HP Elite 7100 Microtower GPU Upgrade

[True-Gaming]

Hi,

I bough this pc "HP Elite 7100 Microtower" about 2 months ago. Everything seems to be perfect for me, except the graphics card. It's a GT 320, and it's a very weak card for me. So i was thinking about upgrading to GTX 580.. i know it's a big leap, but is it possible? Here's my specifications:

Chassis Dimensions: (H x W x D) 38.5 x 18.5 x 41.6 cm (15.14 x 7.27 x 16.36 in)

Processor:  Intel Core i7-860 (2.80 GHz)

Chipset:  Intel® H57 Express

Memory (RAM):  6GB

Power supply:  ATX power supply - Passive PFC, 300 W maximum rated power.

Don't know whats my motherboard really, couldn't find it's model.

I do know that i need a new PSU. I'm buying this:

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-CMPSU-650TX-650-Watt-Certified-Supply/dp/B000X24ISU/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_tit...

I did some measuring in the case, and i think it fits, I'm not sure though.

I bought this computer with the monitor for almost 5,500 SR (Which is almost 1,500 USD), and can't even run  Oblivion with a satisfying fps..

So, please, someone tell me, will the PSU, AND the Graphics Card both fit properly, and work without any problems?

And tell me if i missed any important info.

[Big_Dave]

Hi,

Open up your PC and start measuring the size of your power supply. The Corsair TX 650 is an excellent PSU but take measurements to make sure that it will fit.

A typical NVIDIA GTX 580 is 10.5" long not counting the space needed to plug in the power connectors.  You might need another inch.  The slot adjacent to the PCi-E x16 slot needs to be vacant.  Do some more measuring.

What you do need to be concerned about is heat inside your PC (HP smallish cabinet).  Running the NVIDIA 580 at maximum will generate a lot more heat compared to the GT 320. Be prepared to deal with a possble heat issue.

[True-Gaming]

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Big_Dave wrote:

Hi,

Open up your PC and start measuring the size of your power supply. The Corsair TX 650 is an excellent PSU but take measurements to make sure that it will fit.

A typical NVIDIA GTX 580 is 10.5" long not counting the space needed to plug in the power connectors.  You might need another inch.  The slot adjacent to the PCi-E x16 slot needs to be vacant.  Do some more measuring.

What you do need to be concerned about is heat inside your PC (HP smallish cabinet).  Running the NVIDIA 580 at maximum will generate a lot more heat compared to the GT 320. Be prepared to deal with a possble heat issue.

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Thanks for your reply dave!

Okay, i did some measuring again, but I'm still not sure if it fits.. sorry I'm really a noob. I uploaded some pics:

[Big_Dave]

Hi,

Nice pictures!  Your PC needs some serious cleaning, especially around the CPU heat sink. 

I wouldn't buy the 580 for your PC. It's an inch longer than the motherboard, it will potentailly generate too much heat and the 580 would be over kill based on the PC's specifications.

[True-Gaming]

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Big_Dave wrote:

Hi,

Nice pictures!  Your PC needs some serious cleaning, especially around the CPU heat sink. 

I wouldn't buy the 580 for your PC. It's an inch longer than the motherboard, it will potentailly generate too much heat and the 580 would be over kill based on the PC's specifications.

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Thank you so much for your reply!

lol Yeah, i know it's a bit dirty, I was too lazy to clean it. Gonna clean it later on.

Why is it going to heat up.. is it because the gtx is taller than my MB, or my case being to tight?

I'm sorry, but what do you exactly mean by an "Overkill".. if you mean bottleneck, than well, it's already a bottleneck..

[old_geekster]

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True-Gaming wrote:

Why is it going to heat up.. is it because the gtx is taller than my MB, or my case being to tight?   

I'm sorry, but what do you exactly mean by an "Overkill".. if you mean bottleneck, than well, it's already a bottleneck..

---

T-G, it will heat up because the card will draw more wattage.  Also, there will be less airflow in the case with a larger card.  It would be over-kill in comparison to the other components in the computer.  They are only capable of so much performance.  A lesser card would be adequate.

I suggest a thorough cleaning as Dave said; sooner, rather than later.  The amount of dust in the case and on the fan is already raising the temps.

[True-Gaming]

How about a gtx 570?

[True-Gaming]

I'm going with a gtx 570:

http://www.evga.com/products/moreinfo.asp?pn=012-P3-1571-KR&pwindow=specs&family=GeForce%20500%20Ser...

It's only 9 inches tall, and my MB is also 9 inchs. Well there be any temperature problems?

[old_geekster]

T-G, EVGA is a good manufacturer.  However, the card is 9" in length.  This may present some space problems.  As for temp problems, I suggest seeing if nVidia makes software to allow you to control the fan speed.  My XFX card is ATI.  ATI has software (Catalyst Control Center) to allow me to adjust the fan speed and overclock the card if I desire.

[True-Gaming]

Yes, there is. A guy on another forum talked about msi afterburner, which worked perfectly for him. And i also use it for my current card. Oh, and i did some measuring again, and the only thing that's bugging me are the cables sticking on top of the PCI-E slot, but won't be a problem dealing with it.

I'm gonna order them tomorrow.

Kudos to you mate!