Model a6614f - Hardware Modifications

[energygoat]

There are several questions that I would like to ask.

First of all, I've been lurking around and reading the threads about other a6614f owners' desires to upgrade their hardware.  No one seems to have responded to any successes that they may have had, so I am a bit worried.

- I was wondering if anyone would know if the ATI Radeon HD 4850 GPU (with or without an anftermarket cooler) would fit inside without any conflicts.  I have read that there is only one PCI-E slot available, which could possibly conflict with a cooling unit's placement.

- Is there a better alternative to the Radeon 4850 within the US$150 - US$200 price range?

- Additionally, there have been reports that the Radeon 4800 series get extremely hot.  Would the stock tower and fan provide adequate cooling and airflow to keep everything within safe operating temperatures?  Would I need to upgrade the stock fan?

- The next question pertains to the PSU.  Does anyone know whether or not the Corsair HX series fans fit inside?  Has anyone had luck with any other reliable power supplies in the 450-600W range?

- What other modifications would you guys recommend?

Thank you for the replies.

[rave426]

Funny thing is that you and I are in the same boat.  The only difference is that I have ordered and have my Radeon 4850 and 550 Coolmax PSU waiting to be installed.

I was a bit worred about the airflow also, but I ordered the sapphire 4850 which has an auto adjusting fan.  It is a wide card that takes up two slots if I recall, but the space between the PCI-E slot and the installed modem card looks to be plenty.  I dont plan on using my other slots so its fine with me.

I will know the answers to your questions probably some time tomorrow.  I will install my hardware and probably run a looping benchmark test to check heat dissipation.

[Tweeker21]

I don't know about the Radon card, sorry, but I installed a XFX 9600GT and a BFG 650w power supply with no problems.

[energygoat]

Rave426:
I've been looking at the Palit 4850 512MB.  It is also a dual slot card (due to the aftermarket cooler), but is fairly short. Good to hear that the space seems plentiful.  If you don't have any problems with your setup, then I'm sure mine will be fine.

Tweeker21:
Does the heat from your XFX 9600GT cause any problems?  Have you found the airflow inside the case to be adequate?

Message Edited by energygoat on 12-11-2008 12:45 PM

[Tweeker21]

I have not had any heat related issues, and the system has been on 24/7 for a week.

[Bill_Hicks]

Yep, HP usually makes its PCs upgradeable....well some PCs more than others due to the size and style of the PC, but for yours, here is an article with a video and step by step instructions for upgrading the processor:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=bph07139&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=3820307&rule...

Here is your product page that contains all the articles related to upgrading your PC:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/documentSubCategory?rule=37640&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=3820307

Ease of upgrading components is one of the things I usually like about HP desktops.....

[wabrooke]

Hi guys,

since HP is not looking too good for a fix on my problem, could one of you folks please check out the last post I made in this thread here: http://h30434.www3.hp.com/psg/board/message?board.id=HardwareDPC&message.id=692#M692 and download WinFlash and backup your default bios for me and send it to me.

If you can do so, I'll give you my email address, or you can just upload to one of those free upload site and just provide a link for it.

Thanks,

Billy

[Nored]

i owne a radeon HIS 4670 that take up 2 slot but havent been able to install it my hp a1540n does not reconize it even after i disable the MB integrated graphics and driver any of you that have ati have an idea why this happens. i installed ati driver but for some reason ati display driver never install ati control panel does

[klon0pin]

I have an a6614f anda BFG GTX260 fits in the HP case. And I also have a BFG 650 watt psu.

[defloco]

i'll try my best to answers some of your questions:

- for the price range of $150 - $200 the 4850 IMHO is the "bang for the buck". but you might also want to consider a  9800 GTX. 

- yes, they can get really hot. i just upgraded to a 4850 (MSI R4850 2D512 OC) and during noon, the idle temp is stable at 60-63C and goes 74-80C during load.  

- you might want to check out ATi's list of certified PSU's.

here: http://ati.amd.com/products/certified/powersupplies.html

- if you're going for the 4850, you might want to install an aftermarket cooler like a Zalman VF1000 or GV1000 (im planning to buy one for my vcard). it's quite efficient according to some reviews and it doesnt take up much space (just another slot) compared to other 4850 aftermarket coolers. also, try to organize the cables inside your pc to incease the airflow.

hope this helps.

Message Edited by defloco on 02-06-2009 01:23 AM