Installing a GT1030 graphics card in HP p7-1236s

[jm12345]

Hello, I'm having difficulty installing a Gigabyte Geforce GT1030 graphics card, model GV-N1030SL-2GL

PC: HP p7-1236s running Windows 10
Motherboard: Foxconn Joshua-H61-uATX, PCI Express x16 2.0 slot
Bios info: AMI 7.11 4/28/12, SSID 2ADA (no newer BIOS available according to HP website)

Upon attempted install, there is no display on the screen and PC beeps 6 times.  I've tried to reseat the card several times with no success.  With no fan on this card, it's difficult to tell whether this is a defective card, or if there is anything else that could be causing the problem.  The slot definitely works as my old card still works fine. 

Does anybody have any ideas?

[Grzwacz · Accepted solution]

Greetings jm12345,

Welcome to the forum.

I am not an HP employee.

Your problem is the BIOS version your MB is using (7.11). There are some BIOS updates for your PC under the W8 operating system. Try installing the 2015 8.20 Rev. A BIOS update. Some folks have had success installing a W8 BIOS update on W10.

1000 series Nvidia cards require a version 8 or greater UEFI BIOS.

You may also have to enter the BIOS after updating to 8.20 to disable secure boot and enable legacy boot before installing the 1030 in your MB. Reboot the PC after doing this. Enter the four digit confirmation code to complete the process.

Then shut down and install the 1030.

Tom

[jm12345]

Thank you Tom for the detailed reply.  I've been discussing this problem with a friend who is an IT professional and we were both thinking this could be the problem.

I have been nervous to do this though, since that BIOS revision is listed under the wrong OS.  This PC shipped with Win7 originally which I was fine with, but I was eventually "tricked" into updating to Win10.

I suppose if I end up bricking the PC, it's old enough not to be too much of a loss.  Wish me luck!

[Grzwacz]

Hi jm12345,

I wish you luck. Hopefully the BIOS update will only abort if it fails.

There is always the possibility the BIOS update could brick your MB.

You have no other option if you want to use a 1030 on your MB.

Tom

[jm12345]

The BIOS update to v. 8.20 worked fine, although I got scared when the computer seemed to power up and down a few times before finally booting up.  After a bit of effort the GT1030 is working now as well.

I really appreciate your timely help - thanks a million!

[Grzwacz]

Hi jm12345,

You very welcome.

Have fun with your new 1030!

Tom