Graphics card for HP Pavilion 550-170na desktop

[Lucky_UK]

Hi there

I want to install a dedicated/discrete graphics card into my 5 year old HP Pavilion 550-170na desktop.

My systems specs: Intel HD530 integrated graphics, Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-6700 CPU @ 3.40GHz

180W internal PSU power supply

16GB DDR3 RAM

2T HDD 

Expansion slots 2 available:  PCI Express x16 (Gen3), PCI Express x1 (Gen2)

Can any of you suggest & recommend a few entry level or mid range graphics card for basic gaming, as my PC is mainly for Home office  use, but I want to  be able to use for some light / average gaming as well.

Thanks for your help all

Lucky

[old_geekster]

@Lucky_UK , welcome to the Community.

The first thing that you will need to do is upgrade the power supply unit (PSU).  It is only 180W.  The minimum wattage required for newer video cards is 300W.  This is the absolute minimum.  It is normally recommended to add 100W to 150W more than the card requires.  Fully modular PSU's are good for smaller cases like yours.  They allow you to only use the cables that are absolutely necessary to run the computer.  I like Corsair products.  Here is one that I would recommend: https://www.newegg.com/corsair-rmx-series-rm550x-cp-9020177-na-550w/p/N82E16817139231?&quicklink=tru...

Here is a HP Knowledge Base article to tell you what to consider when upgrading the video card: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Gaming-Knowledge-Base/Upgrade-Video-Card/ta-p/7481981

The three main things to consider are: 1) the length of the card.  The article tells you how to measure the space to assure the card will fit with space for good airflow, 2) the wattage required to run the card properly and 3) does the card require 1x6-pin, 1x8-pin or both PCIe power connectors.  These are all very important.

You didn't mention how much you want to spend.  The video cards are very expensive.  The virus has played a major roll in price hikes.  Here are a couple of cards that should work for you:

https://www.newegg.com/gigabyte-geforce-gtx-1650-gv-n1656wf2oc-4gd/p/N82E16814932314

https://www.newegg.com/evga-geforce-gtx-1060-03g-p4-6162-kr/p/N82E16814487267

These will give you an idea of what will work in your motherboard.  As I stated, the prices are very high compared to what they would have been a year ago.  I know you will be adding to the price because of the British Pound.

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