AGP 4x 8x Compatability

[nate_k9]

I am in the market for a video card, and I have been looking at Nvidia Geforce cards, I know that my motherboard is AGP 4x, but most of the cards are 8x. Would a 8x work on a 4x, maybe in a different mode, or are 8x backwards compatable? If this was posted elsewhere, I couldnt find it, and if so, sorry in advance . Thanks

[cheyenne1212]

Yes a 8x card will work in a 4x slot. As you might expect, it will only operate at 4x speeds though.

[nate_k9]

Thanks, so, say I bought one, it would still have really great quality, just it wouldnt be as fast then? Thanks

[cheyenne1212]

Right your transfer rate to and from your video card from your CPU etc wouldn't be as fast as 8x AGP would.

[nate_k9]

Thanks, that's all I was worried about, getting my new card home, hooking it up and it be incompatable. But now I understand. Thanks a lot!

[cheyenne1212]

Just as long as its bus isn't PCIx you'll be ok. lol

However though if your into gamign, it wouldn't hurt to upgrade your motherboard to a newer one that will support 8x AGP.

[nate_k9]

nah not into gaming, just video and pictures, my on board Savage just doesnt cut it

[cheyenne1212]

lol

Then that 4x should work fine for you. If you have any probs with the install or anything let me know.

[nate_k9]

Cool, thanks, I'll be askin ya for help

[The Grunt]

There is really not a huge speed gain between 4x and 8x... You will notice like 3-4 FPS in a game that relies heavily on the video card, and 1-2 in a game that is CPU intensive... For pictures and video, I doubt you will even notice a difference.