Best PCI-e x16 2.0 ONLY Graphics card?

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Tim92

Reputable
Jun 25, 2014
8
0
4,510
I have an old desktop that I want to upgrade to get some
last life out of it.

The desktop is an old 2006 Compaq Presario
SR1810NX (product #ER912AA). The link provided
with it's information is here:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00609384&tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=1841795

My question is what the topic states; Whats the best PCI-e x16 2.0 ONLY
graphics card for this desktop?

Some more information:
* I plan to add up to it's alotted 4G of DDR PC3200 Ram
* I plan to install a better CPU to compliment the new GPU
( a dual-core Athlon 64 x2 4400+)
* I have a 250watt PSU which I know I'll have probably have to upgrade

ALSO, the motherboard is a an MSI MS-7184. Yes, it sucks. lol
Anyways, i'm pretty sure since the computer was made in 2006 and
PCI-e x16 2.0 came out in 2007 (pretty sure) that it's only a 1.0 or a 1.1..

Hence, why woul I want a 2.0 and not a better card? Well, I've been hearing
a lot that some older MOBO's were unfriendly with the 2.1's so I want to
stay safe with a 2.0. Yes, I also realize that I won't get the cards full potential which is
alright with me.

If there's anything else I missed out on just let me know!

Thanks so much and I hope to hear from someone soon!

- Tim
 
Solution
marshal11
Firstly, I wouldn't even waste your money man. At that point, I'd just save up for a whole new system. Even with the CPU upgrade, a 750 ti would be bottlenecked severely and buying anything less powerful than that is just a waste of money. You won't be able to play anything that isn't 8 years old. Second, PCIe 2.0 is still more than enough for even the highest end GPUs. Even PCIe 1.0/1.1 is enough for low-mid range GPUs, but a motherboard that low end won't support a CPU strong enough to keep up with the GPU. PCIe 3.0 is just a early future proofing. PCIe 2.1 had no bandwidth increase, there's no difference in performance. Each revision is backwards compatible, you've been misinformed.

For the price you'll be putting into upgrades...
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Calnin

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Dec 28, 2013
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There's nothing wrong with a PCIe 3.0 card in a 2.0 slot. My card works in a 2.0 slot. In regards to your question of what graphics card to put in. I'd suggest maybe a 750Ti. Lower power usage and it'll most likely still work with your current PSU, not sure though.
 
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Tim92

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Jun 25, 2014
8
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4,510
But this is an old MOBO, and I've done some research and heard where it's a give or take with a PCI-e x16 1.0 slot. I want to be sure, and where I've read, people have said to try a 2.0 to be safe.
 
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marshal11

marshal11

Distinguished
Feb 13, 2012
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Firstly, I wouldn't even waste your money man. At that point, I'd just save up for a whole new system. Even with the CPU upgrade, a 750 ti would be bottlenecked severely and buying anything less powerful than that is just a waste of money. You won't be able to play anything that isn't 8 years old. Second, PCIe 2.0 is still more than enough for even the highest end GPUs. Even PCIe 1.0/1.1 is enough for low-mid range GPUs, but a motherboard that low end won't support a CPU strong enough to keep up with the GPU. PCIe 3.0 is just a early future proofing. PCIe 2.1 had no bandwidth increase, there's no difference in performance. Each revision is backwards compatible, you've been misinformed.

For the price you'll be putting into upgrades (about 350$ after the GPU), you can build a brand new, MUCH better system for less if you salvage your case. Your CPU is simply too slow to do anything gaming related.
 
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Solution
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Tim92

Reputable
Jun 25, 2014
8
0
4,510
I don't plan to play anything too heavily graphics intensive.

This is mostly as a hobby to see the fu potentials of the this desktop.

Is the Athlon 64 x2 4400+ really that bad to not work with a good graphics card? For around $50 I can find the CPU and there are some GPU's I've looked at that are around $40-60.
I guess I'm more worried about the mobo not accepting it than my ignorance on the full understanding of PCI-e cards. To be honest, I'm still not entirely sure about the whole bottlenecking but I imagine it's like running with one leg; it works but it isn't that efficient.

It would be nice however, in the future to make make a new build but that is far above me.

Thanks to you both so far for your input!
 
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Tim92

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Jun 25, 2014
8
0
4,510
I picked the solution. My computer was crap, especially the CPU everything stuttered with a Radeon HD 6450 that I picked up and the CPU rose to %100 usage the whole time. Eff that shit. lol So, I sent the thing back and got refunded in full.

I've decided to build my own gaming rig and will use this one as a (god forbid) backup system.

Thanks to all,

- Tim
 
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carlitox93

Reputable
Jul 5, 2015
6
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4,510
so are you guys saying that if i have a mobo with 2.0 pci i can put a pci 3.0 gpu? because i have a m5a78l le asus and im upgrading it with a Gigabyte GeForce GTX970 WindForce OC 4GB GDDR5 at least im trying but im aware that geforce is a pci 3.0 and my mobo is only 2.0 also im upgrading it with a AMD FX-8350 4GHz Box socket for am3+
 
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le mics

Reputable
Jul 5, 2015
1
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4,510


I'd like to hear if it did work cause i've got de same problem old computer and no money to change processor, mobo video. So i tough buying a ssd and gtx 960 to bost an P5LP-Le HP core 2 duo E6300. And later changing mobo and processor. I'm realy afraid that the video won't work, Stuck with an new video 250$ unusfull.

 
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Looniper

Commendable
Mar 10, 2016
1
0
1,510


Yes. And the 3.0 did not come with an inherent performance increase on existing boards, so there should be no difference in their usage.

On a newer motherboard built around the 3.0 specifications there will be a small boost in performance using the 3.0 slot, but if you're concerned enough about budget to be using a 3.0 card in a 2.0 slot, you probably aren't trying to squeeze out the absolute maximum of fps.
 
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DocMatter

Honorable
Jan 1, 2014
4
1
10,510
I tried putting a GTX 1050 ti card in my HP (H8-1234) and it won't work (splash screen only with occasional beeps). According to HP, PCIe 3.0 will NOT work in this computer... period. Only 2.0. Are they right?
 
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