Installing an Nvidia AGP video card in your computer can increase graphics performance, especially in video games and applications such as Photoshop. Modern computer software and even operating systems rely heavily on video cards for fast performance. In order to enjoy the benefits of an Nvidia AGP video card, however, you must first make sure your system meets the minimum requirements.
AGP Slot
Your computer motherboard must have an AGP 8x or AGP 4x slot. Although AGP 8x is the newest AGP standard, it is backward-compatible with older 4x cards.
Power
Make sure your power supply is powerful enough for your video card. This generally isn't a problem for low-end and mid-range cards, but higher end cards usually have an additional power supply system requirement. This varies from card to card, but as a rule of thumb you need a 400-watt power supply or better to use a high-end video card.
Physical Space
Make sure you have enough physical space inside your computer for the video card. Again, this is usually only an issue for high-end video cards. These models have bulky heat sinks and are often longer in length than a typical graphics card. Check the manufacturer-provided dimensions for your video card and measure inside your computer to make sure it will fit.
Operating System
Make sure the Nvidia card is compatible with your operating system. Nearly all Nvidia cards are compatible with Windows, but some models are for Mac OS only. Drivers for Linux may also be available.
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