I checked the specifications on the asus site. They have 5 different models of the M5a97: R2.0, LE R2.0, PRO, EVO, EVO R2.0 and I wouldn't be suprised if there have been 1.0 versions in the past also. So you really have to check the manual that came with the motherboard to be sure.
I looked at the first one. It has:
1 PCI-E 2.0 X16 (blue)
1 PCI-E 2.0 X16 (X4 mode, black)
1 PCI-E 2.0 X1
So I would say that any PCI-E X16 graphic card should be OK. Now head to tomshardware.com for their latest benchmark of graphic cards for gaming and choose one you like within your budget.
Kees
Hi guys I have an Asustek M5a97 Motherboard and a amd fx tm 4100 quad-core processor and a geforce 9500 gt...I can't really play games with this....can you please please tell me what graphic card can I buy that's not more than $200 or some of them that are compatible with my motherboard cus I have no idea which ones are compatible or what. lol thanks!

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