PCI express graphics cards?
I have a Dell Inspiron 1501, that has a PCI ExpressCard slot. I'm not too familiar with the technology, and have been looking at the graphics cards and am wanting to buy a cheap one simply to upgrade the graphics on my external monitor (for dual display). Are there any specific things i need to look for on them or are all of the PCI Express cards compatible?
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No, if it's a PCI-Express x16 slot (which means it's long like the PCI slots), then you are able to not only run a PCI-E card but also a PCI-E 2.0 card, which is probably what you'll do if you're getting a half-decent video card.
If the slot is very very short in length (you'll know - it's drastically shorter than a standard PCI slot), then it is a PCI-E x1 slot, which is NOT for video cards. However, this is probably not the case, since just about every computer made today has a PCI-Express slot for graphics, because every video card is made for that interface.
I hope this helps, and I hope you enjoy whatever video card you get. If you need any help deciding on cards, let me know.
Good luck!
ABSOLUTELY NO!!! A PCI Express slot is purposely positioned such that noone tried to put the PCI express device into the regular PCI slot... The PCI slots are almost outdated and soon will be completely replced by PCI Express as ISA slots were replaced by PCI about a decade ago...
The only Dell Inspiron 1501 I can find is a laptop. These effectively cannot be upgraded - you would probably have to send it back to Dell and the cost would probably be prohibitive sorry . The PCI Express card slot everyone else has talked about refers to Desktop computers than can be upgraded relatively easily.
Some answers here don't seem to have picked up on this
PCI Express x16 cards are not compatible with PCI ExpressCard slots. You basically cannot upgrade your graphics in any practical way. The links below goes to your only option right now.
almost all new graphic cards are PCI Express. so don't worry.