Do I have a PCI-E slot and is my computer upgradeable?

Tav

Uh, the title says it all. I am unsure as to whether or not my computer has a PCI-E slot. I am currently running an ATi x1600 PCI and would really like to upgrade my Christmas. I'm not exactly confidant opening the case so that's a last resort. Some quick googling told me to run "msinfo32" and look under the hardware section. It has a mention of a PCI Express Root Port, but I am unsure as to what exactly this means.

Large screenshot:

So, do I have a PCI-E slot and can my dreams of playing Fallout 3 by Christmas come true?

Tofystedeth

Well, you at least have a PCIe bus. I'd wager you have a PCIe port, though I make no guarantees. I had an old Compaq once that had a built in video chipset that used the AGP bus, but had no AGP port, much to my chagrin. Most manufacturers probably aren't that dumb. Open it up just to be sure.

Also, don't worry about opening the case. As long as you unplug it first, and don't have any crazy flying debris or something in your room, it should be fine if you aren't moving anything. You'll have to do anyway to get a new card in.

Fandyien

Yeah, it's more then likely you have a PCI-E slot, particularly if your computer is moderately new. I'll also echo the case opening thing; it can't hurt, it's pretty easy, and it's always nice to have a rough idea of what the innards of your machine look like if you don't know already.

Tav

The case opening this was mainly to do with the fact that I'm incredibly clumsy and if I get a new card, my Dad will be installing it anyway since he insists on doing anything remotely DIY related in the house.

OremLK

Agreed, pop her open. Will take you less time than it took to make this post. I've run computers for months at a time with their cases open and commonly remove the side panel on them while the computer is still on.

And you don't even have to unplug it. Although don't go slipping any screwdrivers into power supplies. (But then, you should never do that anyway.)

Edit: Well, if it's a parental order, then that's another thing.

Go get your dad and make him open it.