Member Avatar for ChampLuiPio

Well, just earlier today, I was talking to one of my friends about buying a new graphics cards, something from nVidia or something. They told me to open my comp case to see if my motherboard had this PCIe slot in it.

I opened, I looked, I cried. Apparently my eMachine doesn't have a PCIe slot, or maybe I've been looking at the wrong PCIe slot pictures.

Most likely I don't have it.

From what I've been told, a lot of the "better" graphics cards out there in stores only work with PCIe slots. Are there any good alternatives?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by nizzy1115

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When opened the case and couldnt find the right connector, that is a common confusion. The fastest way to know exactly what the board has is to identify the motherboard model (look for a printed model string on the board or use a small tool like CPU‑Z to report the mainboard model and chipset). Once you have the model you can check the manufacturer spec sheet for the expansion-slot types and the supported graphics interfaces (CPU‑Z).

If the board truly lacks a PCI Express x16 slot, options are limited. Older AGP cards and very low‑end PCI video cards exist, but they dont approach the performance of modern PCIe GPUs and are increasingly hard to find and support. Replacing the motherboard (and usually CPU and RAM) with a board that has a PCIe x16 slot is the other route, or buying a new system that ships with a discrete PCIe card already installed. For clarity on the bus technology and its adoption, see the PCIe and AGP overviews (PCI Express, Accelerated Graphics Port).

Practical next steps: 1) Capture the motherboard model and check its specs. 2) Inspect the power supply label and case for physical room and PCIe power connectors — many modern GPUs need 6/8‑pin power leads and more wattage. 3) If DIY replacement isnt comfortable, bring the PC to a shop and get a quote for a motherboard+CPU+RAM swap versus a replacement PC. s suggestion to pick a vendor like Dell is reasonable — just confirm the system includes a discrete PCIe x16 slot and a suitable power supply when you configure or buy.

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Member Avatar for grandman

I thought PCI-E was the 64 bit AGP? not sure.

Member Avatar for ChampLuiPio

Well, right now, I have no idea what to do about upgrading my graphics on this eMachine of mine. All the slots I know that are in there are fit for those cards used for wireless internet. As far as I'm concerned, my computer's graphics are un-upgradable.

Member Avatar for nizzy1115

there are agp and pcie for graphics cards. it sounds like you only have pci. YOu can add a pci graphics card, but its performance will not provide you with anything great for gaming. So yes, it is pretty safe to say your graphics options are un upgradeable.

Member Avatar for ChampLuiPio

Well, I guess my next option it to buy a new computer?

I won't bother buying a new motherboard that has PCIe express, I'd have trouble installing it.

My computer's about.. three years old or so. Do the new models of 2006 already have PCIe in 'em? If so, what kind of computer should I get?

Member Avatar for nizzy1115

A new computer is an option. All new models will not have pcie in it. You will have to look. Most likely, manufacturers will not ship it with a slot unless you have it configured with a graphics card in it already. If you want a recomendation for a computer, i am partial to dell's. I think they make good value computers. Just make sure you configure it to have the slot, or a graphics card (perferably) in it at the initial purchase.

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