Trying to find GPU that will work with DC 7900

[NixonShaun]

I have a DC 7900 with Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 @ 3.16 Ghz with 4 Gigs of memory.  this PC runs windows 7 or 10 64bit fine, and flies using Ubuntu 18.04 LTS (dual boot).

I have installed the latest bios v01.27 Rev.A  (Nov 27, 2015)

I know this is an older PC , I want to add a GPU to this rig.  When watching live TV through my HDhomerun  the PC has to transcode the .TS transport stream video signal and this will run that CPU at 100%.

Hope to reduce the load on the CPU by adding a GPU but not sure what GPU's this board will support.

any help would be appreciated.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

I would go with the AMD Radeon HD 6450. It should work in either the CMT or SFF.

I believe this model comes with the low profile mounting brackets for the SFF.

https://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Radeon-PCI-Express-Graphics-100322L/dp/B004WYV8Z6/ref=sr_1_1?keyword...

It is low power and should work with the 240W power supply if you have the SFF.

You cannot add a video card to the USDT.

[NixonShaun]

Hi Paul,

Do you know if the Radeon Saphire you mentioned will work with Plex, that's what powers my HDhomeun live TV.

I had recently purchased a Nvidia GTX 1050, installed it and could not update past driver 391.  Nvidia forums let me know it was a fake card with BIOS flashed to look like a GTX 1050,  the 390 drivers are not supported by Plex, their transcoder needs at least driver 418 or higher.  Of course the price of the Radeon is very affordable.

Would the DC 7900 support a GTX 1050 which I think was released in 2016?  is there any other Nvidia card that would work in this PC?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

I am concerned that any nvidia card beyond the GT 6xx model series will not work in the dc7900 because it has a legacy BIOS.

If you have the CMT can you find a used but tested and working GT 6xx model that would work with the 365W power supply?

If you have the SFF, you won't find any decent card that will work with the 240 W power supply.

Unfortunately, I wouldn't know what cards would work with Plex, but I can tell you that the HD 6450 is a legacy card and the newest W10 AMD driver for it is from late 2015.

[NixonShaun]

Thanks Paul.

The legacy bios info is helpful.

I will ask on the Plex forums and see what gpu folks with legacy bios are using.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.