Upgrades for HP 550-153W

[ART1985]

Hi. I have always wanted to upgrade a PC and I recently purchased this desktop HP 550-153W at a good price. I have already upgraded the RAM to 16GB and I would like to put a good graphics card on it. However, I am not that tech savy.

I know I need at least 500 watt power supply. But I am not sure which ones are compatible. I also would like to know the best sub $300 graphics card I can put on it that fits the case and works well with the unit's specs.  Maybe these questions are too broad but I have no idea how to put it in simpler terms.

Thanks

[Tardis40 · Accepted solution]

Hi @ART1985,

Thanks for becoming a member of the HP Support Forums. I understand you have question about upgrading the video card. I will be glad to help you.

The computer you have only comes with a 180W power supply, As you said that would have to be changed.

The motherboard has a PCIe x16 Gen 3.0 port. this is the more command type for current video cards.

 As a HP employee I can not suggest a card.  But I can suggest you do a google search for  video card benchmark.  Look for the best four in your price range.  Then look at there specs for power requirements and size.  eg you can not fit a 10" card in without a conflict with the memory module.

Please keep me informed of how things went. 

If you require further assistance, let me know and I will gladly do all I can to help you.

Please let me know if this resolves the issue by marking this post as "Accept as Solution".
To simply say thanks, click the Thumbs up below! 🙂

Thanks.

[ART1985]

I have a related second problem:

I upgraded my Power Supply, GPU and RAM. Everything runs very well. However, I am concered because the machine is growing hot in the upper part of the case when playing graphically intensive games like Rocket League or Battlefield 4. The power supply's fan is at the bottom of the fan (with the PSU being top mounted) and the GPU's fan is looking up, thus the heat from the GPU and the PSU seem to meet in the middle and outside of the vents on the PSU itself there are no vents in the upper part of the case. The case has vents on the lower side and also a fan that shoots air out at the bottom.  This fan and the vents on the side are always very cool.  Is this normal? What can I do to improve ventilation? I thought about taking off the metal cap/thing in the other expansion slot and leaving it open but I am concerned of dust and other things coming in. Does HP sell other case doors or something with more vents on them?

Thanks

[Tardis40]

Hi @ART1985,

It will heatup when playing games.  If you wish can look at pci slot cooling fan to help remove heat for about $6-$14.

Hope this helps. If have any other question I will be glad to help.