HP Elite 8000SFF Desktop Computer GPU Question

[ProfessionalTek]

Hi,

I have an HP Elite 8000sff desktop computer with 8GB of RAM, an Intel Core 2 Duo e7500, a 1TB HDD, and 240 watt PSU. I am currently running on the computer's integrated graphics (the Intel Q43/45 Express Chipset) and would like to upgrade to an Asus GT 710 2GB GDDR5 version. Would I need any bios update/s in order to run the computer with the GT 710 and Windows 10 64bit and what type of retention is being used on this system's motherboard for PCIe cards (will I need to unlock the PCIe x16 port before adding a new GPU)?

Thank you in advance for any help! 

[old_geekster]

@ProfessionalTek , welcome to the forum.

Here is the "Illustrated Parts and Service Map" for the computer:  http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01944842

On Page 2, in the section titled "Other boards" is a list of compatible video cards.  You will not be able to use the GT 710 because it requires UEFI in the motherboard instead of a standard/Legacy BIOS:  https://www.howtogeek.com/175649/what-you-need-to-know-about-using-uefi-instead-of-the-bios/

HP didn't begin using UEFI until mid-October, 2012.  Your computer was released in 2009.  The last series of cards not to require UEFI were the GTX 660/670's.

Please click the Thumbs up + button if I have helped you and click Accept as Solution if your problem is solved.

[ProfessionalTek]

@Old_geekster

Thank you for the reply,

The BIOS Version/Date that I am currently on with this computer is Hewlett-Packard 786G7 v01.02, 10/22/2009, I think that there are newer BIOS versions for the computer although I can't seem to find where HP has the BIOS flash files for this PC. Some users were able to upgrade this computer or even older models with GT 710 cards or even GTX 750Ti cards, although I am not sure how. I got this computer from RefurbishedPC.com late 2017 with a mouse, 19inch monitor, and keyboard for around $185. I don't want to use older GPUs than the GT 710 since they take more power (limited 240 watt PSU in this system) and don't offer as good performance.

https://youtu.be/8jQzdvo26Ko

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vvih2sEeMgw

[old_geekster]

You are welcome, @ProfessionalTek!  Thank you for the additional information.

I have to be extremely careful when I make recommendations.  I never go online to see who may have made a component work in an older HP computer.  It is difficult to know what has been changed to make things work.  I go with what has been fully tested by HP to assure that it is compatible with their motherboards.  HP has their motherboards made to their specifications.  Therefore, they are not necessarily the same as a retail board.  Here is the Software and Driver page for the computer:  https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-compaq-8000-elite-small-form-factor-pc/4065894

There is a BIOS update from 2015.  The BIOS can't be upgraded to UEFI, however.

[ProfessionalTek]

@Old_geester

I would prefer to keep the BIOS on the current version and not update unless any of the update revisions contain better support for new hardware in this system (BIOS updates contain some risk since a failed update could brick the motherboard), also would I need an operating system to flash the BIOS or could I do it from the BIOS interface (I am running Windows 10 64ibt which may not work well with HP's BIOS flash utility, Windows 7 may be better supported)?

I went to the product page for the HP Elite 8000 SFF computer and found that upgrading to the Nvidia Quadro NVS 290 or Quadro NVS 295 is an option listed, would I be able to use an Nvidia Quadro NVS 300 without potential issues keeping the BIOS version at Hewlett-Packard 786G7 v01.02, 10/22/2009?

- Thank you for your time and help!

[ProfessionalTek]

Update:

I just got contacted back by Asus after emailing them about the compatibility of their GT710 2GB DDR5 version with this system and it's current BIOS version and they confirmed that the motherboard would recognize the graphics card with or without having UEFI if the motherboard supports the standard bus for the graphics card (in this case PCI Express 2.0).

I think that I may attempt buying the Asus GT710  2GB DDR5 version and installing it in this system, in the worst case if it does not work, then I would be able to return it.

[old_geekster]

Thank you for the additional information, @ProfessionalTek! 

You did exactly what I do very often.  When I have questions about a product, I contact the manufacturer's Tech Support for help.  They are the experts on their products.  I would appreciate an update when you receive the card.  It will help me for the future.

Good luck!