Length of graphics card for P7-1254?

[Kmot]

Hello techies,

Can anyone tell me the best length for a graphics card for the P7-1254 desktop PC with the Holly mobo?

I have been looking at HD6670 cards. Of the three series shown for the APU Crossfire function the 6670 is the highest number so I presume it is the highest performing card. But really I am clueless about it.

Anyway, doing some window shopping I see the spec's listed for many different cards and they all seem to have different lengths. As well as height, thickness. 

I would hate to mail order a card and then discover it physically will not fit. 

Thank you!

[Big_Dave]

Hi,

The best way to avoid not having a card fit is to measure inside your PC.

Open up your PC and do some measuring in parallel with the PCI-E x16 slot to see how long of a video card will fit. The slot adjacent to the PCI-E x16 slot needs to be vacant. Look carefully at the motherboard and makes sure that components on the motherboard don't interfere with the installation of the video card.

Review this posted document for background information.  You did read this document before, right?

Did you upgrade the PSU in your PC or are you using the standard 300 watt model?

[Kmot]

Of course I read it! Didn't you see my post in your thread?

I'm just being lazy, that's all. I wanted someone who has already added a card to their P7-1254 to give me the dimensions. 

I am going to upgrade the PSU.

[Big_Dave]

Hi,

A card length of 9" or less would be the easiest to fit.

Post your measurements so others will know.

[Kmot]

Will do.

[Kmot]

You were right on the money Big Dave! 

A 9" card would be the maximum length that would physically fit before running into the expansion bay at the front.

I took lots of pictures but unfortunately this forum does not allow photos, I now see. 

I will upload some photos to my own host and then post a link here.

BTW, there is a small heat sink near the PCIe slot. It rise 1/2" above the motherboard. Something to keep in mind when looking at a card.

[Big_Dave]

Hi kmot,

Point #5 in the posted background document should cover your point about protusions on the motherboard.

[Kmot]

Yup, that's it.

Here are my photos of measurements as well as upgrading the power supply and adding a second HDD:

[url="http://www.fototime.com/inv/B2B15466D0150A6"]HP Pavilion[/url]

[Big_Dave]

Hi,

Excellent photos.

I did notice that you tie wrapped the extra cable lengths away nicely.  The HP mid-towers don't have a cable management space behind the motherboard plate.  I shoved some of my extra cable lengths into open media and optical bays in my HP e9280t.

Thanks for getting back to us with your photos and success story.

[Kmot]

Thanks Dave!

I left the two PCIe connector cables loose, for when I get a discrete graphics card. 

But, I am not sure they will be needed. Most of the cards I have been looking at, from the small online photos, do not appear to even have a power connector fitting. 

Are the latest generation of graphics cards powered only by the PCIe slot?