What graphics cards are compatible with the HP Pavilion P6-2065UK?

[Savstre]

Hi, I want to upgrade my graphics card but want to first make sure that it is compatible with my system.

My specs are:

OS: Windows 10 Home 64-bit

CPU: Intel Core i7 2600 @ 3.4 GHz (up to 3.8 GHz turbo)

RAM: Hypertec PC3-10600 2 x 4GB (667 MHz) Dual-Channel DDR3

Motherboard: Foxconn 2ABF [H-CUPERTINO2-H61-uA TX (Cupertino2)]
BIOS: Brand - AMI, Version 7.13, Date 09/28/2011

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580 1.5GB
Displays: (1) Samung SyncMaster T200 @ 1680x1050 60Hz (only VGA working, connected via VGA to DVI-I dual link adapter) + (2) Hanns-G HZ194 @ 1600x900 60Hz (only VGA support, connected via VGA to DVI-I dual link adapter)

Storage: Western Digital WDC WD15AEDS-22P8B0 1.5TB (SATA)

Optical Drive: HP DVD-RAM GH80N

Audio: Realtek HD Audio

PSU: Thermaltake Hamburg 530W
Case: Cougar MG100

I previously had a AMD Radeon HD 5870 1GB installed which used to overheat. This GTX 580 can handle most games I play on low/medium/medium-high but there are some games which are more GPU intensive and/or require a bit more VRAM, hence the reason to upgrade. Before I buy a new GPU, I want to make sure it will work with my system, given that the motherboard is old and some new GPUs may not work with the old BIOS. I tested a friend's Zotac GTX 970 4GB but the system did not boot past the motherboard splash screen (blue HP start-up screen). I searched around and found an old forum thread but the links were outdated.

I want to keep this PC as is but upgrade the GPU to something more powerful to get the most out of it (and maybe add an SSD). Also, what other RAM can I upgrade to, as the ones I have now can only run at 667MHz, which does not seem that fast.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[wb2001]

@Savstre,

The specs and configuration of your unit can be found here.

Within these specs you will find the possible upgrades to both CPU and RAM.

Although your concise description is very commendable,  you left out the most important issue.

Your computer is circa 2011 (originally WIN 7) , and has no upgradeable BIOS. That is why the  GTX 900 series (having a UEFI vBIOS)  card did not work.  I ran some comparisons, and the GTX 660 is only a slight marginal increase. Finding that card used would be difficult. Save up, and get an HP 870 series gaming machine.

[Savstre]

@wb2001

Thank you for the reply. Just a quick question: Would my system be able to run with the GTX 680?

[wb2001 · Accepted solution]

@Savstre,

As you do need a BIOS based card, the GTX 680 meets that bill.  But the GTX 690 is better. Alas you'll need a 600W PSU (like the Corsair CX600 to power it.  If your hunting, go for the GTX 690,  as it's far superior to the GTX 680.  

GTX 680 vs GTX 690,  what a reality check.  

GTX 580 vs GTX 680   less wattage, almost equal stats.

GTX 580 vs GTX 690, but the 690 needs more power, superior stats.