[PCat video card debacle!] Help improving graphics for new PC - updated.

[GlassJaw]

What power supply did you use? I had a hell of a time finding one that was affordable and had the specs the 7900gt wanted.

My build wasn't top of the line, but I had a price limit.

ENERMAX Whisper II EG465P-VE FMA(24) ATX12V 460W

About $70 on Newegg.

 

[Mycanid]

Hey, I use the 256mb nVidia 7600 PC ... and it works like a charm. You can find em inexpensive too if you search online a bit.

 

[Agamon]

Yeah, I've got a 7800GT, great card. I was going to pick up another soon, until I found out you need a next-gen card for Vista's DX10 goodies to work, so I think I'll wait.

 

[Piratecat]

GAAAH!

So, I got the new card, and last night I open up the computer to install it...

...and it doesn't fit.

The PC has one PCI Express slot, but it's at the end of the row on the motherboard, and the card's giant heat pipe is on the wrong side. So the only way it would physically fit would be to install it backwards - hardy har har - or put it into one of the other three slots, none of which are PCI Express.

Recommendations?

 

[Rackhir]

GAAAH!

So, I got the new card, and last night I open up the computer to install it...

...and it doesn't fit.

The PC has one PCI Express slot, but it's at the end of the row on the motherboard, and the card's giant heat pipe is on the wrong side. So the only way it would physically fit would be to install it backwards - hardy har har - or put it into one of the other three slots, none of which are PCI Express.

Recommendations?

Is this your MB layout?

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim5150/sm/parts0.htm#wp1370145

If it is according to it, the x16 PCIe slot should be in the middle more or less.
If the situation is as you describe it, the only real alternative is to return the card and exchange it for a more slim line card.

www.Newegg.com

Usually has fairly good pictures of the products so it should be able to give you a decent idea of what would fit. Unfortunately, it sounds like you'll have to avoid the heatpipe-cooling cards.

 

[Piratecat]

Here is a jaunty picture of my problem.

 

[Morrus]

I can't help with your problem, but I love your diagram!

 

[Piratecat]

See? I agree - bright colors really DO make you feel better!

I think I'll be okay with a card that doesn't need two slots. Any particular recommendations for manufacturer or model?

 

[Ashrum the Black]

Piratecat, I hate to say it, but it is new card time, and one with less "robust" heat disapation requirments. There really isn't much you can do since it looks like you're running into the systems heat sink for the CPU if I'm looking at the diagrams right.

-Ashrum

 

[Plane Sailing]

Did you use Excel to draw your diagram?

I hope you are able to return the new card OK.