How do i know what processor, video and sound cards are compatible?

I want to upgrade my pc and i want a new faster processor, and better graphics card etc... how do i know if they will work on my pc?

How do i know what processor, video and sound cards are compatible?
If you have a Dell or HP or other manufactured PC, you can usually find the specs of your machine on their website. This will give you the socket type for the processor (like Socket A, LGA 775, X2) and the memory type required (like PC3200) and how many PCI/PCI express/AGP slots you have available for a graphics card. If you have an AGP slot, you use it for graphics. If you have a PCI express slot, you use this slot for graphics.





If you cannot find the specs for your computer online, you will have to open your case and look at your components for part numbers, model numbers, manufacturer name and search the internet for information. If your components are really old, it may be cheaper to just buy a new motherboard, processor, and memory and keep all the rest of your components.
Reply:upgrading your p.c is allways a time when you need to research the internet so as to buy the correct components


i normally run a p.c diagnostic as to see what configuration my p.c is,for example processor socket type,memory type/speed,graphic card interface/voltage,and amount of spare pci slots for your new soundcard


a brilliant program for running p.c diagnostics is sisoft sandra lite from http://www.sisoftware.net/index.html?dir...


this will give you all the info you need to know what to buy when upgrading,including all of the above and much more


each component in the program is split into "modules",which include cpu,motherboard,memory,graphics,sound,pl... theres also modules woth info on software including windows and programs currently running on your p.c


all reports can be printed off for your assistance when purchasing your new hardware


i hope this helps


good luck dave!
Reply:Get our motherboard details, (BIOS will show that when you are starting your machine on the top left of your screen) find details on-line about it, that will tell you what does it accept and what works on it and to what limit.


If it is a Brand name computer, you may have a harder time getting that, I would call their support line saying that you wish to upgrade your machine via them and what is the best options they can offer on the same motherboard.


Take that list and you have your answers.