What do I need to know about my computer/motherboard before finding video card compatibility?

Could someone list the required details? I'm no expert with computers, but with simple list of what I need to know I should be able to figure it out. I've recently purchased an incompatible video card without doing enough research, so I need to make sure I get it right this time.|||Figure out whether your cad slot type is



>PCI

>PCI-E

>PCI-E 16x

>PCI-E 2.0

>AGP 4x

>AGP 8x



do you have a compatible power supply? depending on what application you card is for it may draw more power than you power supply can hand out.

Make sure you have a 6 pin connector with black and white wire(may vary for your system)



and make sure you upgrade cost doesnt exceed your computers actual worth to you anymore.



Say your computer is a P3 and under>not worth it

If its P4 and up its worth the money upgrading it for use well into the 7+ years range|||You need to know what expansion slot/s your computer has.



ie: PCI, PCIe X1, PCIeX16, AGP, etc....





Check your manual or go to your computer maker's website and check the specs for your eaxact model|||know for

1) whether ur motherboard supports PCIe graphic card

2) whether ur monitor supports DVI or VGA

3) u can opt for hdmi support