Graphics card compatibility?

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Vextrous

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Jun 14, 2015
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I am thinking about buying a new graphics card because my current one is pretty bad, but I don't want to buy a graphics card that won't even work with my computer. Is there any way to tell if it'll be compatible and if so, how?
 
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I don't recommend it

some models of store bought computers [dell.hp,acer,ect..] may come with a ''locked or fixed'' bios and may not allow you to change certain hardware as a video card.. this is done to protect them from undue warranty claims and refunds .this is not done to hurt you but to protect them. you really need to see if that upgrade has been proven to work in your model first before you invest money in it .. there are a lot of these threads here at toms to look at some models will allow upgrades and some dont.. and a lot of guys here say ya ya ya when is really no no no...it would be sad you spent $200 on a card that wount post after you installed it as most find out. then get told its your psu and you spend more and end up...
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junkeymonkey

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out side of googleing around your board and the card your interested in to see what's said about it ??? after that its you buy ,you try, and hope it don't make you cry

or you list your board and specs here with the card you want to use and maybe some one has got it to tell you ??
 
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Vextrous

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Okay, not really sure if this is what you need, so if you need anything else just tell me specifically what it is:

Processor: Intel Core i5-2300 CPU @ 2.80GHz 2.80GHz
My video adapter is Intel HD Graphics
It's a Gateway DX4860 (not sure if that matters)
Windows 8.1


I'm not sure if I'll have to get an Intel graphics card because I have an Intel processor but I was thinking about getting "EVGA GeForce GT 730 2GB GDDR5 64bit" or "Sapphire Radeon R7 250 2GB DDR3". Not sure if those are compatible or not, though. I am also open to any graphics card recommendations but they need to be $150 or less (I know that won't get anything great but I'm fine with anything better than what I have)

 
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junkeymonkey

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I don't recommend it

some models of store bought computers [dell.hp,acer,ect..] may come with a ''locked or fixed'' bios and may not allow you to change certain hardware as a video card.. this is done to protect them from undue warranty claims and refunds .this is not done to hurt you but to protect them. you really need to see if that upgrade has been proven to work in your model first before you invest money in it .. there are a lot of these threads here at toms to look at some models will allow upgrades and some dont.. and a lot of guys here say ya ya ya when is really no no no...it would be sad you spent $200 on a card that wount post after you installed it as most find out. then get told its your psu and you spend more and end up right back where you are now, but its up to you good luck..


you got to know the the boards in these computers are not like the ones we use to do custom builds witch are open to upgrading with in the boards compatibly . the bios is custom made for there design and just for the parts they authorize to be used on there computers there only guaranteed to work as is out of the box as you bought it ,..


prebuilts are real funny and its all on you --
 
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junkeymonkey

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I did not mean to discourage you on that but you should do some good hard homework on it first it maybe fine , but then it may not

also if you don't go too high end your chances are better maybe a gtx 750 [not the ti] something along that line of power ??

one thing is I googel '' Gateway DX4860 '' and gateway don't even show up so that's no help and shows where you stand with them
 
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Robert Cook

Robert Cook

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@junkeymonkey, I think that card will work just fine the 250 ill be more powerful, and should still be capable of running on 300 watts, if Vextrous has a lower wattage one say 250, then the 730 is the only card that might work. I have yet to find a motherboard which will not let a graphics card be added if it has the slot for one.
 
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junkeymonkey

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lets see lots of prebuilt models for one some z 68 and older chipsets depending on how the boards venders supported nerwer card with there boards bios's

its not hard to find but here tell these guys in the links and tell them how it works

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2654601/display-gpu.html

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2666135/zotac-z68-headaches.html

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2394091/radeon-7570-2gb-video-card-gateway-dx4870-windows-boot-black-screen.html

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1664109/black-screen-installing-graphics-card-bit-noob.html

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2432814/z68-extreme3-gen3-recognizing-290-gpu.html


and the list can go on and on

but all he needs to do as I said above ''buy, try ,and hope he don't cry . that's all there is too it

good luck
 
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junkeymonkey

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yup, gpu's anit as plug and play anymore . buyer beware and prebuilts I never recommend out side of your own risk and you see with the gateway bios updates they footnote ''Not for Upgrades''

so don't count on any support over what came on the computer as it was sold to you
 
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Robert Cook

Robert Cook

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I would not expect support form the company, but the card should work. I would hardly expect gateway to come help me fix my 20 year old Pentium one build after I have changed it so much, but it works. I had a PCIE card running in it via converter just to a test and it worked.
 
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