replacing video card newb

[townie2]

hi everyone. i am upgrading the video card on my HP Compaq SR550F upgraded to 4 GB RAM,  640 GB HDD, running Win 7-32 bit. i've never done this before, so please bear with me. there are 3 (i assume) video card slots, 2 white, one black. the existing card came out of a white (middle) slot, but the new card i bought is a bigger card (bought on a friends recommedation), but only has 1 notch in it instead of 2, so it won't fit into a white slot, but will fit into the black slot, will that be a problem? here's the card i bought http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=43_557_558&item_id=030149

another question is, the original card doesn't have the VGA port on it, it is on the motherboard, the new card does have a VGA port, can i just plug my monitor into the new card and ignore the one in the motherboard?

[old_geekster]

Townie2, welcome to the forum.

Don't be concerned about being new to installing a video card.  We will help you become an expert.  You will be helping others in no time at all.

First, however, we need the correct model of the computer.  There appears to be a missing number.  This information is necessary for us to check the specifications.  The most important component when upgrading the video card is the power supply unit (PSU).  Its wattage will determine which cards will work properly.  The card in the link that you provided doesn't list the minimum wattage requirements, but you can find this on the manufacturer's website.  Once we have the model, we will help you determine which card to buy.

Yes, once you install a video card, it becomes your primary video source.  The integrated video on the motherboard (mobo) is disabled.  You will connect the monitor to the card.

[townie2]

whoops, sorry. Compaq SR5505F.

[old_geekster · Accepted solution]

Townie2, no problem.  Thanks for the model of the computer.

The power supply unit (PSU) is 250W.  You have to determine if the video card requires more wattage.  This is available on the manufacturer's website.

The larger black slot is the PCI Express X16 slot which is where the new card should be installed.  The white slots are PCI.  The small black slot is PCI Express X1.

As I said in my initial post, the new card becomes the primary video device.  You will connect the monitor to it.

Please click "Accept as Solution" if your problem is solved.

[townie2]

Thanks for the help Old _ Geekster. installed the new card in the PCI Express X16 slot, downloaded and updated drivers, and everything seems to be working fine. Thanks again.

[old_geekster]

Townie2, it is my pleasure.  I am glad that it is working for you.

[danielbon81]

Hi everyone,

                      i have a hp hpe h8-1012it pavilion and i buyed a amd radeon HD6870 video card i opened the computer to check the PSU it's a 460W but i found only 1 6pin 12v cable and the videocard needs 2.Must i change the PSU or there might be a adapter? ;-)

[vnyga]

There are adapter available like this:
http://www.xpcgear.com/6pinpciexpress.html

AMD recommend a 500W psu - so your setup could work.
It also depends how 'good' (stable) your psu is.
You could get problems with the voltage when the graphics card needs too much power.
Just remember this if you get any problems under graphical load.

HTH
V.

[danielbon81]

Thanks for the reply,

                                    i think there is a adapter like the one you linked is included in the box of the radeon hd6870,but when i opened to check those white 4 pin power cables in my PSU i can't find them,there are black sata power cables that are a bit smaller.is it normal?

[vnyga]

Hmm, seems like you have a new psu.
There's no white 'moltex' connector?

Will this fit?
http://www.ebay.de/itm/SATA-Stecker-6pin-pol-NETZTEIL-PCI-E-GRAFIKKARTE-STROM-ADAPTER-PCI-E-/1306444...

If you don't speak German just google for 'power adapter 6-pin sata' :-)

V.