Im looking to get a new graphics card, have my eye on the GeForce 6600GT (any reccomendations would be welcome).

But whats the difference between PCI Express and AGP 8X versions???:confused:

Basically it's just a different kind of connector.

If you're upgrading, then the AGP 6600GT is a fine choice (what I'mconsidering myself), but if you're building a new system you may like to consider PCI-E instead, as it's the new standard.

Potentially at the moment the PCI-E connector is twice the speed of AGP 8, but none of the graphics cards really use all the bandwidth at the moment.

thanks for clearing that one up!

My Dell PC is nearly two years old (although still not bad spec P4 2.8, 512RAM DDR etc) so guess it will be the AGP connector, but i will double check on the grahics card i have now (GeForce 5200FX).

By the way, how easy is it to stick it in the base unit myself?

Chances are it won't fit, there are voltage differences between different age AGP cards, some are 3.3v & some are 1.5v

Fortunately the 1.5v cards have notches in a different place than the 3.3 AGP slots, so they (technically) shouldn't fit.

If you have a look on the motherboard, it'll be a rebranded something-or-other. Find the manual for it, & it'll tell you.

Even money says it's not going to play nicely though.

<hint type="blatant">
If anyone here works in a PC shop, I'm sure they'll sell it to you & fit it for you cheap enough, save the potential refund hassle...
</hint>

(enter PC shop employed members...)

bugg*r, knew it wasnt going to be easy, anyone reccomend any good shops it buy and fit the card???:confused:

thanks steev:thumbsup:

AGP and PCI-Express (PCI-e) video cards have physically different connectors.

An AGP card will not fit in a PCI-e slot and vice versa.

If your Dell is two years old, it will most probably have an AGP connector.

What model is your Dell PC, eg Dimension 4600, Precision 470 etc?

Its a dimennsion 4600

We'll do it for you, Very PC in Hillborough. 01142343656.
Phone either Thursday or Tuesday as we're closing for easter this weekend.
I think it will fit in a P4 2.8, it should be a 4x/8x AGP socket. My only concern is the power requirement as dell use small 200/250w PSU's in most models so you might need to change that. In any case a new PSU is cheap.
We don't charge much (if anything) for fitting new bits, especially if they are bought from us.