HPE-170t PSU/GPU upgrades to maximize performance

[RaDawg]

Hello,

I have been doing a lot of research the past few days on upgrading to the best video card I can for my HPE-170t. It currently has a HD4850 that I preconfigured when purchasing.

• Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-860 quad-core processor [2.8GHz, 1MB L2 + 8MB shared L3 cache]
• 8GB DDR3-1333MHz SDRAM
• 1TB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive
• 1GB ATI Radeon HD 4850 [2 DVI, HDMI and VGA adapters]
• Blu-ray player & Lightscribe SuperMulti DVD burner
• Wireless-N LAN card
• 15-in-1 memory card reader, 1 USB, 1394, audio
• No TV Tuner
• Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium

I understand from researching that I will need a bigger power supply for a newer video card and that the Corsair PSU's are a favorite and will not have an issue fitting.

I am finding that shopping for a video card to be extremely difficult. From what I have read, due to the limited space in the case and/or the design of the motherboard, not all video cards would fit and shorter the better ie around 8in in length. However, very few online stores post dimensions for their cards and is difficult to get an idea of their size. I really do not want to purchase a card and then have to try and return it because it doesnt fit and then repeat the process. It is also getting tedious pouring through user reviews to see if they mention size and fitment. I have limited my search to AMD models because my current card is a HD4850 and thought that the transition would be seamless due to compatibility/drivers, etc. Maybe someone can correct me if I am wrong and would be open to nvidia cards as well.

So my question is this: Does anybody know which video cards do not have an issue in fitting? Budget is no issue and am willing to spend the money on a high end card and appropriate power source to maximize performance as long as the card I purchase will fit and function from the start.

[Big_Dave · Accepted solution]

Hi,

I basically have the same case with my e9280t as compared to your HPE-170t. I also had the original ATI 4850.

Review this posted document for background information.

You generally want to keep the video card under 10".

The Sapphire AMD Radeon 6850 and 6870 would be good choices.  The slot adjacent to the PCI-E x16 slot needs to be open (see the above document).

You might be able to get the Sapphire 7870 to fit.  It's a 10.25" card but you will for sure need to measure. It's also a lot more money. ($350)

I am using a Corsair HX650 but the CX600 should work for your needs.

See this comparison between the 4850 and the 6870.

These HP 'how-to" articles should be helpful.

[RaDawg]

Just read an article on tomshardware posted today saying the 6850 and 6870 were the best bang/buck in their respective price ranges. Spot on thanks for the help.