Upgrading the Graphics Card

[scr1tjl]

I am looking at upgrading the original graphics card (Eyefinity Radeon HD 7570) in my HP Envy H8-1534 Desktop that I bought back in 2013.  It current runs Windows 10, and outside of having to replace the hard drive that crashed about 5 years ago, there have not been any other problems. 

However, I have noticed that when watching YouTube or when the kids play video games that the fan on the card gets very loud.  I was looking at the ASUS GeForce GT 710 2GB GDDR5 Graphics card (I was recommended get a 2GB DDR5 card, and this one has a heatsink so there would be no loud fan). 

My questions are: is this card a good option?  Is there anything I need to be aware of when replacing the card (is it just plug and play)?

https://www.amazon.com/GeForce-GDDR5-Graphics-Graphic-GT710-SL-2GD5-CSM/dp/B073GF2CL6/ref=pd_ybh_a_2... 

[itsmyname]

@scr1tjl --  Is there anything I need to be aware of ?

1. any new video-card may have a requirement for more wattage than your current power-supply can produce;
2. any new video-card may have supplementary power-sockets, and your current power-supply may not have the connectors to supply such power;
3.  a very-loud fan on the video-card is a sign that the video-card is running "hot". You should investigate why. Having a better heat-sink still needs a good fan to move the heat to the exterior of the computer's case.
4. is the heat-sink on the current video-card clogged with dust? That could cause the video-card to run "hot".
5. is the fan on the current-card still spinning, or are its ball-bearings clogged by dust, slowing-down or stopping the fan?
6. the current disk-drive is 5 years old. If your automobile's tires were that old, and going "bald", would you replace it, either now, or in 1 or 2 years?
7. computers with Windows 11, and brand-new disk-drives, will be available in early 2022, or maybe before XMAS. So, do you want to spend your money updating your current disk-drive and video-card, or do you want to spend your money on a new, faster, Windows 11 computer, probably with a "better" video-card than your current one, and your proposed video-card?

So, maybe keep your computer until 2022, "as is", and then replace it.

[scr1tjl]

Thanks for the feedback.  There are certainly several things to consider. 

So hypothetically, if my plan is to continue using this Desktop PC and it would benefit from an upgraded graphics card, will the Asus GeForce GT 710 2GB card work when I plug it in?  (Will the current PC support DDR5 and the power requirements?...that's what I am having a hard time getting a definitive answer to)

[Prométhée]

Hello
if it's your computer

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03639067
it is specified power supply:

Internal 460W (100V-240V)

Check, but if this is the model of graphics card you have found, it is mentioned:

https://www.asus.com/fr/Motherboards-Components/Graphics-Cards/ASUS/GT710-SL-2GD5/

300 W

so ok

Memory is card memory, so don't worry about that, it must work 2GB GDDR5
if not, it is a small card, don't expect something powerful, you may have problems with some type of games

If there is no fan, it is because it should not heat very much, but to see if the computer has a good cooling.

attention, this is for information, we can not guarantee the operation of a graphics card x on a computer y
At least for myself, I would never say to a user, that yes, it is without problem, there is always a risk of incompatibility or other!

[scr1tjl]

Thanks for the input.  It sounds like it may be a trial and error project.  I am just hoping to make the PC better without spending a lot; knowing that the PC itself is getting old.  The tech guy at Best Buy recommended the GeForce GT1030 (2GB and DDR5), but it had a fan like the one Radeon 7570 that came with the PC...so I was gravitating to the GT 710 as it did not have the fan. 

FYI...the PC sits in a desk compartment...when the fan on the video card gets loud when playing games. etc.. we have to open the door and it gets quieter.

[slhall63]

Having the computer in a closed off place like that is not good.  That is why the fan comes on until you open the door and let cool air in.  Inside like that will make it heat up like it is doing.  Bad part is, it might even be making the CPU hotter also.  If it was me I would not get the card with no fan on it.  To me putting that card in your computer and closing it up inside that desk would really heat it up and burn it out.  Now this is only my way of thinking and what I would do.  I game a lot and I know that card you are thinking on getting will not run the games I play.  But I would make it so your computer gets more air and not closed off like that while gaming.  I hope this helps you some.

[Prométhée]

Yes, indeed, a computer must have enough space, and not be locked up.
If you want to improve it for games, indeed the 1030 is not the best.
Not long ago, I saw a user who had been told that he could install this type of graphics card, and indeed he noticed that it was not suitable.
Only, you may not be able to install something powerful, if your power supply does not allow it, and if you have a small budget.
See what the recommended configuration is for the most hungry game you own, or want!

[itsmyname]

@scr1tjl -- we have to open the door and it gets quieter

Can you cut a hole in the back of the desk, to allow the fans (power-supply and interior back-plane) to push the hot air through the back of the desk?

Also, maybe drill a few holes in the front door of the desk, to let more room-temperature air into the computer?

[scr1tjl]

Thanks.  The desk is one of those computer desks we bought a few years ago that has a compartment for the tower to go in with a door on it.  We suppose could look at taking the door off.  I would still ideally like to have a better graphics card...not sure if the GT 710 is it or not.  The back of the desk is mostly open...not sure if it's possible to add another internal fan, as we would also like it to be quieter...the card fan gets very loud when watching YouTube or the kids play Fortnite, and the screen will occasionally get a little jittery or momentarily freeze.

[scr1tjl]

Thanks...it may be able to handle the GT 710, power wise, but I probably needed to consider better air flow as well.