EggXpert

Hey, I'm having massive problems with my pc, so the first thing I need to get done is figure out the names of all my parts so I can post them.  However, I cannot figure out the name of my motherboard no matter how much I look around.  Where do I go to find out?  Sorry, but I don't know much about computers.

If it is still working, install Speedfan or download CPUZ...they can usually tell what kinda of motherboard you have. If you have an OEM computer like Dell or HP then just put the model number down

i use everest 

it will tell you what kind of mobo you are using.

even you computer don't boot up,you can also check you mobo, there must be a brand name on it. i check my office computer which is a Dell. Foxconn   carved on the mobo. but your mileage may vary.

maybe there is something wrong with other components,you need do more research.

good luck.  

well i know for a fact that its an hp seeing as how when i got it it has the emblem HP everywhere around the computer, and the monitor is even an hp so i can tell you that much but im at my friends house so i cant really tell you the code or numbers, but if i knew where to look i could tell you when i get home, and my other question is what exactly is the difference in PCI and PCI express and etc.. my friend said its just slots for the video card but is there more to it lol, the reason i ask is cause i think im looking for a video card but idk what to get, but ill get those numbers on here as soon as i get home.

PCI is slower and older than PCIe. You only see PCIe on newer computers but PCI is omnipresent as everything can be made for PCI.

Generally, graphic cards are PCI-express or AGP and other peripherals such as RAID cards, phone line connectors are PCI since they are slower.

 

so does this mean i wont be able to run a graphic card like the one below since it is PCIe:( i dont know how else to link it but thats what it looks like) (btw the code number i think is HP Pavillion a1648x and that number is on the front of the computer under the power button if that helps)

BFGE98512GTXOCE Desktop Graphics / Video Cards View Pic [13]

BFG Tech BFGE98512GTXOCE GeForce 9800 GTX 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail Chipset Manufacturer: NVIDIA Core clock: 700MHz (vs. 675MHz standard) Stream Processors: 128 Memory Clock: 2200MHz DirectX: DirectX 10 OpenGL: OpenGL 2.1 DVI: 2 TV-Out: HDTV / S-Video Out Model #: BFGE98512GTXOCE Item #: N82E16814143137 Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

No chance...your computer is about 5 generations behind and there are several factors you need to consider:

offical system requirements for this thing:

System Requirements

document.write(neg_specification_newline('475W PCI Express-compliant system power supply with a combined 12V current rating of 26A or more*** Two 6-pin PCI Express supplementary power connectors -or- One 6-pin PCI Express and two 4-pin Molex supplementary power connectors Minimum system power requirement based on a PC configured with an Intel Core2 Duo E4500 processor.')); A PCI-Express x16 or 2.0. 475W PCI Express-compliant system power supply with a combined 12V current rating of 26A or more Two 6-pin PCI Express supplementary power connectors -or- One 6-pin PCI Express and two 4-pin Molex supplementary power connectors Minimum system power requirement based on a PC configured with an Intel Core 2 Duo E4500 processor.

ic, well do u know any video cards that might work?

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00757531&lc=en&cc=us&lang=en&product=3307446&dlc=en

OK it looks like you have a PCI-express x16 open. Assuming you have 300W:

MSI NX7300GS-TD256EH GeForce 7300GS 256MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail for XP or BIOSTAR V8402GL26 GeForce 8400 GS 256MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Retail for Vista

ok thanks that helps alot, and yes i have a 300w, my other question is, if i got a different video card would i need to increase my power supply and would it be possible to download directx 10 or something so i could get one like these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130085

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150258

basically all i want is something to make wow run better cause i currently can only run like 19fps and thats not maxd graphics, thats all lowest quality and its killing me, i would like to be able to run wow at max with about 50fps if not more, would these cards be able to do that?  my budget would consist around like $100-maybe $120.

I think 8600GT requires either 350W or 400W...I forgot which. If you aren't familiar with switching pwoer supplies, I suggest getting the 8400GS. You have onboard graphics right now. the 8400GS should give you 3-4 times the FPS

ya i was thinking of getting another powersupply while i was going for a graphics card, is their anything i should look for when getting one of those?