Using the Everest program (thanks Yrrek) it shows my mobo is AGP 4x.
It also shows ECC is supported but not enabled for the RAM. Not that I'm looking to swap over to ECC RAM but is it any better?
If I get the high end video card and not the RAM will my system choke? I know that card can outrun my system easily already.
Nystul brings up a good point. How much better is PCI Express for the interface than AGP? Would you recommend I wait to purchase a video card until I build a system from the ground up to take advantage of PCI? I know we can't predict the future but will AGP be supported on anything but bargain bin motherboards in a few years?
My power supply seems to be very stable with what I power:
mobo, cpu, and expansion cards
CPU fan (using Everest it shows 35 deg. C at the processor after 4 hours of moderate use.)
1 case fan
hard drive
usually only running one optical drive at a time, sometimes 2
keyboard
usb optical mouse
usb headset
usb joystick
The MX 440 does not have a fan or any power cables running to it that I noticed. It appears to be drawing power directly from the mobo. (Also on Everest I noticed it has 2 pipelines - laughed when I saw that, 6800GT has 16) I can send more detailed info on my power supply if you like. I would never trust it with a new video card or more fans though.
For only having one case fan in the front of the case, one power supply fan, and the CPU fan I am happy with the current noise level and pleasantly suprised by the temperature of my CPU. I do not have neon, LEDs, or other bling on my computer. From what I've heard dust and heat are the 2 biggest killers of electronics. I clean out my case about every 6-8 months. Would you suggest another case fan on the back to help pull air through the case if I upgrade?
Again thanks to everyone for your input.
EDIT: PCI Express article It looks like if I upgrade my hardware will either be useless in a few years or the new stuff will still have not completely caught on for mainstream use.
It also shows ECC is supported but not enabled for the RAM. Not that I'm looking to swap over to ECC RAM but is it any better?
If I get the high end video card and not the RAM will my system choke? I know that card can outrun my system easily already.
Nystul brings up a good point. How much better is PCI Express for the interface than AGP? Would you recommend I wait to purchase a video card until I build a system from the ground up to take advantage of PCI? I know we can't predict the future but will AGP be supported on anything but bargain bin motherboards in a few years?
My power supply seems to be very stable with what I power:
mobo, cpu, and expansion cards
CPU fan (using Everest it shows 35 deg. C at the processor after 4 hours of moderate use.)
1 case fan
hard drive
usually only running one optical drive at a time, sometimes 2
keyboard
usb optical mouse
usb headset
usb joystick
The MX 440 does not have a fan or any power cables running to it that I noticed. It appears to be drawing power directly from the mobo. (Also on Everest I noticed it has 2 pipelines - laughed when I saw that, 6800GT has 16) I can send more detailed info on my power supply if you like. I would never trust it with a new video card or more fans though.
For only having one case fan in the front of the case, one power supply fan, and the CPU fan I am happy with the current noise level and pleasantly suprised by the temperature of my CPU. I do not have neon, LEDs, or other bling on my computer. From what I've heard dust and heat are the 2 biggest killers of electronics. I clean out my case about every 6-8 months. Would you suggest another case fan on the back to help pull air through the case if I upgrade?
Again thanks to everyone for your input.
EDIT: PCI Express article It looks like if I upgrade my hardware will either be useless in a few years or the new stuff will still have not completely caught on for mainstream use.
The Bill of No Rights
The United States has become a place where entertainers and professional athletes are mistaken for people of importance. Robert A. Heinlein
The United States has become a place where entertainers and professional athletes are mistaken for people of importance. Robert A. Heinlein