GTX 1030 or GTX 1050 TI graphics card upgrade

[Ma135]

I have a HP Pavilion desktop pc with no dvd drive and I was wondering if I could add a low profile GTX 1030 or GTX 1050 TI GPU, the manufacturers recommend at least a 300 watt PSU with these GPUs but could I get away with using a 180 watt gold rated one?

[NonSequitur777]

@Ma135,

Welcome to our HP User Forum!

There is not a whole lot you can do with a 180 watt power supply.

Your best bet would be the GT 1030 SC 2GB, which can be bought cheaply online such as on Amazon for under $130.

Reference: https://gpurepublic.com/best-gpu-for-180w-power-supply/

If you were to share your desktop model, perhaps we can come up with a compatible 400+ watt OEM HP power supply, which would significantly improve your GPU options.

Hope this was helpful.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[sdf3825]

I'm going through the same search, right now, mainly looking at the GT 1030.  One thing I'm seeing with that one is that there is a huge performance difference between the DDR4 and DDR5 versions of the 1030 (a massive difference it appears) -- with of course the DDR5 version being better, but something like 50% better. 

I saw one comparison where my current card (a Radeon HD 6570 ) actually out performed the DDR4 version of the gt 1030. The DDR4 version has lower memory bandwidth and memory speed and a lower boost clock -- it looks like one to avoid (I almost bought one, glad I found this information out).

So something to look out for and take into consideration with that one, the GT 1030 DDR4 looks to be far inferior.  And I have seen Amazon reviews of the 1030D5-2GL card being successfully used in HP6300 sff units (240 watt power supply). And even one that claimed it works fine in an HP DC7900. 

[NonSequitur777]

@sdf3825,

Yes indeed, if it is a GT 1030 graphics card you choose, the EVGA GeForce GT 1030 SC 2GB GDDR5 Low Profile card equipped with a cooling fan is one of the best.

Avoid the "passive" (no fan) editions.

Kindly,

NonSequitur777