How to choose between pci and agp

[nathan byrd]

I'm having trouble with my video card, it is a Ati 128mg card. When
watch dvds, using the Ati control panel it will usually freeze up o
me
after watching it for about a hour or so. When I send a error report
it tells me that its my Ati card causing the problem. So Im tryin
going to buy a new video card but im not sure if I need a agp or pci
Even when
use my media player it will also freeze. I not sure about the Ati car
that I have now if it is pci or agp

 

[creAtive oBscura]

I'm not sure how you would check it without opening the side of your
computer and just looking in. If it is pci, the slot that the video
card is in should be the same length and lined up exactly like all the
following slots. If it is AGP, it is most likely differently colored
and it is a different length and is usually set back farther than the
other pci slots.

Also, concerning the issue of upgrading, may I suggest newegg.com for
the selection of your new video card. I find it really helpful,
especially since I'm building a new computer for a friend of mine, I'm
buying all of the parts from them just because they have the best deals
I've come across yet. Here is a link to the video card selector: (
http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/SubCategory.asp?SubCategory=48 ) The
way to find what you're looking for is to select either AGP 4x/8x or
PCI, not PCI Express, completely different cards, and then click go,
and you will get a ton of options, or you can choose more options at
that screen to get a more specific card.

Johan

 

[Victor]

Go below to see the different slots.You'll have to open up your
case.Pull your old card and make sure the fan and heatsink are clear of
dust and crud before you buy new.while you're in there check your
processor heatsink for dust and crud build-up.Who you sending these
error reports to.It would help to post full system specs including
make/model of system and motherboard,processor,memory,power
supply,onboard video etc.

AGP/PCI slot pics-
http://www.mysuperpc.com/pc_assembly/computer_install_video_card.shtml
Scroll down,agp slot is circled in blue.Pci slots are white.Agp is
brown.Usually 3-5 pci slots. 0 or1 agp.