How do you know if your computer can handle a graphics card?

Ok I have been looking at graphics cards, I right now have a GeForce Fx 5200 and a Dell Dimension 4600. How can I tell if a graphics card is right for me? What does the number of MB beside the card tell me? How can I tell if I am AGP or PCI-E capable?


Thank You.

How do you know if your computer can handle a graphics card?
Just based on the card and the computer I'm almost certain (as the first answer is) that you have an AGP 8x slot. That being the case, this card is perfect for you, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as... it's only $120 after rebates. The competitor to this is the Radeon X1600 series and I do not reccomend them over this card, I've had experience with the X1600 series, I find they are rather weak performers compared to the 7 series. But the only 7 series I've had are PCIe cards so that may be a factor as well.





Well, anyway, it's better than what you have right now, that much is for sure.
Reply:The amount of MB is the amount of memory the card has. I'd say around 512 would get very nice results. (Really depends what you want to do).





The 4600 has an AGP slot (its brown) and that is the type of card you need
Reply:If in your computer specs it says you got a FX5200, those were only released in AGP mainly (there are FX5200 that uses the PCI slot, but they are rare).





You could use a freeware info tools like sis sandra (sisoftware.net) or CPUZ (www.cpuid.com) to check which video card and what model of motherboard you've got, without having to open the case.





Supposing you got an AGP slot, you are in time for asking the upgrade for christmas ;-), I couldn't believe my eyes when I upgraded my own 5200 to my actual ATI 9800 pro, which quadrupled the performance. But however, you have the chance to get something even better!, like an Nvidia 7600GS or something like that. Just don't forget that it has to be the AGP version before buying (or before writing the letter to santa haha)





Installation is fairly easy. Enjoy!
Reply:Remove the cover of your computer and check to see if you have an AGP or PCI-E slot or refer to your manual if you don't know what one looks like you may be able to find a picture of one on the internet.
Reply:According to Dell's website, the Dimension 4600 should have an AGP port and not a PCI-E port. Based on the compatible video cards listed on Dell's website, you should be able to go for the GeForce FX 5200 as it is an AGP card, and the 4600 can handle various ATI AGP graphics cards.





As far as the memory is concerned, the higher the RAM, the more powerful the graphics card is. The higher amounts of RAM allows the card to handle more complex graphics routines as opposed to requiring your system's RAM to handle some of the graphics load.
Reply:The number of MB is the amount of memory the card has onboard for textures. The Dimension 4600 has an 8x AGP slot, no PCI-e if I'm correct.