2x/4x Mobo?

ScriptWisdom

I have a Compaq Presario 6470NX, which I bought in 2002. It has a 2x/4x AGP Radeon 9000 in it, and I recently contacted Compaq because I wanted to buy a 4x/8x AGP ATI Radeon X850XT. They said it's not compatible with my computer, because my mobo didn't have a standard 2x/4x slot, and its voltages weren't compatible. Well, I've searched the internet, and now the only 2x/4x card available it seems is the Radeon 9000, which, of course, I already have. Is Compaq right? If so, where can I get a good 2x/4x card. Thanks. ^^

Dyre Straits

Greetings and Welcome to Driverheaven!

Compaq is likely right on the money. In most 2x/4x mobos the AGP slot has a special configuration that won't allow for 8x cards to be inserted. I've run into this myself during upgrades. And, the voltages are different as well.

I'm not sure whether there are any other cards available that will fit that configuration that will give you any better performance than what you're getting now.

Sounds like it might be time to consider some serious upgrading.

Pengwin

my friend put a 4x/8x 6600GT into his rig. He has an AGP 4x slot.

Matth

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accelerated_Graphics_Port

If it supports 4x, it must support 1.5v operation, and most 8x AGP cards are backwards compatible with 4x mode.

Check ATI article 737-18872 (damn their horrible lack of navigation), the X850 supports 4x & 8x, 1.5 & 0.8V signalling, so should wotlk in a slot which is 4x/1.5V or universal.

kn00tcn

wouldnt x850 be overkill for... let's assume a crappy cpu on an old compaq

Dyre Straits

Pretty much why I suggested a serious upgrade. Even if a new AGP card would work.

Cube623

yep i was considering an upgrade on my old HP Pavilion 434 until i found out (on this forum) that my mobo was only 2x\4x and also the rest of my pc was pretty poor. In the end i just got another custom built PC and have never looked back since so yes i would recommend either serious upgrading or another pc (preferably a custom built one or build your own so you know it's to your specification)

H3X4D3C1M4L

It looks like you'll have the same problem I have with an older IBM mobo... its a 3.3V slot.

Though I did get a 9800 Pro to work in it, I couldn't for the life of me get my (at the time) brand new 8500 to work on it.

ScriptWisdom

Ah.. I see.. well, I did some research myself and I know it SHOULD be compatible with 4x/8x cards, but the Tech Rep told me otherwise.. and insisted upon it, saying she had checked with other people.

Dyre Straits

Do you know EXACTLY which motherboard and version you have? You may have to take the side panel cover off and take a look at it to find out for sure.

Many motherboards came out with a Version 1. And then subsequent revisions that made them compatible with newer technology. So, it would be very important to know if you have Revision 1.1, 1.2, etc.

Tipstaff

Here's the easy way to tell:

Take note of the link that Matth posted to Wiki. In particular, THIS picture. Pay particular attention to the first 2 listings in the pic. Do you see the placement of the 3.3v and 1.5v "keys"? Good. Now, shut your machine down. Open the case, and remove the video card. Take a look at the AGP slot itself. If you see the 3.3v key on the AGP slot then you won't be able to get the X850 (or most recent ATI AGP cards). The reason being is that the X850 is a 1.5v card, and only has that key open. The highest ATI card you would be able to go for would be one of the 9800 series, or the 5000 series for Nvidia.

'Course, if that 3.3v key isn't there, then your set.