Graphics cards, I don't get it?

[godofallu]

The number after the x is how many data lanes it has. The difference is easy enough to spot as the fewer lanes there are, the smaller the slot is. x16 is what you need for graphics cards.
The problem here, as I said in my previous post, is that your system only seems to have PCI-e 1.0, which is quite a bit slower than 2.0. Even if these slots are physically identical, I don't think sticking a graphics card that requires 2.0 in there is going to work very well.

You have been a great help, but I just can't figure out how to tell the difference between a 1 and a 2. How can I tell the difference between a PCI 1 and a PCI 2 if they look the same? You've got me scared/intrigued now.

Second question is does it really matter? If I just want to play the majority of games on medium do I really need a PCI 2 slot? My 9100 which has been classified as shit can run DA:Awakening on High afterall.

 

[oplinger]

The number after the x is how many data lanes it has. The difference is easy enough to spot as the fewer lanes there are, the smaller the slot is. x16 is what you need for graphics cards.
The problem here, as I said in my previous post, is that your system only seems to have PCI-e 1.0, which is quite a bit slower than 2.0. Even if these slots are physically identical, I don't think sticking a graphics card that requires 2.0 in there is going to work very well.

You have been a great help, but I just can't figure out how to tell the difference between a 1 and a 2. How can I tell the difference between a PCI 1 and a PCI 2 if they look the same? You've got me scared/intrigued now.

Second question is does it really matter? If I just want to play the majority of games on medium do I really need a PCI 2 slot? My 9100 which has been classified as shit can run DA:Awakening on High afterall.

They look the same. PCIe 2.0 is just has twice the speed per lane.

Does it really matter? ...No not particularly. Not for medium, or low. Does it make a difference? Boy yes it does.

 

[Roboto]

The number after the x is how many data lanes it has. The difference is easy enough to spot as the fewer lanes there are, the smaller the slot is. x16 is what you need for graphics cards.
The problem here, as I said in my previous post, is that your system only seems to have PCI-e 1.0, which is quite a bit slower than 2.0. Even if these slots are physically identical, I don't think sticking a graphics card that requires 2.0 in there is going to work very well.

You have been a great help, but I just can't figure out how to tell the difference between a 1 and a 2. How can I tell the difference between a PCI 1 and a PCI 2 if they look the same? You've got me scared/intrigued now.

Second question is does it really matter? If I just want to play the majority of games on medium do I really need a PCI 2 slot? My 9100 which has been classified as shit can run DA:Awakening on High afterall.

It won't matter. I promise. PCIe2 cards are backwards compatible, as PCIe3 cards will be. Little less bandwidth, no real issue. Ignore that aspect until you want to upgrade mobo.

First get this [http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371021], it will last you probably forever and you will never have to buy a PSU again until you go crazy and want a triple SLI system. I use the trupower 750, extremely quiet, efficient, deadly stable.

Then get this [http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125316&cm_re=5870-_-14-125-316-_-Product], it isn't "state of the art 6000 series," which in itself is pretty lacking, but it will still grind through any game you throw at it at a reasonable price. Much more reasonable than I payed for my 5850 at 320$ when the shortage was going on.

 

[TheEggplant]

You have been a great help, but I just can't figure out how to tell the difference between a 1 and a 2. How can I tell the difference between a PCI 1 and a PCI 2 if they look the same? You've got me scared/intrigued now.

Second question is does it really matter? If I just want to play the majority of games on medium do I really need a PCI 2 slot? My 9100 which has been classified as shit can run DA:Awakening on High afterall.

Do you have any of the documentation that came with your system? I'd recommend finding out what type of motherboard you have and looking up the manual online. Finding a compatible graphics card that old might be tricky. In fact what version of Windows are you running? You could run dxdiag.exe and post your specs.

 

[godofallu]

You have been a great help, but I just can't figure out how to tell the difference between a 1 and a 2. How can I tell the difference between a PCI 1 and a PCI 2 if they look the same? You've got me scared/intrigued now.

Second question is does it really matter? If I just want to play the majority of games on medium do I really need a PCI 2 slot? My 9100 which has been classified as shit can run DA:Awakening on High afterall.

Do you have any of the documentation that came with your system? I'd recommend finding out what type of motherboard you have and looking up the manual online. Finding a compatible graphics card that old might be tricky.

Yeah here is the link to my motherboard for anyone interested

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01635734&tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&site=null&lang=en&product=4006020&key=null#N293

The computer isn't that old. Maybe 2 years tops, it's just fairly cheap.

 

[TheEggplant]

Here is a PDF download of the manual.
It doesn't say PCI-E x16 2.0 specifically so I kind of doubt it has one.
Without firsthand experience with it I can't really say.
http://cid-49469085fd1a4edb.office.live.com/self.aspx/ASUS-Pegatron%20M2N78-LA%20Motherboard%20Manual/M2N78-LA%20ASUS%20Pegatron%20Manual%20Rev%203.pdf