of my system specs as I can:
HP Pavilion 515n
Intel Celeron CPU 2.30 GHz
760MB of RAM

My current card: Nvidia GeForce2 MX/MX 400

I'd be glad to give more specs, but you'll have to tell me where to find them.

My biggest concern is that the Radeon 9600xt will suck my computer power source dry. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to find out how much energy my power source provides, or how much the 9600xt requires.

Any other card suggestions are also welcome.

Help please! =l

[casecutter]

Re: Want to buy Radeon 9600xt. Is my system compatible?

Well, the 9600XT doesn't require an external power connection, but there is still a small possibility it can be too much. Without knowing how much power your PSU has, you are taking a chance.

[wayout44]

Re: Want to buy Radeon 9600xt. Is my system compatible?

That card and any other AGP or PCI-Express video card will not work in your system, you'll only get a PCI video card to work in it.

[Dhetal]

Re: Want to buy Radeon 9600xt. Is my system compatible?

Without knowing how much power your PSU has, you are taking a chance.

How do I find out how much my PSU allows?

That card and any other AGP or PCI-Express video card will not work in your system, you'll only get a PCI video card to work in it.

Why won't it work with my system? Could I upgrade my computer to work with AGP or PCI-Express?

[casecutter]

Re: Want to buy Radeon 9600xt. Is my system compatible?

No, if it does not have an AGP or PCI-E slot there is no way to add one. Have you looked inside your computer? Where does your video card plug in? If it is in a white slot that is aligned with 3-5 other white slots then it is PCI and you need a PCI video card. If it is in a brown slot that is offest about 1-1/2 inches from the white slots then you do have an AGP slot. Open up your PC and see what you have. Post a picture if you are unsure and we can tell you.

[wayout44]

Re: Want to buy Radeon 9600xt. Is my system compatible?

I worked on a Pavilion 515n just last week,

Mainboard page, http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...cname=bph07813

You can upgrade the mainboard with an AGP capable one cheaply enough,

Take your pick, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ubCategory=280

But to upgrade to PCI-Express you might as well build a brand new PC.

[Dhetal]

Re: Want to buy Radeon 9600xt. Is my system compatible?

I had a peek in my computer and saw I had PCI. (No Express.) Ah, well. With the help of a techie friend, I managed to find a card that'll work.

Thank you for the help and suggestions. :)