video card upgrade on Pavilion 550-215nl

[Giomas]

Hello, anyone tried with success to upgrade the video card on Pavilion 550-215nl ?  I read few cases of HW locked by bios so I'd like to avoid buying a video card before being sure that is compatible with this system.

My 550-215nl has a AMD radeon r5 330 (headless) installed.  From what I found on the internet its TDP should be 25W and my idea is to replace it with a nvidia card keeping same or closer TDP value.

thanks in advance!

[old_geekster · Accepted solution]

@Giomas , welcome to the forum.

You definitely can upgrade the video card.  However, the major problem that you will have is the power supply unit (PSU).  It is only 180w uATX.  It will have to be upgraded, also.  Most of the newer cards that would be better than what you have require a minimum of 300W.  I don't recommend less than 500W.  In smaller cases modular PSU's work better because they allow you to use only the cables that are absolutely necessary.  You will find that they cost a bit more money, but will save you money over time.

HP has their motherboards and other components made to their specifications.  This allows all of the components to work together.  A retail R5 330 would most likely not run with the 180W PSU.

Here is a HP Knowledge Base article that will help you choose a new video card:  https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Gaming-Knowledge-Base/Upgrade-Video-Card/ta-p/7447100

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

[Giomas]

Many thanks  for the reply. Unfortunately I cannot see the article, it lands me on a page with this message: "The article or comment you are trying to access is not available. "

[old_geekster]

You are welcome, @Giomas!  

Here is the link again:  https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Gaming-Knowledge-Base/Upgrade-Video-Card/ta-p/7447100

It opened for me.

[Giomas]

Thanks, again still have the same issue with the link but it's ok.

I found  some  details about the HP radeon r5 330 video card. HP declares <25W power consumption.

After testing various hw monitor programs I found that gpu-z reports it as 15W limited with +/- 20%.

Running some gpu-test Intel integrated graphics seems to consume about 13W, roughly can be compared to the radeon (I consider they work alternatively).

Indeed  there is no chance to keep that 180W PSU and as you mentioned a retail R5 330 would most likely not run with it.

[old_geekster]

You are very welcome, @Giomas!