How do i know if a graphics card is compatible with my computer.

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karlson

Commendable
Apr 12, 2016
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Hey im not great with computers when it comes to hardware.
I remember reading somewhere that the graphics card needs to be compatible with my motherboard.
So i was wondering how do i figure out if it is ? Btw the GPU im looking to get is the gtx 970 highly recomended by alot of people.

Also forgot to add specs so here you go:

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 @ 3.40 GHz
GPU: Nvidia GTX 650 Ti
RAM: 16 gb
OS: Windows 7.
PSU: Silver Power SP-S850 PSU

Thanks :D
 
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captaincharisma

captaincharisma

Glorious
Oct 13, 2004
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it you want a very basic answer all your computer needs is a PCI-E

but also keep in mind that some GPU's may need more power then your computer can handle which depends on how many watts or the quality of your computers power supply. if your computers power supply is too weak for the card it can shutdown your computer or even blow the power supply when working at heavy loads like when playing a graphically intensive game
 
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sizzling

Titan
Oct 18, 2006
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Above is absolutely correct but there are other considerations too which only come from experience and reading lots of reviews, we can of course make suggestions to help you if you give us your full PC spec and budget, also what monitor resolution and Hz you have.
 
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Rookie_MIB

Distinguished
Jul 27, 2013
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Generally, if your computer was manufactured in the last 5 years or so, it will most likely be perfectly compatible with a GTX 970. Pretty much every motherboard made in the past 10 years or so came with at least one PCIe x16 slot (with some notable exceptions for very low power mobos like ones containing the very low wattage Atom based or AMD E350 based mobos) in either a v2.0 or v3.0 speed which will work just fine.

Of more concern tends to be the PSU. Remember that the GTX970 can come with either dual 6 pin PEG connectors or a 8pin/6pin PEG connector set. Your PSU must have the proper power plugs to drive the GPU you select otherwise it will not work. Generally a GTX970 is recommended to have about a 550-600w capable PSU - so if you have a basic computer with a stock PSU you may want to plan to upgrade that as well.
 
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K

karlson

Commendable
Apr 12, 2016
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CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 @ 3.40 GHz
GPU: Nvidia GTX 650 Ti
RAM: 16 gb
OS: Windows 7.
PSU: Silver Power SP-S850 PSU
 
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Rookie_MIB

Distinguished
Jul 27, 2013
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Yeah - I'm a bit surprised, I was expecting the PSU to be some no-name way down in the Tier 5 range. It's actually a rebranded Seasonic unit. Color me pleasantly shocked. And it should easily handle a GTX 970. In fact, it could probably handle two without any issues. :)
 
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