PCI Express - doh!
Published by Jonathan July 27th, 2006 in TechnologyAlways read the fine print.
Earlier this year I purchased a video game, Elder Scrolls: Oblivion which promised to be everything I’ve ever wanted in an RPG, with bleeding-edge graphics to boost. Of course, this meant that I would have to upgrade my 2 year old GeForce FX 5200 graphics card – not a cheap proposition. Being the busy guy I am, I decided to wait until I actually had time to play the game to purchase a new card. With the summer semester winding down now, I plan make some time here real soon to immerse myself in this alternate world.
I shopped around a bit, looking for a card that would meet the requirements (maybe even the recommended specs?) and found a great deal at NewEgg.com. A GeForce 6800 XT for $100 after rebate. Awesome! It may not be uber l33t, but considering my budget it’ll be a huge jump.
So the card arrives in the mail. It only took two days to arrive! I opened the shipping box and lifted out the package. I couldn’t believe how heavy it was! Surely all of that weight would translate into amazing graphical goodness! I opened the package and was amazed by the hugeness. Ph34r teh p0\/\/3r! This is going to be so incredible! I’ll have to replay my old games with the settings maxed out! This card really is quite big. Hm, it’s going to be a tight fit. Maybe I should open my tower and make sure it will fit.
What’s this? The pins don’t look quite right. Oh no! They won’t fit into the PCI slots on my mobo! Or the AGP! What’s the deal? Where’s the box. Let’s see, system requirements. Blahblah, PCI-Express. Hm, that’ll work with PCI, right? Right? Arrgh!!!!!!!!!11!!1111one
Apparently, back in 2005 PCI-Express became the new standard interface for graphics cards and computers. No, its not the same as PCI, and no your PCI-E card will not fit in a regular PCI slot. It seems I didn’t get the memo.
Epilogue:
I sent the GeForce 6800 XT back for a refund. Although Wikipedia say the everything from the 6500 on is PCI-E, I was able to find a GeForce 6600 that uses AGP. Phew. Although that means I’ve maxed out the graphics card for my poor old computer. That’s okay, a 6600 should last me a little while. And its not like I actually have any time for video games, anyways.
oh-the struggles we go through just to play a good game!
For those of us stuck in the video console world, know of any new & good role-playing games out there for PS2 or Gameboy besides Zelda, Final Fantasy?? I need a new game too!!!
Nope, I don’t know whats out there for consoles. Check the RPG listing at IGN.com http://tinyurl.com/zaotc Although you can get Oblivion for XBox 360.