older motherboard with 2.0 slot, capable of using 2.1?

[Myrlena_0809]

Hi all,

I have a ASUS M2NBP-VM CSM- motherboard, and was bought a "XFX HD-697A-CNFC Radeon HD 6970 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16" for Christmas. Im not very computer friendly but I know a little so you'll have to speak very simply to answer
I have 8 gigs of ram, 550 watt power supply.. is it even possible to use this beastly card since the motherboard is older and only has a 2.0 pci express slot?

 

[Myrlena_0809]

If its not possible, I guess I might add that I play SWTOR, and Wow. And my current card SWTOR eats for breakfast.
What would be the best card I could buy around 300$ or less, if I cant use the one stated above.
I appreciate all help, especially since I cant even get in SW without a graphic crash.

Thanks again.