Will a new graphics card fit in my small PC?

QI am looking to install a new graphics card in my Acer PC and after some research I found that it has a PCI Express x16 slot to accommodate one. However, I’m worried about whether a given card will fit inside my small-form-factor ( SFF) case. Is there any way online to find out how much free space there is inside my computer for a graphics card?

Edward Adams

AThere’s no simple answer to this, other than that you’ll need to check both the space inside your case and the specifications of the graphics card you intend to fit.

If you can’t find the internal measurements for your particular model on Acer’s website ( try searching forit at www.manualonline.com) or in the product’s manual ( www.acer.com), then open up the computer and carefully use a ruler to gauge for yourself. Also check that your computer’s case has the requisite backplate for the graphics card you intend to buy: there might be a pop-out plastic panel, or a screwed-down metal strip that will need removing from inside.

As for the graphics card, you’ll almost certainly need to restrict your search to low-profile and/or half-height models. These tend to be a bit less powerful that full-size models, but are designed to fit into smaller spaces — such as your PC’S compact confines.