Questions on upgrade of HP Slimline Desktop - 270-p033in - Add RAM & Graphics card

[Prakash_M]

Have a HP Slimline Desktop - 270-p033in.

PC specs : https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c05417546

Motherboard specs: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c05382582

Key details:
Intel Core i3-7100
180 W SFF Bronze internal power supply

RAM upgrade details:
Dual channel memory architecture
Two DDR4 UDIMM (288-pin) sockets
Supports up to PC4-19200 (DDR4-2400)
Supports 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB UDIMMs
Supports up to 4 GB on 32-bit systems

Lubin Motherboard:
Form factor: Customized: 20.5x22.0 cm (8.1x8.7 in)
Chipset: H270
Memory sockets: 2 x DDR4
Processor socket: LGA 1151
Expansion Slots:
One PCI-E x16 socket
One M.2 socket 1, key A
One M.2 socket 3, key M

Questions:

1. Add 8 GB RAM ( PC has 4GB RAM and Two DDR4 UDIMM (288-pin) sockets)
Can we add 8GB RAM along with existing 4GB? Will it work?
If it would work, pl share any suitable Model/ Brand

2. Add graphics card ( PC has One PCI-E x16 socket & 180 W power supply)
Which graphics card model is suitable?

How much wattage (max) would be available for a graphics card? This could help choose a  graphics card.
Will AMD RX 560 or Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030 2GB Graphic Card work? Any other model?
Pl share any suitable Model/ Brand

Thanks !!

[wb2001]

@Prakash_M 

In a real world situation, I would suggest you turn it off. Pull the power cord. Open/remove the side panel.

Cut a piece of heavy stock card board 4.3 inch high, and 7 inches long. Try to insert it over the PCIEx16 slot.

You will need to cut to fit without touching the 24pin ATX wire bundle.

If too long, cut 1/2 inch and repeat until you have the maximum length.

The GT 1030 is mentioned as a solution.

RAM slots will run at Dual channel memory architecture if matching pairs.  If its 8+4,  it will run as Dual channel for the first 4+4. The last 4 will run as single channel.

[Prakash_M]

Thanks for your quick response and expert suggestions. Couple of follow up questions..

1. Is there any alternate Graphics card, that would fit into this Slimline PC without modifications ( like using card board)?

2. GT 1030 requires 30 W and the Minimum system recommended power seems to be 300W.Where as HP Slimline PC 270-p033in has only 180W.

Ref: https://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gt-1030/specifications

Do we need to consider "Minimum system recommended power" in selecting a graphics card?

Thanks again

[wb2001 · Accepted solution]

@Prakash_M,

There is a 20W GT 1030 card,  with SDDR4 ram.  Typically 20W cards are safe for the HP 270 series/180W units.

[Prakash_M]

Thank you ..This helps !

[Prakash_M]

Hello ! Added 8GB RAM in Slot#1 and moved 4GB RAM to Slot#2. Both RAM units are fitted well. Updated BIOS to latest version. Total RAM is shown as only 8GB in System properties/CPU-Z/BIOS system information. Could you help enable the use of the 4GB RAM in slot#2? Thanks!

[Prakash_M]

Worked after fitting the RAM units properly. Thanks

[RisaLee]

You change your RAM existing 4GB to 8 GB.that's nice it work properly and your PC more than faster before.