Add a HD graphics card to HP Pavilion a6102.uk Prod #:GN678AA

[Cliffratch]

I have a HP Pavilion a6102.uk desktop with a P5LP-LE rev 5.03 MB and am trying to gain a digital output to connect to my HP ZR2440w monitor (this has no analogue inputs). The documentation states that I can connect an external graphics card to my Motherboard, using the PCI Express slot, so I purchased a Radeon HD5450 1GB DDR3 graphics card with HDMI output.

After plugging in (taking all the necessary precautions) I get no video output at all, even though the there are obvious signs of life on the MB, as the fans etc. all seem to be working.

I checked the bios settings and found that the MB only has either, onboard graphics or PCI slot. No PCI-E is shown as an option. Does this mean that my MB will not support the new HD graphics card, or do I need a bios upgrade? Can anybody tell me how I can get my motherboard to support HD graphics output or is there another way to connect my desktop PC to my new HP monitor?

I have checked many forums and cannot get a definative answer to my problem. I don't want to flash my bios with the wrong upgrade and destroy the PC.

The original software that came with this PC was vista, but I have since upgraded to windows 7.

Thanks in advance for a reply that will help me solve this issue

Cliffratch HP

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

What happens when you change the BIOS setting to PCI?

That may disable the onboard video, and have the PC look for another external video card anyway.

Remember to save the setting (F10 key) where you made the change.

If you already tried that, my assumption is the card is not compatible with your PC.

Try a nVidia 8400 GS 512 MB or 1 GB PCI Express video card as an alternative.

Paul

[Cliffratch]

Hi Paul, thanks for the reply. The PCI is already selected as default. The documentation states that once a new graphics card is installed, the MB will detect this and select automatically.

The card you have suggested does not have HDMI output and my Laptop is currently using the DVI socket, so I would prefer a card with HDMI.

My concern is that the documentation suggests that the bios should give me 3 options; Onboard, PCI or PCI-E. I need to know if PCI-E is not an option because of the level of bios. I would be cautious that just putting another card into the slot will have the same problem. Are you familiar with this motherboard and bios and what options I should expect in the setup?

Regards Cliff

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Asus makes an 8400 GS with HDMI out.

I know you are in the UK, but hopefully you can get this model there.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121484

Amazon UK has this one...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gigabyte-GV-N84S-512I-GeForce-8400GS-Graphics/dp/B002MB2WV0/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1...

Since the documentation states switching is automatic when a PCIe card is added, then there won't be a BIOS setting for that.

There was another person on this forum that installed the same card on the same board and his didn't work either. Got the same results you did.

I had suggested the 8400 GS to him too, and he went with the 5450 instead.

I have the 8400GS in my HP dc7600 CMT which has the same Intel 945 chipset as your motherboard. HP business PC motherboards are made by asus too but I don't think it is the exact same board as yours.

I have no video BIOS settings but PCI.  I plugged the card in and it just worked as I expected it to. I did not change any settings whatsoever.

If you get a card with HDMI out, it will disable your onboard audio.  Restart the PC after you install the drivers and go into the BIOS and change the onboard audio setting from Auto, to Enabled. Save the setting there and again when you exit.

When the PC restarts you will have your onboard audio back as well as the option to use HDMI audio when a HDMI cable is plugged in.

Paul

[Cliffratch]

Hi Paul,

Thanks again. Would the following also work as an alternative, as this would come from the same supplier:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004MU3F88/ref=sc_pgp__m_ASVUGRXKAIUKO_1?ie=UTF8&m=ASVUGRXKAIUKO&...

Thanks

Cliff

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're welcome, Cliff.

Sure it should.

I saw that one too, but didn't I bother to look closely at the picture. I thought the middle port was an S-video port on the main display picture.

I'm glad you took a good look at the other pictures.

I much prefer fanless cards, so go with the EVGA model if you prefer that too.

Paul

[Cliffratch]

Hi Paul,

I hope they will exchange the card and I will keep you posted of the outcome.

Thanks

Cliff

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Cliff.

I hope they take the card back too.

Looking forward to reading about the results of the 8400GS install.

Best regards,

Paul

[Cliffratch]

Hi Paul,

I have now recieved the new 8400GS card and installed it. It works perfectly. I have set the sound default to Onboard and this is working well also.

I am now just waiting for Amazon to refund the money for the first card I ordered, but I don't think I'll have a problem with that. They are usually pretty good with that sort of thing.

Thanks for your very useful feedback and information.

Regards,

Cliff

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Cliff.

I am very glad to read the good news.

Enjoy your new video card.

Best Regards,

Paul