Replacing broken graphics card in Pavilion HPE h9-1120a desktop (secure boot!!!).

[Jacques_A]

My nVidia GTX 580 that came with this product (Pavilion HPE h9 1120a) has broken, and I'm looking to replace it. Problem is, if I do so, it won't boot because of secure boot detecting a different graphics card. I don't have an iGPU, and I can't enter the BIOS to turn it off as the graphics card is not working.

So now I can't replace the graphics card and therefore can't use this PC because of this secure boot feature (my BIOS was 8.21 Revision A). 

[TheOldMan]

According to the spec page

https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-pavilion-hpe-h9-1100-phoenix-desktop-pc-series/5154893/model...

That PC has integrated video as long as the CPU is not ending with a P in the cat #.  That page indicates the CPU is Intel Core i7 3770, so the way I read it, you can remove the  GTX 580 and the integrated graphics should take over and give you the BIOS page.

When you state " I don't have an iGPU" I assume you are speaking about the integrated graphics.  Is the CPU different than the one listed?

[Jacques_A · Accepted solution]

It's come to my attention my PC might have an iGPU which has been disabled this whole time. In that case - do I take off the plastic cover that says do not remove, then remove the graphics card, and then use my PC. Will this work? And yes, I have an i7 3770. 

This is the black plastic cover I'm talking about on the motherboard DVI ports - https://i.imgur.com/9RsnhwF.jpg

[Jacques_A]

Thank you so much for that, now I have video. I assumed there was no iGPU for this model because  ports were sealed off and said 'do not cover', so I assumed it was using a base motherboard that it shared with other models and this specific one didnt have integrated graphics, and so they might have sealed/covered the ports for it, turns out it's just disabled while a GPU is active. 

In order to install my new GPU, I have to turn secure boot off, right? Thanks. 

[TheOldMan]

Yes, that is correct.  I assume they cover those ports and are marked that way is because they will not work with a graphics card installed.

Now for the next question - "In order to install my new GPU, I have to turn secure boot off, right?"

It depends on the make and model of graphics card you choose. 

See here:

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/IPMMB-FM-Formosa-motherboard-GP...

OR

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktops-Archive-Read-Only/HP-ENVY-h8-1409-IPMMB-FM-Formosa-1050-Graph...

OR - it states in several threads the GTX 1050, or 1060 should work just fine in that PC and with the existing power supply, without changing the BIOS setting .

[Jacques_A]

Currently, my settings are Legacy support: enabled and Secure boot: disabled.

1. Is it advisable to disable legacy support or is that not necessary (or is it in fact a bad thing to do). 

2. With those settings, will my motherboard be compatible with an Asus Geforce GTX 1660 Super? (I should probably make a new thread to address that card's compatibility). 

[TheOldMan]

While I have not tried these Geforce GTX 1660 graphics cards, I would think they will work much like the Geforce GTX 1060  or 1050 cards which should not need the BIOS to be in Legacy mode.  I would place the BIOS back in the Secure boot mode and then insert the new card and reconnect the monitor to the new card.

I do not think any harm will come either in Legacy mode or Secure boot mode, but it might cause the card to not work properly if it requires one of the other.  I would think if the new card requires one mode or the other, it would mention that in the directions on "How to" install.

[Jacques_A]

Update: The ASUS GTX 1660 Super worked without a hiccup, didn't need to change a thing it was just plug and play.

My settings were secure boot: off, legacy support: on, BIOS Version 8.21 (Revision A) on the IPMMB-FM (Formosa) if anyone else wants that information. 

[TheOldMan]

Glad to hear all is well.  Thanks for reporting back on a good outcome!!.