Gaming graphics card for Z640?

[Rob_Stockholm]

Hello experts,

I need help with choosing a graphics card for my Z640.
I would like to use this computer to play games, e.g. FPS and MS Flight Simulator.
I do know the Z640 is not designed for this, and I'm not looking for top-of-the-line performance, but from similar threads here in the forum I conclude it still can give a somewhat decent gaming experience (please correct me if I'm wrong).

My machine has 2x Intel Xeon E5-2623v4 2.6GHz, 64GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe SSD. And currently 2x Nvidia NVS 315 graphics cards. I'm running Windows 10. Screen: Samsung C27H71x (2560 x 1440).

I've spent a lot of time googling and talking to resellers, but have not yet found anyone who can recommend a card for me for this machine.

Is there anyone out there who can recommend a card that fits with my Z640 and gives me a decent gaming experience?

Thank you in advance!

-Robert

[DGroves · Accepted solution]

the only limiting issues in regards to a video card are

1. physical size (check using the dimensions from a supported card)

2. a free pci-e slot that's at least x8 (x16 preferred but not required)

3. the wattage a card draws,( again check the power draw of a High end HP approved card)

4. match the gpu card to the CPU, in other words, try to balance both installing a nvidia 3090 gpu with a 1.6mhz cpu is a bad config as the cpu will be unable to feed the video card data at a acceptable rate

5. screen resolution size, a higher pixel count will require a gpu with more horsepower, in general a 1080p screen with a 2060 super and a 3Ghz quad or octa core cpu is a good match

for a 4k resolution a 3070 or better is most likely a better solution

the stock power supply supports one 6 pin GPU aux connecter as i recall with a 150 watt power draw ( nvidia k5200)

the upgraded 925 watt supply can support a nvidia k6000 which ha s 235 watt draw and uses two 6 pin GPU connectors

https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-z640-workstation/6978835/document/c04496994

https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-z440-workstation/6978828/document/c04580693

[Rob_Stockholm]

Thank you very much DGroves! 

Very good summary. You've saved me from a lot of uncertainty along with spending unnecessary money.

Cheers

-Robert