graphics card installation

what do i need to know about my computer to know what graphics cards are compatible with my computer? how do i find out the information that i need? and how do i physically install the card once i have it? If it help at all, my computer is a compaq presario SR503NX.
Thanks for any info.

 

First off, I tried your Model number and got 0 results for tech support.
compaq presario SR503NX must not be the mdel number. Can you look for that on the PC again?

 

You can use a program called PC wizard and it will give you some information about your system which would help.

 

the model number is SR5030NX sorry about that.

 

Your system specs are here: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...55&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3377253&lang=en

You have a PCI-Express x16 slot for a video card.

 

i have no idea what that means

 

That's the type of graphics card that fits your computer. PCI Express x16. There are many to choose from. You have to figure out how much you want to spend, and what exactly do you require from the card.

 

where can i find/get them?

 

www.newegg.com

 

so if it says PCI express x16 than it's compatible with my comp.?

 

No, compaq is notorious for installing a PSU that will barely run the machine as shipped. Add a high-end graphics card and you will be in trouble for sure.

 

so how will i know?

 

Either look at the specs of your machine on the HP site, or open the machine and look at the sticker on the power supply. All of the high-end cards have a "minimum power rating" and they have it for a reason.

You will se on the side of the PSU.................

Max watts

Amps on each rail

etc.

Make sure the power supply has enough gas to push any card you decided to buy. I hate OEM computers because even though the price is great at times, the upgrade path just sucks.

 

This is why I didn't want to suggest any specific cards. With Compaq/HP machines you can't even find what power supplies they have on the support pages. You definately have to read the sticker.
If you're clueless, super_chunks, you can take the computer to CompUsa, Circuit City or someplace like that and they'll help you pick out a card and install it for you (for a fee). At least that way they're responsible for anything that goes wrong.

 

not completely clueless, and my dad is a network administrator. im just trying to figure out how to do things on my own.