AGP 2x/4x v. 4x/8x

[NSchandler]

I'm looking to buy a new videocard for 2 primary reasons:
1. I want to purchase a 2nd 2001FP when they go on sale
2. My brother wants to play Battlefield 2 with me

I have integrated video right now (blah), but I read that you can still install a video card in your AGP slot (I verified that I have one).

When I search for AGP cards, however, it lists 2x/4x cards and 4x/8x cards. How do I know whether my AGP slot can support 4x/8x cards?

On a slightly different note, if all I want to do is run 2 2001FP's and play Battlefield 2, what specs do I need to look for in a card (other than 2 DVI inputs)? Any suggestions for particular cards?

Thanks.

[IHateKeithSmart]

NS:

Your AGP slot will support both options. RE: the dual monitors, no thoughts. It's been about 5 years since I had dual monitors, and anything I was using back then is woefully out of date.

[NSchandler]

Thank you.

I would check to make sure your motherboard supports 8x before going out and buying a new video card. If your motherboard is fairly new than it shouldn't be a problem, but some motherboards dont support 8x.

[LethalRose]

What are the specs on your computer? is it fairly new? what model etc...your mobo must support agp 4/8 before you get any benefit out of it.

[IHateKeithSmart]

Yeah, sorry, I should have specified this in my original reply. I should have said the form factor is the same and it will work with the various AGP incarnations, though the benefits may not be realized with older mobos.

[NSchandler]

I looked up the details of my motherboard, and it lists my AGP slot thus: "Universal 0.8 V / 1.5 V AGP 3.0 connector supporting 1X, 4X, and 8X AGP cards or an ADD card."

So it sounds like I'm good to go. Thanks for the heads up. You were all very helpful.