Integrated graphics card question.

[tylerisFTW]

Hello,
I'm not exactly a computer geek, but I want to know weather or not, if I buy a PC with a integrated GPU, can I put in a after market, dedicated GPU? thanks guys!

 

[slcmike]

Yes, in most cases you can add a gpu to a board with integrated video.

 

[tylerisFTW]

Thanks for the reply! But by "Most Cases" Do you mean with older hardware? or something similar?

 

[jaguarskx]

Generally speaking, almost any computer buy will allow you to install a discrete video card. However, there may be some budget computers that do not have a PCI-e slot (not to be confused with a PCI slot from the 1990's) in order to save on costs. So make sure you check that there is a PCI-e 2.0 slot in the specs before purchasing. It might be listed as PCI-e x16 2.0.

Also check how much power the power supply (PSU) can provide. You generally want something with at least 350w so that you can install a somewhat decent video card like the Radeon HD 6670. If you intend on installing a more powerful video card then you should consider a PC with at least a 500w PSU.

 

[tylerisFTW]

Generally speaking, almost any computer buy will allow you to install a discrete video card. However, there may be some budget computers that do not have a PCI-e slot (not to be confused with a PCI slot from the 1990's) in order to save on costs. So make sure you check that there is a PCI-e 2.0 slot in the specs before purchasing. It might be listed as PCI-e x16 2.0.

Also check how much power the power supply (PSU) can provide. You generally want something with at least 350w so that you can install a somewhat decent video card like the Radeon HD 6670. If you intend on installing a more powerful video card then you should consider a PC with at least a 500w PSU.

Thanks very much!
A big help! I'm more than certain it has a PCI-i 2.0 slot, its a pretty brand new computer, 2010 I think, and for Power, I'm sure I've got the right amount, its running on a 650w! 😀

Once again, thank you!