upgrading graphics card

[W1976]

Hi i'm trying to find out if a GTX 950 oc 2gbddr5 graphics card is compatible with my HP Pavilion Elite HPE-575a pc if anyone can shed some light on this it be very much appreciated

[old_geekster · Accepted solution]

@W1976, welcome to the forum.

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@W1976 wrote:

Hi i'm trying to find out if a GTX 950 oc 2gbddr5 graphics card is compatible with my HP Pavilion Elite HPE-575a pc if anyone can shed some light on this it be very much appreciated

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No, the GTX 950 requires UEFI in the motherboard instead of a standard BIOS.  HP didn't begin using UEFI until mid-October, 2012.  There is no way to upgrade the motherboard to UEFI.  The last video cards not to require UEFI were the GTX 660/670's.  I suggest that you choose a manufacturer and contact their Tech Support for help with choosing the best card for your system.

You would also have to upgrade the power supply unit (PSU).  It is only 300W.  Most of the newer cards require at least 400W to operate properly.  Even if the card's specs state at least 300W, members have reported that they needed at least 400W.

Please click the Thumbs up + button if I have helped you and click Accept as Solution if your problem is solved.

[W1976]

I have updated the bios for my hp pc to latest version 7.15 so it does have UEFI now but the motherboard only has 1.0 pci express slot and the GTX950 uses pci 3.0 but is backward compatable to pci 2.0 but not 1.0 so I'm thinking of upgrading the motherboard to a new one to an asus Z170 which has the same chip socket as my original motherboard will that work

[W1976]

PSU has been upgraded to 500w also

[old_geekster]

Thank you for the additional information, @W1976.

The 7.xx BIOS do not have UEFI.  It would have to be a 8.xx and Win 8.  Therefore, you will still have to find a video card that is compatible with a Legacy BIOS.

[W1976]

If I upgraded to windows 8 will the bios change to 8.xx what it needs to be or stay the same? ? Starting to sound like I might have to put up with the original card crashing every now and then till I can afford a new gaming pc probably the best idea any way should I take out the 500w psu and put the original psu back into my pc ?? Or is ok to leave it installed will it cause any damage. I'll be returning the card to where I purchased it from

[old_geekster]

@W1976

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@W1976 wrote:
If I upgraded to windows 8 will the bios change to 8.xx what it needs to be or stay the same? ?  No, this is not possible.  This upgrade has to be done at the factory.

Starting to sound like I might have to put up with the original card crashing every now and then till I can afford a new gaming pc probably the best idea any way should I take out the 500w psu and put the original psu back into my pc ??  This is not necessary.  The computer will only use the amount of power necessary to run properly.  The additional power is used during peak times.  In fact, your games may not even crash with the extra power.  As an old gamer, I can tell you that you would be blown away how well your games would run with one of HP's least expensive gaming computers.  I am using a HP Phoenix 860-170VR Gaming Computer.  I can play any new games on Ultra.  They run as smooth as butter.

Or is ok to leave it installed will it cause any damage. I'll be returning the card to where I purchased it from  See above explanation of why you can leave the new PSU installed.

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Please click the Thumbs up + button if I have helped you and click Accept as Solution if your problem is solved.

[W1976]

Think you might be right on the extra power my pc seems to be a lot more stable now original card hasn't crashed once yet touch wood 🙂 but haven't played any games as yet haven't had the time so thank you for all of your info you have been the only one that has really been able to help me so thank you so much definitely will not be going back to the pc store where I bought the new card from for advice I'll ask you instead

[old_geekster]

You are welcome, @W1976.  I am glad to help.