Graphics card vendor BFG Technologies said Monday that it will allow registered users of its graphics cards to exchange cards designed around the AGP standard for ones built on PCI Express, for free.

Customers can also swap the cards for "nominal upgrades" for a $50 fee, BFG said. The free upgrade will be made available "at no cost to you [the customer]," BFG said.

The vendor pointed out that the AGP standard is essentially extinct, and that users who wanted to build "Frankenstein" machines out of a number of older parts would be forced to buy a new PCI Express card, otherwise.

To get in on the deal, a user must be a registered owner of a BFG card and live in the United States. Fortunately, even unregistered users can quickly register and apply for the deal. (I'd include the actual list of upgrades, but due to formatting restrictions, it might be easier just to visit the BFG upgrade page itself.)

Here's the procedure, according to BFG:

* If your current BFG 6x Series or 7x Series AGP card is NOT currently registered, please register it at http://www.bfgtech.com/productregistration.aspx. (No proof of purchase will be required for this process - simply sign up)

* Once registered, log into your account (http://www.bfgtech.com/productregistration.aspx)

* Click on "My Profile", then the "myProducts" tab.

* Find your 6x Series or 7x Series AGP graphics card in the list

* Click on "details" next to "Upgrade Eligible"

* Click on "Upgrade" next to the product you wish to upgrade to.

* Verify your address and email and click "Order"

* You will receive an email within 24 hours with instructions and terms and conditions.