Which Graphics Cards can be used to upgrade my computer

[DiaryYuriev]

I recently purchased an HP Envy desktop and I wish to upgrade the graphics card soon. I simply want to ask which graphics cards are compatible with my PC to avoid damaging the system. 

[Grzwacz]

Hi

This is a tough question to answer without knowing what you want to do with a better graphics card.

You will not damage your new PC if you install the new graphics card correctly.

The general limitations are as follows:

1. Required power supply to run the new graphics card and,

2. Dimensions of the new graphics card.

You must measure along the PCIe x16 slot to determine maximum card length.

Verify you can install a dual slot graphics card.

Compare the vendor's (EVGA, Asus, Zotac, MSI) recommended minimum power supply requirement to the HP factory installed power supply to see if you also need to upgrade the power supply.

Tom

[Big_Dave]

Hi,

HP has provisioned the 750-5xx series with different power supplies.

Open up your PC and look for an auxiliary PCIe 6 pin power connector.  Does your PC have this connector?

[DiaryYuriev]

There are just a couple games I'd like to run at higher resolution. XCOM 2 and Civilization V specifically. And, to upgrade, I wanted the graphics card that would offer the path of least resistance. As few new pieces as possible.

[Grzwacz · Accepted solution]

Hi

Your PC ships with a 300 watt power supply.

This will limit your graphics card upgrade options.

You can go to an Nvidia 1050 Ti.

You would have to check specific game requirements to see if the 1050 will give you good frame rates.

Going to an Nvidia 1060 or above will require a power supply upgrade if you have a 300 watt power supply per HP specs for your system.

Single fan cards will fit in your PC. Dual fan cards are 10.5 inches or greater. You will have to verify you can install a dual fan graphics card in your PC.

Tom

[Big_Dave]

@Grzwacz

HP does have some PCs with a 300 watt PSU that supports graphics cards with a six pin auxiliary power connector, hence the question for the OP to examine the PC for the this type of connector for at least the last year in some markets.  I was surprised to learn about this myself and it was confirmed by HP internal.

[Grzwacz]

Hi Big_ Dave

Thanks for the info.

I am looking at various vendor recommended power supply requirements for Nvidia or AMD graphics cards.

The 1060 and higher Nvidia graphics cards require a minimum 400 watt power supply.

AMD makes great cards. But AMD cards usually require higher wattage power supplies. This is why I recommend Nvidia graphics cards. Nvidia graphics card upgrades seem to be a better fit in HP uATX systems.

Bigger is not always better. The law of diminishing returns sets in.

Tom

[Big_Dave]

@Grzwacz

There is a big difference between a 90%+ platinum rated PSU and PSU that is unrated in the range of 60-70%.  A properly tapped 300 watt PSU that is 90%+ efficiency can probably handle supplying the necessary wattage for a 6 pin auxiliary connector and surely can supply 75 watts to a PCIe x16 slot.  Most of the newer PCs don't have a  CPU socket TDP of 125-150 watts but more like 65 watts max.

Graphics card manufacturers look at a long list of issues when determining the minimum PSU recommendation which includes older less efficient PSUs.

[Pete_thedopest]

I would go with a 1050ti single fan. Anything above that you will have to upgrade the power supply and risk it not fitting inside your PC. Plus the prices of gpu’s Are dropping right now so it’ll be a good upgrade for a good price