Hello:
I have been slowly learning about graphics cards and am looking to replace the existing card in an HP Media Center Tower (m8307c). It has the Q6600 Quad core @ 2.4 and I have (swapped) a 500 watt PS with 36a combined on two rails with one available pci 6 pin (and a pair of available molex connectors to convert to a second 6 pin if necessary) for the stock power supply.
Now, I would consider it a "midsized" tower. Not a mini but not really large like a custom case. Inside there seems to be a fair amount of room.
Currently I believe there is an 8400GS or something in there (not really something workable).
I think there is plenty of room back into the case from the back (it looks like about 10 or 11 inches); but, in one of the bottom expansion slots there is a TV tuner card (that I actually use to DVR things like football games I can't watch, kids movies, the g/fs "Army Wives", etc.). So, that needs to stay.
So, I have the slot the 8400GS currently is in and an open slot below (with a tuner card in the bottom). There also is a wire running from the from connection port on the front of the tower to the motherboard which connects right above the TV tuner (I think it is the firewire hookup but I can't quite tell) which limits space a bit more (if it is the firewire I sort of need that too for burning from a camcorder).
I am looking into getting a card like a 9800GTX, 9800GT, 8800GT, or perhaps an HD4850 and I am wondering if it will fit?
I have noticed many of these new cards are very long; but, think I have room back. However, most of them also seem very "thick" and I am concerned with the bottom slot occupied, even with an open slot below, there might not be enough room.
This is sort of a silly question; but, I don't want to spend a bunch of time hunting down a deal, order and pay, wait for shipping, then only to find I ordered something that won't work; or, will be such a tight fit it might damage or overheat either card.
If somebody has an idea:
* will a card like a 9800GT fit (essential a "double slot" card as I understand)?
* if not, are there "single slot" card options that might make a difference in fitting (I know ZOTAC makes a 9800GT it advertises as "single slot" which I am assuming means it is thinner?)
* if it will fit, is there any practical size difference between the nvidia's and the ati's? The ATI's appear thinner but I've never actually handled one to see if it my imagination or not.
* if someone wants to throw in a suggestion about which of these they might prefer for moderate gaming, that is ok too (something that will play most current games at moderate setting is what I am hoping for) at a price reference point of around $150 - $160 which I think I can probably get close to with the 9800GTs or HD4850s with a bit of hunting. It would be nice if the card had a spdif connector too; but, not a total must (not sure if most cards these days have one or not).
To anyone who can help, thank you very much. This forum has never failed to be an excellent source for very good suggestions!
I have been slowly learning about graphics cards and am looking to replace the existing card in an HP Media Center Tower (m8307c). It has the Q6600 Quad core @ 2.4 and I have (swapped) a 500 watt PS with 36a combined on two rails with one available pci 6 pin (and a pair of available molex connectors to convert to a second 6 pin if necessary) for the stock power supply.
Now, I would consider it a "midsized" tower. Not a mini but not really large like a custom case. Inside there seems to be a fair amount of room.
Currently I believe there is an 8400GS or something in there (not really something workable).
I think there is plenty of room back into the case from the back (it looks like about 10 or 11 inches); but, in one of the bottom expansion slots there is a TV tuner card (that I actually use to DVR things like football games I can't watch, kids movies, the g/fs "Army Wives", etc.). So, that needs to stay.
So, I have the slot the 8400GS currently is in and an open slot below (with a tuner card in the bottom). There also is a wire running from the from connection port on the front of the tower to the motherboard which connects right above the TV tuner (I think it is the firewire hookup but I can't quite tell) which limits space a bit more (if it is the firewire I sort of need that too for burning from a camcorder).
I am looking into getting a card like a 9800GTX, 9800GT, 8800GT, or perhaps an HD4850 and I am wondering if it will fit?
I have noticed many of these new cards are very long; but, think I have room back. However, most of them also seem very "thick" and I am concerned with the bottom slot occupied, even with an open slot below, there might not be enough room.
This is sort of a silly question; but, I don't want to spend a bunch of time hunting down a deal, order and pay, wait for shipping, then only to find I ordered something that won't work; or, will be such a tight fit it might damage or overheat either card.
If somebody has an idea:
* will a card like a 9800GT fit (essential a "double slot" card as I understand)?
* if not, are there "single slot" card options that might make a difference in fitting (I know ZOTAC makes a 9800GT it advertises as "single slot" which I am assuming means it is thinner?)
* if it will fit, is there any practical size difference between the nvidia's and the ati's? The ATI's appear thinner but I've never actually handled one to see if it my imagination or not.
* if someone wants to throw in a suggestion about which of these they might prefer for moderate gaming, that is ok too (something that will play most current games at moderate setting is what I am hoping for) at a price reference point of around $150 - $160 which I think I can probably get close to with the 9800GTs or HD4850s with a bit of hunting. It would be nice if the card had a spdif connector too; but, not a total must (not sure if most cards these days have one or not).
To anyone who can help, thank you very much. This forum has never failed to be an excellent source for very good suggestions!