Pavillion p6746f GPU Upgrade (Cleveland GL8 Stock Mobo)

[Williquah]

Hello,

I am looking to squeeze some life out of an old p6746f Pavillion desktop handed down to me.

I am wondering if anyone can help me with any GPU's that would be compatible with this machine. Everything's stock, meaning it needs to be compatible with the Cleveland-GL8 motherboard, and the (2nd Gen) i5 2300.

I am not a hardware genius, so any help at all would be very appreciated. If you can help me find a GPU that should work with this machine I would be so greatful.

I originally got an EVGA GeForce 1050 Ti that didn't work, so I would be looking for a card around that performance, and I'm hoping to spend no more than $150 if possible. I hear the GeForce 750 Ti may work, something to do with Legacy BIOS but I'm not really sure what I need/what my guidlines are.

Again, I would be so greatful for help, I'm not sure who else to ask, if I should provide any more info, please let me know, I will be happy to!

[wb2001 · Accepted solution]

@Williquah,

Your circa 2011 system was WIN 7, and has a Legacy BIOS.  It can not use the newer UEFI cards.  You found out with the 1050.   Only 750Ti cards that are Hybrid BIOS  will work.

[Williquah]

Thank you very much for such a quick response, and informational response, the link is very helpful too. So, I will look for a hybrid BIOS card like one of those, would it be safe to assume that (practically) any card, Hybrid BIOS ready, should work for me then? And does WIN 7 being my original system, like you mentioned, change anything because I'm on WIN 10 64 now?

[wb2001]

@Williquah,

It's a pleasure helping someone with insight, and thoughout questions.  Your question was the GTX 750Ti compatibility. That is where I stopped.  The MSI link shows the full line (of that date) of available MSI products that are Hybrid.  Keeping within the power demand of the various cards determines whether your existing 300W PSU is adequate. The GTX 750Ti draws 60W. Other choices do require looking at the power needs, ie wattage and power plugs.

For example, Shappire also makes a few Hybrid cards, like the Sapphire R9 380 Nitro, but it draws 190W, and requires two 6pin PCIE power leads.  

About the Win7 question... as I said, it locks you to the original BIOS.  Appreciate your throughness, and IF solved, please mark accordingly.

[Williquah]

Well, it's a pleasure to be learning so much and dealing with someone who is very knowledgeable and informing and helpful.
I did forget to mention that I acquired a 500W PSU beforehand, not that it matters entirely since you gave me multiple ideas with different power demands, just wanted to say that.
I was hoping to stay with a card that uses power straight from the PCIe but I'm sure it'll be easy enough if I do end up needing those power leads or something similar to it.
And I do understand that Win7 point you made, thank you for clarifying.

Again, I can't express how much you've helped me, and hopefully anyone else who may read this or I may help in the future, so thank you very much again, I will hopefully be purchasing a card soon, and I'm sure it will be fine now that I have your knowledge, and I will certainly mark your reply as the solution, as it truly is!
Thank you again, you were the only one who has given me raw intelligence about this topic.