How to Install AGP 8X Into the 4X Slot
In early 2000, a battle ensued over which graphics card would dominate. Two models prevailed, the AGP and PCI, though, since that time, AGP cards have largely fallen out of the mainstream. AGP is a particular form by which the card interacts with your computer's motherboard. It evolved over time from 1.0 to 3.0, with 3.0 have both a 4x and an 8x speed. Because both 4x and 8x use the same architecture, it's possible to use them interchangeably.
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Instructions
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Turn off your computer and unplug it from the wall. If you have an antistatic wristband, put it on to avoid shocking and damaging your PC components.
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Open the side panel of your PC case. Doing so differs with every model. Some require that you unscrew the side panel, while others allow you to pop it open with a lever or handle.
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Remove the current graphics card from your AGP slot, if there is one. First unscrew it and then pull it out.
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Insert the new graphics card into your AGP slot, being certain to slip the alignment key--which is the L-shaped notch at the far end of the interface--into the alignment slot. Screw the card into place.
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Close your PC case, plug it back into the wall and turn it on to verify that the installation was done successfully.
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Tips & Warnings
Although you can use 4x and 8x cards interchangeably, their speed will be limited to the lower of the two multipliers. This means that if you have an 8x card in a 4x slot, then it will run at 4x. Likewise, a 4x card in an 8x slot will also run at 4x. Only an 8x card in an 8x slot will run at 8x.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Technology - Graphics Card image by Rob Hill from Fotolia.com
