Can I replace my chipset graphics card with an integrated PCI Express graphics card?

[scott_leiker]

I am looking to upgrade my graphics card. I did some research and learned that my computer's motherboard is an N-Alvorix-RS880-uATX (yes, it has a PCI Express slot) and my current graphics card is an ATI Radeon HD 4200 (Chipset). The product information about my computer on the HP website said that, "Either integrated graphics or the PCI Express x16 slot are usable at one time; they are not usable concurrently." I am not exactly sure what this means.

Is it possible for me to get a new graphics card and use it on my computer? If so, what would I do with the current chipset graphics card? Or am I doomed to have to use my current lame graphics card forever? 

Thank you for the help. 

[Big_Dave · Accepted solution]

Hi Scott,

Please post the exact HP product code for your PC.

When a video card is installed in the PCI-E x16 slot, the bios will then recognize that situation and subsequently will disable the motherboard integrated video processor.  It's one or the other but not both.

Yes you can put a discrete video card in your PC but we need to know more information about your PC such as the size of the power supply etc.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Yes, you can install a PCIe x16 video card.  You probably should stick with an AMD Radeon HD card since that is the chipset your PC is based on but other than that, you just need to make sure you get one that will work within the limits of your power supplies wattage.

The concurrent blurb means....Right now you are using your integrated video chip on the motherboard. When you install a PCIe x16 discrete video card, your onboard video becomes automatically disabled and you cannot use it concurrently with the new add on video card.

There is no way to enable it. Some folks would want to hook up a monitor to the onboard video card and one to the PCIe video card but that won't work because no video signal will come from the integrated video card anymore until the PCIe card is removed.

You don't do anything with your current chipset card. It is soldered to your motherboard and just turns off when the new PCIe card is installed.

Paul

[scott_leiker]

My product code is: BV532AAR#ABA

[wb2001]

this should be it:http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0360932

[Big_Dave]

Hi Scott,

Is the HP p6720f your PC?   If yes, then you will need to replace theexisting 250 watt power supply when you add a video card.