Question.

Ok guys,
I posted about a friend's desktop he wants to overhaul.
He has a Gateway 310s
Which has a PCI slot.
He wants to put this card in it, but it's PCIe 2.1
I do not think it will work, but I wanted to check here first. Yes I know it's one of those "You know this".
Thanks,
Spock96

 

Check the pics.

http://www.naplestech.com/shopcart/bus_speeds.asp

 

Thank you hrlo2,
I wondered if you could put a PCI express 2.1 card in a standard PCI slot and it would work?
I think it will but it will "clock down" to run at the standard PCI slot speed.
Am I correct?

 

Can't say, but older and some newer RAM modules worked like that.

 

Ok, if it were me, I'd try it. But it's not my money buying the card. (I'm just the "mechanic" if you will) Don't want to lead him down the wrong path and spend money on something that won't work.
Any other suggestions aside from like a new motherboard?
Thank you.

 

Have you thought "old-school"?
An AGP card would be almost as good if you can find one.

 

Sounds like AGP is built in.

http://support.gateway.com/s/PC/310_Series/2900490/2900490sp4.shtml

 

AGP wouldn't work with HDMI would it?

 

They do make AGP Video Controllers that have HDMI.

http://www.amazon.com/HIS-Radeon-Na...G8/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_0_0/190-9218134-8540731

 

So I can't put a PCIe 2.1 in a PCI slot?

Are they all that expensive?

 

Greetings,

As I understand the subject (and I am no expert on the subject by any standard) you cannot use a PCI-E card in a standard PCI slot. They look similar, but they are configured differently.

I think this is the motherboard your friend has . . . and a standard PCI card seems like the only way to go.

http://support.gateway.com/s/PC/310_Series/Shared/2520578/2520578nv.shtml

They are getting hard to find. Some new ones can still be had - but they cost WAY too much for what they are. Better to check on eBay for a used PCI card. Only go with established sellers, and only those that allow returns. Kills me the number of sellers that offer used electronics but do not allow returns . . . (Really? I'm a duck - pluck me . . . rolleyes.)

A dedicated Video card, even PCI, is usually better than onboard video. It's a worthwhile upgrade if he doesn't have to sink much cash into it.

Spad

 

Correction - I meant PCI slots and AGP slots look very similar, but are configured differently. Also AGP is usually a different color - most often brown. PCI-E slots look very different then either standard PCI or AGP.

Sorry for any confusion. :-o

 

Ok, let me get this straight.
If he's not gonna put to much cash in it, get a new motherboard or one of those expensive PCI/HDMI cards?

 

Pardon the intrusion, but I gotta throw one more factor into the mix: looks like the Gateway 310S comes with a stock 200w power supply. Better make sure about any extra power draw that an add-on card might require. PCI cards don't pull much, but 200 watts ain't much to begin with, either...

Frankly, I think your friend's on the wrong path. By the time you find and install these band-aids, you will have spent enough time and cash to have bought a new machine - hell, you can get a Win7 64bit OEM desktop for $300 now...

 

A PCIe video controller will not physically fit in a standard PCI slot.

Caliban offered the best advise in my opinion. A new machine can be had for very little money.

You might want to check geeks.com. They deal in a lot of refurbished and generation old hardware that might work well for you including components to upgrade what you have if you choose to continue in that direction.

 

Thanks guys,
I'll tell him all that.

 

Edit:
What would he need if he "wanted" to continue this? (So I can give him an informed answer.)
1)He would need a new PSU, What size?
2) What type of motherboard would he need to get to run that PCIe 2.1 card?

 

I don't think you will find a cost effective solution to upgrading the Gateway.

If you do, It will require a MB and Processor/heatsink, Probably new RAM (DDR to DDR2 orDDR3), Video Card and PSU. Geeks.com pricing on those components, new but low end would be about $200 or more.

Here, you can add a Video card and have a better, complete computer for under $250

 

Thank you, Shnerdly.

 

I didn't bring up scrapping the upgrade of the 310, because that is beyond the scope of the OP's question . . . however . . .

To augment Shnerdly's post, used computers can be had for very cheap. Case in point:

http://www.directron.com/computer.html

Now, I have purchased many things from this place, but never a used/refurbished computer . . . but some of these seem like a heck of a deal. The $69.00 one is upgradable, and even has an AGP slot. Just something to think about if deciding not to upgrade the 310. Deals are out there . . . not sure if Newegg or other places offer used PC's or not, but something to check into. Shipping costs are a factor also with this kind of thing.

 

:-o . . . There I go AGAIN! That PC even has a PCI-E slot - not AGP.

I seem to be having graphic-port issues this week . . . rolleyes

 

LOL Heck, I've needed some new parts most of my life! One day I'll blue screen and that will be that