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This topic has moved here: Subject: My motherboard slot question -SOLVED!-
  • Subject: My motherboard slot question -SOLVED!-
Subject: My motherboard slot question -SOLVED!-
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Ok, this question as already asked/posted by me in www.tech-forums.com. It's been a day already, and since no one answered, I'll keep my cool, and ask it in my favorite forums: the Maw! =D

http://www.tech-forums.com/showthread.php?t=1659

Anyone here knows how to?

[Edited on 1/6/2007]

  • 01.03.2007 6:43 PM PDT
Subject: My motherboard slot question
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I felt the same way when I installed my first components, its very easy though.
The easiest way is to open the case and look, all you really need to do is open the door and then you'll be able to see.
The other way is to find what type of motherboard you have and then go to the manufactures site and look up the model number, this can be done by looking in the control panel, going under performance and maintenance, then system, it should either be under general, or you may need to go into the hardware section and search through there for it under the system devices section.
I had a dell so I just went to the site and let it find my current configuration, it might work for you.

  • 01.03.2007 7:04 PM PDT
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Most motherboards come with PCI slots, at least for the past 6-8 years or so. It's almost a garuntee, there white slots with a divider in them. There's normally either a PCI-E or AGP slot that's below the processor socket, and it's back a bit from the other slots. Take a picture maybe?

  • 01.03.2007 7:49 PM PDT

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Most of the info windows reports in system isn't that specific and often wrong, so I wouldn't bother.

*grabs you by the shoulders and shakes*
It's a computer, not Pandora's Box!

Get a small Phillips screwdrivers and undo the screws on the back of the case. Lift the cover off and peer inside. You see that big flat green thing....that is your motherboard. Look for model numbers written in larger text then the rest of the microtype on it. While your in there look for a number of identical black rectangles...those are your PCI slots. In the same area if you see a blue/white/orange/brown rectangle you have just found an AGP/PCI-X slot.

If your going to be a "hardcore" gamer, you need to be able to get inside your computer and add cards and upgrade memory and hard drives.

  • 01.03.2007 7:58 PM PDT
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PCI slots are in almost every computer, my 1997 Dell desktop has them even. I would be absolutely amazed if your computer did not have PCI slots. In my honest opinion, you need to get a new motherboard, more memory, a better case and a new GPU and CPU. From my standpoint, your computer sounds ancient. I would suggest going to the manufacturer's website to see what your computer has.

  • 01.03.2007 8:06 PM PDT

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Posted by: Iggwilv

*hands Kim a crowbar*
Here you will need this to help you get your foot out of the back of your throat, looks llike its in there pretty deep. And what is that on your face? Egg?! *hands Kim a washcloth*

Agreed, just open the case and look you wont hurt a thing.

  • 01.03.2007 8:19 PM PDT
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aka lino4

Most of the PC issues posted here are the result of PEBKAC.

I remember running 3D Mark 06 on my integrated board. It told me all the slots on my motherboard but was incorrect in reporting a PCI-E slot. Typing msinfo32 into the run command box should get you some info but I'm not sure since I haven't used it in a long time.

  • 01.04.2007 8:25 AM PDT
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I know each different generation slot has their own unique color (PCI-white, AGP-brown, PCI-E-something-other-than-white/brown?

Wrong, the slots are any colour the manufacturer wants them to be.

The reason no one responded to your thread is they probably died of laughter when you said "PCI Graphics card" and "geforce 6200", seriously, just save a little bit longer and get a real card like a 7300 or 7600, because a PCI 6200 isn't mid-range, it's crap.

However, your PC will have PCI slots, but i'd seriously recommend getting a PCI-E card, or failing that, an AGP card. You might hate me for saying this, but the best way to find out is to just google your MoBo's model number and getting the specs.

  • 01.04.2007 8:56 AM PDT
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Posted by: Iggwilv
Most of the info windows reports in system isn't that specific and often wrong, so I wouldn't bother.

*grabs you by the shoulders and shakes*
It's a computer, not Pandora's Box!

Get a small Phillips screwdrivers and undo the screws on the back of the case. Lift the cover off and peer inside. You see that big flat green thing....that is your motherboard. Look for model numbers written in larger text then the rest of the microtype on it. While your in there look for a number of identical black rectangles...those are your PCI slots. In the same area if you see a blue/white/orange/brown rectangle you have just found an AGP/PCI-X slot.

If your going to be a "hardcore" gamer, you need to be able to get inside your computer and add cards and upgrade memory and hard drives.


I'm just terribly scared I might cause ESD, and fry my delicate mobo, chips, etc...=/ That's all... sorry for wasting most of you guys' time.

[Edited on 1/4/2007]

  • 01.04.2007 2:00 PM PDT
Subject: Yo mama...
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Old Beavis and Butt-head bit:


"Your mother's a slot."

  • 01.04.2007 2:06 PM PDT
Subject: My motherboard slot question

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Posted by: Iggwilv

*hands Kim a crowbar*
Here you will need this to help you get your foot out of the back of your throat, looks llike its in there pretty deep. And what is that on your face? Egg?! *hands Kim a washcloth*

Sigh, you wont fry your mobo by opening the case, infact it is reccomended you touch your case to discharge any static build-up.

I also bet your mobo is a a lot stronger than you are giving it credit.

  • 01.04.2007 3:22 PM PDT
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Posted by: staticx576
Agreed, just open the case and look you wont hurt a thing.


Unless he sneezes....

  • 01.04.2007 3:51 PM PDT
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agreed, you really need to get over your fear of opening the badboy up. you're going to have to do it eventually so just step up. once you realize how easy everthing is you will wonder what the hell took you so long.

just an aside, my computer is on 24/7 with both sides of the case removed (had an over-heating problem) and i haven't fried anything ever.

  • 01.04.2007 4:06 PM PDT

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Posted by: Iggwilv

*hands Kim a crowbar*
Here you will need this to help you get your foot out of the back of your throat, looks llike its in there pretty deep. And what is that on your face? Egg?! *hands Kim a washcloth*

I also run my computer with my side open and when it is off the side is still off. :D

  • 01.04.2007 4:52 PM PDT
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Yeah I take my computer side off as much as 3 times a week. It's really no issue, JUST OPEN IT UP!

  • 01.04.2007 5:02 PM PDT

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I have worked around computers for 20years and I have never taken any precautions against static electricity, and have never fried an internal component. Yes it does happen but it is rare. The reason why you see technicians wearing the static lines is so they don't have to pay for a part that might get hit. Like staticx said touch the metal case before you remove component and you will be fine.
I once saw a keyboard get fried but the idiot was walking around on carpeting in his socks. When he went to type something, a visible arc of electricity jumped from his finger to the keyboard and there was a loud crack. He just about jumped out of his skin and the keyboard was done.

  • 01.04.2007 5:05 PM PDT
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Posted by: staticx576
Sigh, you wont fry your mobo by opening the case, infact it is reccomended you touch your case to discharge any static build-up.

I also bet your mobo is a a lot stronger than you are giving it credit.


That's what I'm hoping. =D

Anyways, after hearing all of your encouragement talks, I'm sort of relieved. I'm glad ESD-fry cases are rare, like Igg mentioned. I'll just let my computer cool off overnight, and open it on Saturday morning (on Saturday, I'm visiting CompUSA for good deals).

Ok, now I'm really confident I'm ready, at least once I get the "buying-of-the-graphics-card-" deal out of the way. But I have a few questions, and once they are all answered, and I get the graphics card, I'll be ready:

1) Do I have to remove my integrated chipset to install a graphics card?

2) While I check inside, I'm going to see if my RAM is DDR or DDR2. How can I confirm what my RAM type is?

3) Our house is 80% carpet, perfect static electricity hiding place. I don't wear shoes in my house, so even in barefeet, I might cause ESD. My kitchen is a safe place, it has plastic-like tiles, and wooden desks. After I escape the carpet, how long should I stay on my kitchen floor to make sure all static is gone?

4) While I'm installing/looking around when my computer's open, should I leave my free hand on my computer's back metal casing? Or should I just touch it for a few minutes, and use both my hands to work with my mobo?

5) Assuming I find other slots, besides the white PCI ones, how do I know if it's either AGP or PCI-E? I know they're mostly brown, and whatever, but like osmeone here said, it could be any color.

  • 01.04.2007 5:48 PM PDT

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Posted by: Iggwilv

*hands Kim a crowbar*
Here you will need this to help you get your foot out of the back of your throat, looks llike its in there pretty deep. And what is that on your face? Egg?! *hands Kim a washcloth*

1. No, you cant remove it, that is why it's called integrated...

2. download CPU-Z, first result on Google. It also might be able to tell you if you have PCI-e or AGP, but open your computer anyways.

3 and 4. work at the table on the tile. You just need to touch it briefly, that will be enough to dissipate any static. You are also free to work with your second hand.

5. The notch will be near the back near the IO ports for PCI-e and the notch will be closer to the front for AGP. Just Google AGP and PCI-e, it's simple.

6. Stop worrying so much

[Edited on 1/4/2007]

  • 01.04.2007 6:18 PM PDT
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Posted by: staticx576

6. Stop worrying so much
QFTMFT

  • 01.04.2007 10:16 PM PDT
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Hey I can help, what operating system do you have?

  • 01.04.2007 10:24 PM PDT
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Posted by: MikeDingus
Hey I can help, what operating system do you have?


It's ok, I appreciate your help, but I'm going to open my case anyways. xD

But to answer your question, I have Windows XP.

To everyone else, thank you for helping me "find my courage" to open my computer. I'm going to open it up tommorow morning, with the screwdrivers set I got for Christmas, and I'm also going to go shop at CompUSA with my friends afterward. Hopefully I find at least an AGP slot there. But I'm fine with a PCI.

Thanks everyone.

  • 01.05.2007 6:10 PM PDT
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ONE IMPORTANT THING

First disconnect your power cord. Then push the power button a couple of times. This will drain all residual power from your comp.

  • 01.05.2007 8:44 PM PDT

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we r?

Posted by: Pet0sh
ONE IMPORTANT THING

First disconnect your power cord. Then push the power button a couple of times. This will drain all residual power from your comp.


touching capacitors= death x-(

  • 01.05.2007 10:44 PM PDT