6950 in PCIe 1.1

[nuguai]

I'm planning to upgrade my gpu, however, my machine is a bit dated and I'm wondering about compatibility.
Can you change parts in a manufactured computer (compaq)? I heard manufacturers like to make it difficult :l

Core 2 Quad Q9500 @ 2.9Ghz
G41 Motherboard (PCIe 1.1 - will a 6950 still work?)
4GB RAM
Radeon HD 5450

Any help greatly appreciated

 

[Motopsychojdn]

A 6950 will fit into the x16 slot, but it will be seriously restricted
yes, people like Compaq and Dell have been known to reassign psu plug wires on the 20+4pin to 'discourage' you from using replacement parts that they haven't supplied,
I'd say a lower tier card would be a better solution, nvid 450/ati5770/6770 maybe, save the 6950 plan for a new build
Moto

 

[blazorthon]

I suggest going with the above advice. Wait for a new build until Bulldozer and Sandy Bridge-E/Ivy Bridge. Even if you don't want them they should lower the prices of the previous gen stuff to much higher price/performance ratios.