Low Profile GPU for HP 6300SSF

[ThermalLance89]

So, I have this old business computer I use main for web browsing and old games. As of right now, I can usually handle games up to 2003-2006 (Depending on the games). Thing is, I would like to push it a little bit further to be able to play some more demanding titles of around 2009. The version of the computer I am almost certain I got is the one with the Core i5-3470 with the Intel HD 2500 onboard graphic chip. Unfortunately, it isn't the one with the HD4000 otherwise I wouldn't be here. hehehe

So, yeah, I'm looking for a low-profile, low-power dedicated GPU I could shove in that thing to just give it the little push it needs to shine. Preferably NVidia because that brand tends to be more friendly toward old games in general.

I'm not an expert when it comes to the whole power consumption and I don't want to buy something that will either not work or make the computer unstable.

[NonSequitur777 · Accepted solution]

@ThermalLance89,

Welcome to our HP User Forum!

Your HP Compaq Pro 6300 Small Form Factor is fitted with a 240-watt power supply, which limits your options.

The very best graphics card for your desktop that is claimed in this link (Best Graphics Card for 240W Power Supply [2022] - GPU Republic) to be compatible is the MSI GTX 1050 Ti 4GT LP as seen here: Amazon.com: MSI GTX 1050 TI 4GT LP Graphic Cards : Everything Else.

If you want to go cheaper, the GeForce GT 1030 LP 2GB is an option, as seen here: Amazon.com: Gigabyte GV-N1030D4-2GL GeForce GT 1030 Low Profile D4 2G Computer Graphics Card : Elect....

Hope this was helpful.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[ThermalLance89]

Excuse me. I ordered a GPU on newegg that was within those specifications. Then it didn't work at all. Card was spinning and all but it wasnt detected by the system.

Then, I took a look at the computer specifications in case I missed something. And I happened to have found this.

PCI Express x16 (3.0 - Primary):

• 1 each
• 2.5 in low profile
• 6.6 in length
• 25 W maximum power

Quite literally every single suggestion in here would be wrong and I just wasted money. Unless of course there is a way for it to accept more than 25W that I don't know about?

[NonSequitur777]

@ThermalLance89,

My friend, I based my response in part what HP Compaq Pro 6300 SFF Users were able to install WITHOUT a power supply upgrade.

Examples:

1.) GT 1030 2GB: https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/51860970

2.) GTX 1050 2GB: https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/50623242

So, it is possible to install PCIe-power dependent GPUs on your desktop -why it didn't work for you could have a number of reasons, maybe not even power-supply related.

Look, if you tried everything (looked at BIOS, installed the latest BIOS upgrades if applicable, downloaded your GPU's specific driver, and ran it, etc.) and if your GPU still doesn't work, you should be able to return it to Newegg and get your money back.  I know this for a fact, because the same annoying thing you described happened to me, and back to Sender it went.

One of my assumptions is that if people are comfortable swapping graphics cards, that they have at least some experience in troubleshooting.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[ThermalLance89]

So you are telling me that this 25W maximum on the PCI-E socket is not true? I just want to be sure of that part because I don't want to spend the next months ordering and returning cards.

[NonSequitur777]

@ThermalLance89,

What I am telling you is that some have tried the 1030 & 1050 GPUs, and despite HP's 25 watt PCIe x16 power max limit on this desktop, they succeeded.

And yes indeed, I can confirm that HP imposed a 25 watt power limit on the HP Pro 6300 SFF's PCIe x16 slot -to my surprise, I must admit, because the industry standard -as in: the norm is that PCIe x16 slots are supposed to deliver up to 75 watt: Extra Power Needed by Some PCI Express* Graphics Cards for Intel®....

I strenuously disagree with whoever made that inconsiderate decision in the design stage of this desktop.

Anyway, please take a look at this YouTube GPU upgrade video: HP Compaq Pro 6300 Sff Upgrade Video Card RAM Hard Drive - YouTube.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[ThermalLance89]

Tested the card in another PC. The videocard works. So, I called a friend of mine who does that for a living because that got me confused.

I always built my PCs myself so I definately wasn't aware of that point. Due to "custom" parts being pretty much made to accomodate basically anything.

He basically explained to me that pre-built PCs like this one are extremely picky when it comes to hardware. That a videocard has it's own "bios" so to speak and it needs to be able to communicate with the bios of the computer. These pre-built PCs are configured to accept very specific hardware and not all videocards can fit within these restrictions.

Case and point I was told to stick to videocards that were known to work on this computer and not use anything else even if everything seems to be in order. (PCI version, power limitations, basically everything...)  because of those limitations.

So, I went ahead and ordered a different card. One that is not that much powerful compared to the onboard one but that is sure 100% to work without surprise. Which is all I need really. I'm a retrogamer exclusively with little interest with newer games. I just wanted a videocard with it's own memory so my RAM don't get sucked by the onboard one when I need it for all the compatibility stuff I go through.

So, yeah, my only advice would be to put a STRONG emphasis on only using cards that are known to work regardless of a card being within what "should" work.

EDIT: The card I wanted to fit in here (Mostly for money concern.) was an ATI Radeon R5 430 2GB PCIE3.0 With Display Port and DVI. If anybody ask in the future, those card will not work on that specific computer.

[NonSequitur777]

@ThermalLance89,

Appreciate the feedback and information.  Yes, when it comes to HP CPU/RAM/GPU compatibility, caution is needed.

And yet, speaking of the R5 430, there are a number of HP Pro 6300 SFF Users who specifically got the ATI Radeon R5 430 2GB to work on their rigs, such as this one: HP Compaq Pro 6300 SFF Performance Results - UserBenchmark.

Not that this really matters, going forwards.

[EDIT:] Because I'm insatiably curious, and since I have two HP Pro 6300 SFFs to play with, I just tried out -mind you, with standard PSU only, a GT 730 2GB (with a listed max power draw of 49 watt), which is very similar in (underwhelming) graphics performance as the ATI Radeon R5 430 2GB, and it worked without any issues.

If you have the time, let us know how your ordered card "known to work", well, works out.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[ThermalLance89]

Nevermind. Friend gave a good advice but the problem was incredibly stupid. The card works now. 

At the end it was a botched bios setting. Which one? I don't know. I just removed the battery, pressed that CMOS button. Put the battery back in then it started working. 

Literally the first time in my entire life that I see something like that personally. Never had an issue like that. XD

[NonSequitur777]

@ThermalLance89,

That is excellent news!  From my end/perspective, it should work -and I'm glad you took the time to apply troubleshooting steps to make it work.

Kudos!

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777