Can I add a high-end Nvidia card to either of my desktops? [ Edited ]

[milesrf]

Can I add one or more high-end Nvidia card to either of my desktops?

One is a SR5125CL, the other is a d5200t.  The software I want to run on them will not accept ATI cards instead.

The GPUGRID project, where I want to participate more, prefers cards in the GTX 275 to GTX 295 range; I do not want to buy any before knowing whether they will even fit in the case.

I've read that they may require a power supply upgrade; any information on that?  What about information on whether the cooling is likely to be adequate?

No need for matching new monitor(s), just the graphics card(s).

Also, where could I find estimates on how many watts of power these machines now use, so I can guess whether I can stand the heat from the increased power use?

Message Edited by milesrf on 10-18-2009 02:54 PM

[old_geekster · Accepted solution]

---

milesrf wrote:

Can I add one or more high-end Nvidia card to either of my desktops?

One is a SR5125CL, the other is a d5200t.  The software I want to run on them will not accept ATI cards instead.

The GPUGRID project, where I want to participate more, prefers cards in the GTX 275 to GTX 295 range; I do not want to buy any before knowing whether they will even fit in the case.

I've read that they may require a power supply upgrade; any information on that?  What about information on whether the cooling is likely to be adequate?

No need for matching new monitor(s), just the graphics card(s).

Also, where could I find estimates on how many watts of power these machines now use, so I can guess whether I can stand the heat from the increased power use?

Message Edited by milesrf on 10-18-2009 02:54 PM

---

The determining factor will be the power supply unit (PSU) in each computer.  The SR5125CL does not list the PSU wattage in the specs.  I believe that it will be no more than 350W at most.  The PSU in the d5200t is 460W.  Therefore, the GTX 275 which requires a minimum of 550W and the GTX 295 which requires a minimum of 680W, will not run in either computer.  Also, I am not certain that either video card will fit physically in the either computer.  You would have to get the measurments of the space provided for the cards.

From my research, I believe that your only option is to upgrade your PSU.  I will be glad to give you some recomendations if like.  I prefer OCZ or Corsair.

[milesrf]

Then it looks like my only good option is to get my next computer with one or more of those cards already in place, even if that means not one from HP.  I'm no longer able to handle changing power supplies for something that might not fit anyway.

[old_geekster]

This has always been an unanswered question for me.  HP allows the choice of every other component except for the PSU.  Why not?  It wouldn't be any more of a problem for them.

You could always upgrade your PSU.  This is not too difficult.

[milesrf]

Rather difficult for someone who can no longer lift desktops onto a table, and can't safely do it on the floor.