Motherboard Compatibility

[michatmaster7]

Wow. So, I just typed out an entire thread topic and the site deleted it all because I didn't have an account yet. And then again because I fail at resetting my cookies.... GRR

Anyway. How do I figure out whether a card would be compatible with my mobo/CPU? Other than the obvious of ordering it and trying it out? Is there some place I can go to look?

I really want to get the 9800 GTX+ SSC (the 778MHz version) and will need to upgrade my PSU.

Here is what I've got currently:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 @2.13 GHz
Dell Mobo Model #: 0WG864 (Intel P965/G965 chipset)
2 Gigs of PC2-5300 DDR2 (333 MHz)
19" LCD normally run at 1280 x 1024
NVIDIA GeForce 7300 LE (don't laugh)

I play World of Warcraft and normally run it with all but two settings off/turned all the way down. I'm hoping this new card will let me crank up the settings and still see some really smooth gameplay. I'm just worried that once I get the card, it's not going to work with my ancient Dell mobo. What should I do?

 

[peter2004]

thats really over kill for that game, for that computer since my brother has model go with a 9500gt from evga of a 9600gt from bfg, or ati 4550 or 4670

 

[vouslavous]

Yes, it'll work but if you get the 9800GTX your probably gonna need a new power supply to go with it. In my opinion you don't need such a storng card for the game your playing. Go for a Ati Radeon 4670, it'll be more then enough for you and does not require an external power connector.

 

[sprucebr1]

Your looking at spending too much, for a 9800GTX+. This is an old GPU (G92), I would agree and say that a HD4670 would be a better investment. Going with the 9800GTX+ would likely mean a PSU upgrade, too say at least 500watt. Staying with NVIDIA, even a 9600GT would be a big difference here. Though in your situation you'll see a big difference with a HD4670. Hope that helps.

 

[michatmaster7]

Thank you all for such timely responses! I completely understand and appreciate your opinions about the overkill, too.

I agree, it's totally overkill and yes, I plan to buy a new PSU to accommodate.

The general idea was that I wanted to get a powerful card and PSU that would work in my next system build and not be at the bottom of the technology list when I next rebuild my system. In other words, I'll be using this card and PSU in my next system, probably in the next 6-12 months.

My main concern was whether this card would actually work given the current setup (aside from the PSU, of course). If it will work with my current board and CPU, I'll be happy for now..

Soon enough comes a new system. Not sure whether I want to go back to Dell again or build one from scratch again. Hmmm....

 

[g3force]

In other words, I'll be using this card and PSU in my next system, probably in the next 6-12 months.

6-12 months is still a rather long time in the computer industry. I wouldn't be surprised if the 9800GTX+ is selling at the $50 range, if at all, at that time. My vote goes to buying something such as the 4650/4670, and use the extra money for a premium GFX card in future when you build a new rig.

 

[JoeBnKY]

I have a DELL E520 with the same 0WG864 Mobo, it will help to upgrade your RAM to 4 GB (2x2GB) of CL5, DDR2-800. VISTA 32 bit will only see 3GB but it will still help. You have a E6420 2.13Ghz CPU (like mine came with), I upgraded to a Q6700 2.66GHz Quad Core CPU, GF 8800GTS 512mb and a used 375W DELL PSU for $25(see ebay). Be sure you flash to the latest BIOS from DELL.com.

Note: Both the DELL 0WG864 Mobo and the DELL OCT017 Mobo will run DDR2-800 ram, use the lowest latency you can afford, CL3/4/5.