[Shopping] How do I know Graphic Cards- single slot or dual slots?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
Status
Not open for further replies.
wnetwork

wnetwork

Distinguished
Sep 10, 2011
34
0
18,530
I have no problem finding single-slot graphic cards on online shopping such as newegg or tigerdirect. However, I am unable to buy one online.
I am planning to go to Best Buy store (its the only biggest store nearby home).

While looking at graphic cards, I noticed most brands don't sell same card specs. Some sell single-slot card, other sell dual-slot card (added improved features).
I have looked at pictures from Google Images of graphic cards' product box and noticed they don't mention 'single-slot' or dual-slot' or whatsoever.

I have the old graphic card (ATI Radeon 9550) product box, and nothing mentions of single/dual slot, card size, or even a picture of what the card look like.

The question is how do I find a single-slot graphic card? I don't want to buy the wrong graphic card (dual-slot).

Edited to add:

ASUS P5QPL-AM | Pentium® Dual-Core CPU E5500 @ 2.80GHz | Intel® G41 Express Chipset | Dell Monitor 1440 x 900 | 2 x 2GB | 500 GB Space

SLI ready: No | CrossfireX: No

Form Factor: MicroATX (9.6in x 7.6in | 24.4cm x 19.3 cm | 243.84mm x 193.64 mm)
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
The website wasn't able to tell me which cards available or not at the store location.
I noticed there are many GT 240 graphic cards (from different brands). I can afford to buy a nicer card if available.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote

I would prefer to have a single slot if i need the other slot.

http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_775/P5QPLAM/#specifications
Expansion Slots:
1 x PCIe x16
1 x PCIe x1
2 x PCI
Support PCIe 1.1 Architecture
 
Upvote 0 Downvote

That would be hard to do since my cellphone screen size width is 2 inches. I suppose I could go to the store (delay buying) to write down part numbers then go home to check them online.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote


You don't have another slot.

You only have one GFX card slot on your MoBo. What Robjordy was saying is that s double slot card will use the one single GFX card slot that you have (1 x PCIe x16) on the MoBo but where it mounts to the case, you will have to take 2 of the metal slot covers out (one where your existing card is plus the one below) so that the card can be mounted.

The 9550 that you have requires removing only one metal slot cover. If you have an empty silver metal thingie in your case below where you have connected the DVI cable to your GFX card, you should have no problem fitting in a double slot card. Look here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130662

The extra slot is where the vented grill is .... it allows the hot air to be blown out.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Hmm- PC Wizard 2010 show:
Slot PCI-Express : 32-bit [3.3v, Shared Slot Opening] - Empty
Slot PCI-Express : 32-bit [3.3v, Shared Slot Opening] - Empty
Slot PCI : 32-bit [3.3v, Shared Slot Opening] - Empty
Slot PCI : 32-bit [3.3v, Shared Slot Opening] - In Use

I will have to open the case and look in it.
I plan to take few pictures of inside.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote

Nope- there isn't one here. I have no issues with Best Buy and been going there for over 15+ years.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I would ask why you can't shop online. If it's because you don't have a credit card, contact Newegg (or another online store) and see if they accept Visa Gift cards (I would think they do, but have never tried). If they do, buy a gift card for yourself and use that to purchase online. Save on sales tax (depending on where you live) and possibly some extra on the cost.

Otherwise, just look at the card image online and then check to see if it's in your store or go to the store, get a list of cards available in your price range, come home and research them online.

I think it's safe to say that this card at Best Buy is the same as the one at Newegg (yes, I know this is a dual slot card - just an example).

Looking at your images, a dual-slot card will cover the top PCI slot. I wouldn't worry too much about needing that as the PCI-Ex1 slot is available above the PCI-Ex16 slot.

-Wolf sends
 
Upvote 0 Downvote


I no longer have a credit card. I have PayPal account but limited amount available at this time (enough for a budget card). I prefer (plenty of cash) to shop at Best Buy so this way I can buy a better card than I could on Newegg with PayPal.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote

I will buy a new PSU once I know the card to buy.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
So I can get a dual-slot card?

Another question: At Nivida website (http://www.nvidia.com/content/HelpMeChoose/fx2/HelpMeChoose.asp?lang=en-us), it ask for size of which the graphic card can be put in the case. Is it length?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote


There is nothing stopping you from getting a dual slot card from the pics you showed. It may be advantageous too, as most dual slot cards cool better. The only card I've had actually die on me was a single slot card (9800gt).
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Well- thanks to you guys, I'm updating the list of graphic cards to include dual-slot cards and feeling more comfortable to go (not going nuts) and pick the right card.

Next week, I will buy a graphic card (and a new PSU if needed).
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I went to Best Buy today and did not end up buying a card.

They have high-end (pricey) and low-end cards (pricey as well). There was only one mid-range card but the length was too big.

There were cards on sale but prices were still a bit high. Some labels for cards were mislabeled, or wrong specs (didn't match provided specs from ati or nvidia websites).

Sooooo I'm going to buy a card from newegg.


*This thread can be closed.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Status
Not open for further replies.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom