Apg slots?

[sonicfreak]

I have an older computer with an agp 1.5v expansion slot, and i want to get a video card upgrade (i have on-board video right now) so i can use a newer photo-shop and to play some newer games (newer not newest.) But im confused about some of the lingo.

When i was looking up some cards on newegg i found this one...

Radeon HD 3850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 AGP 4X/8X (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102730)

And it looks like it would fit. But, i am concerned about the 4X/8X part. Will that prevent me from using this card on my 2 1/2 year-old MSI board? (p.s. i don't know how to find out what board i have) And what about the GDDR3? If not, then can you give me a suggestion? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

it will work just fine!

 

[rolli59]

You could consider HD4670 as well about the same performance requires less power. AGP 1.5volt is either 4x or 8x and if your board is only 2 1/2 year old most likely it is AGP 8x

 

[jsc]

The GDDR3 memory is used by the GPU. The motherboard does not directly see it.

It's why you can run a 4870 with GDDR5 memory on a motherboard with DDR2 memory.

 

[Executor66]

the 3850 is currently the best AGP graphics card available. The 4xxx series for AGP are just 'newer' versions, they consume less power but it isn't better.
This can be seen from ATI's range grouping. the first number denotes the series (4xxx), the second denotes its position in the series so the higher the better (x8xx). I don't know what the third is for though
so go for the 3850 if you want the best AGP

 

[4745454b]

Actually the 4670 and the 3850 are pretty even. Both have roughly the same performance as the 8800GS/9600GSO. I would use the 4670 because of the better power and heat numbers.

AGP 4x uses a 1.5V signalling voltage, while AGP 8x uses .8V. If your board uses 1.5V you have a 4x slot. If you buy an 8x/4x card it will work in your board.

 

[sonicfreak]

thank you all so much! i was worried about buying a card that wouldn't even work.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

it will run for sure!