ATI 5XXX series/HP compatibility issues

[cyqxifss]

So a friend dropped off his HP M7470n that was giving him trouble and I manged to isolate it to a bad video card (9600GT). After digging around online I ordered him a Radeon 6670 from Newegg. The PSU has been upgraded to a 430W Antec which is more than enough for this card. I was going to wait for the card to arrive to do a clean install but seeing I have a few spare 5450's, I figured I'd use one of these temporarily and swap out cards when the 6670 showed up. First boot was CPU fan spinning at 100% and no POST. Tried reseating, etc with the same results. Went through three 5450's with the same results - obviously a compatibilty issue at play. A quick google suggests there are compatibility issues with ATI 5XXX series cards and certain older HP PC's. Does the same hold true for the 6XXX series? I've already cancelled my order to be on the safe side but would reorder if there are no issues ($25 MIR ends today). Or should I be looking at Nvidia. TIA.

[wb2001]

cyqxifss,

While there have been statements in the past, here is my experience.

My current HP m8100eCTO has a Rosewill 530 Continuous and the XFX HD5670 ZNF3. It works fine.  I downloaded the most current XFX software from their site.

Your problems might be of because your working with a poor PSU. You'll note that I mentioned the exact PSU and graphic card. Alas, it's typical of first-timers (not an insult, just an observation) who only give cryptic information, leaving out model numbers and version. It really helps to see links to the PSU and card. So, I did an informed guess!

Of the 3 Antec 430W, all were only 17A on the 12V line.

 XFX HD5450 needs a 450W 34A PSU, although it draws only 19W.

[cyqxifss]

The PSU is an Antec EarthWatts 430W unit and it has dual 12V rails of 17A each and I can assure you is more than enough to power a 5450 or a 6670 for that matter and then some. Don't get caught up in manufacturer system requirements as they are always overstated. One of the 5450's was pulled from an old Dell with a single 17A 12V rail and the other from an Acer with a single 17A 12V rail. Both 5450's work flawlessly in those machines. I've been custom building PC's for over 15 years and know what I am talking about. The issue here is one of compatibility. I just need to know if extends to the 6XXX series.

Regards.

[Big_Dave]

Hi cyqxifss,

I have seen a few posts out here where the Radeon 5xxx series video cards did not work in older HP PCs.  I have not seen any posts where a Radeon 6xxx has failed to work in older HP PCs.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The ranking board members typically recommend a power supply wattage size (or larger) as indicated by the video card manufacturer.  The video card manufacturer's power supply recommendations are very conserative.  There are many variables to consider when recommending a PSU size for a PC then to go against the video card manufacturer's recommendation.

I know that HP uses video cards that are manufactured specially for HP Slimline PCs with 220 watt power supplies.  Retail over-the-counter video card in many cases have a different wattage curve. 

I don't see an issue with the Antec EarthWatts 430w PSU and the ATI 5450 other than a possible compatibility issue.

[cyqxifss]

Just received two Sapphire DeusEx 6950's from Newegg for a new build and decided to test one in the HP and everything works like a charm. Whatever compatibility issues there are with the 5XXX series, they do not appear to extend to the 6XXX series so it's now time to find a new card for the HP. Thanks to those who replied. Off topic, I had considered two 6970's for my new build but the Newegg reviews on the Sapphire indicated a simple flick of the dual BIOS switch would unlock the full 1536 shader count. I can confirm this to be accurate. With a little overclocking I'll have in effect two 6970's and saved a boat load of cash in the process.

Regards.