How to upgrade graphic card for HP Z240

[Fun_time]

I have an HP Z240 SFF with a 240W PS and came pre-built with an AMD Radeon W4300 graphic card which at the time was an AutoCAD Certified Graphics Hardware but is not longer.  Also, AMD has stopped upgrading their drivers for this model and thus I am having some video issues that crashes my computer sometimes.  All The Graphic cards that are AutoCAD approved don't meet the 240W power supply requirement or at least I can't find one.  I would like to use the Radeon Pro W7500  if it will fit or if there is a way to upgrade the PS to work.  I see HP offers a AMD Radeon PRO W6600 Professional Graphics on their new SFF Z series and is on the approved list, but I believe the spec sheet says 350W for the PS.  I don't mind upgrading the PS, but need help with an easy upgrade part number.  Also if the W6600 would work or any other recommendations that would work with the AutoCAD approval.

[NonSequitur777]

@Fun_time,

Welcome to our HP community forum!

There are two ways you can resolve the power supply issue.

1.) Keep your stock power supply where it is and use a 24-pin ATX PSU to SATA power supply adapter. With this adapter (see link), you can add an externally placed ATX power supplies to your PC.  All you have to do is connect a standard ATX PSU's 24-pin power cable to the adapter and connect the adapter's SATA connection to one of your primary PSU's SATA connectors.  Done. Once connected, the secondary PSU is synced with your PC -meaning, that when you start up or power down your PC, the secondary power supply switches on and off at the same time, thus powering your graphics card in tandem with everything else.  Here is my experience with this power approach whilst upgrading an HP Z240 SFF: Solved: Upgrading HP Z240 Desktop Workstation SFF - HP Support Community - 8427878.

2.) Remove your stock power supply and replace it with an ATX power supply by using an ATX 24-pin to 6-pin power adapter specifically specced for an HP Z240 such as this Amazon purchase example: Amazon.com: COMeap 24 pin to 6 pin adapter HP ATX Power Cable Compatible with Z200 Z210 Z220 Z230 Z2....

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Fun_time]

This is good info.  I was planning on replacing my power supply anyway so now would be a good time to just upgrade to a larger rated PS.  Do you have a link for one that would fit in the same space as the Z240 SFF?  Also once I don this, can I feel comfortable with replacing my Radeon W4300 with the Pro W7500 ?

[NonSequitur777]

@Fun_time,

Please take some measurements to doublecheck that this 300-watt TFX power supply will fit in your HP Z240 SFF: 6.89 x 2.56 x 3.35 inches (175mm x 65mm x 85mm).  I once considered going this route with one of my HP Z240 SFF upgrade projects to power an RTX A2000 12GB, but eventually didn't do it.

Link: Amazon.com: SilverStone Technology 300 Watt TFX Computer Power Supply with 80 Plus Bronze and One PC....

And yes, you should feel very comfortable to power an AMD Radeon Pro W7500 with this 300-watt power supply.  If you are going to do it, don't forget the HP Z240 specific ATX power adapter as I referenced.

Hope this was helpful.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[NonSequitur777]

@Fun_time,

And here is a less expensive "TFX" dimensional power supply option: Amazon.com: Apevia TFX-PFC500W TFX 500W Fixed Cables, Full Range Active PFC Computer Power Supply… :....

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Fun_time]

The problem with either one of these TFX power supplies is that the fan is on the side and would have to flip it over, so it isn't against the frame side of the HP computer.  If I do this, the screw holes won't work.  Then I noticed that the frame is specifically cut out to fit this power supply.  So it doesn't look good to just upgrade the power supply with a TFX.Existing PS, hard to find an upgraded match.

[NonSequitur777 · Accepted solution]

@Fun_time,

You'll have to decide if you want to apply some hardware modifications, meaning, using metal cutting tool(s), and drilling new holes.  The project is most certainly doable if you don't mind going DIY and knowing what you are doing and doing it safely.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Fun_time]

I ended up purchasing the SilverStone TX300 and have it hooked up now and seems to work.  I have two questions:

1) There are a tremendous number of unused cords coming off that power supply and will have to just shove them in to make room for them.  Do most people just cut them off and make sure they can't short circuit or do they just make it look like a mess of cords?

2) The Molex connector on the PS, which was labels CPU, had an 8-pin connector while my CPU only has a 4-pin connector.  I was able to still snap it on with 4 pins hanging over the side.  The CPU booted up, but wanted to make sure I didn't lose half the power or something.

[NonSequitur777]

@Fun_time,

Excellent questions:

1.) I understand the issue with cable-management.  However, I would generally discourage people from cutting off unneeded power cables, not only because it would take a lot of time to securely isolate each power wire, but also because it renders this power supply unusable for future resale/projects where you may need additional power cable(s).

2.) No worries: the power supply's CPU 8-pin power cable(s) is/are meant to be split in the middle to create 2x4-pin parts, as not all motherboards require an 8-pin motherboard power cable.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Fun_time]

Power supply is working great.  Next problem is I went to install the W7500 and didn't realize there are standard size and low-profile size.  The W7500 will not work and now need to find a low-profile GPU that is AutoCAD certified on windows 10.  I think the only one that meets both criteria is a NVIDIA T1000 8GB.  Doesn't look like AMD is in the low-profile business anymore.  The T1000 8GB is offered as a custom option on the HP Z2 SFF so can I assume it will work with the Z240 SFF?