Guide to video card compatibility?

[Tubbs43]

My old system has an AMD FX-8100 2.8GHz processor. Is there a guide to newer video cards that won't seriously bottleneck this processor?  For instance, the GTX-1050 or -1060?

[DavidSMP]

Hi @Tubbs43,

Good Day! Thanks for stopping by the HP forums. I read your post about graphics card upgrades for the computer. I will be delighted to assist you with this. 

Fabulous diagnosis and superb analysis of the issue before posting.  Kudos to you on that score.  It is always a privilege to work with technical specialists like you. 

You are a valued HP customer and it is paramount to assist you here. We greatly appreciate you for doing business with HP. I take it as a privilege to share this platform with you. 

For better clarity and to assist you better I would require more information regarding this.

• As there are 3 or 4 HP Elite H-8 pavilion desktop models I would require the exact model# and product# of the unit to answer this question.
• Have you checked the product specifications of the  GTX-1050 or -1060?

• With this information, I would be better equipped to answer your question about the graphics card upgrade and give you a correct picture.

Hope this helps.   I genuinely hope the issue gets resolved without hassles and the unit works great.   Please reach out for any issues and I'll always be there to assist you always. 

To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help.

 If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles. 

Take care now and have a splendid week ahead. 

[Tubbs43]

Thanks for the reply! Here's my system info:"

HP Pavilion Elite h8-1150z
Product number: QC45BAV

I suspect, based on the CTO info on this particular machine, that video card upgrade is pretty limited. I'm not even sure the power supply has the capacity or proper cabling to support today's higher end cards.  But it would be great to find out for sure!

David

[DavidSMP · Accepted solution]

Hi @Tubbs43,

I read the response comprehensively. Superb troubleshooting and spectacular deductions. Hats off to you on that score. 🙂  

First off, you hit the nail on its head. The computer’s bios and power supply connectors could be old for today’s modern graphics card and the GTX 1050 may not be supported because of the bios version.Brilliant work. 🙂

 When you buy a graphics card a lot of factors come into play.

• The form factor of the card and the expansion slot involved on the motherboard to house the card.
• The power supply for the card should be good enough to power the card.
• The power connectors of the power supply should be compatible with the graphics card.
• The PCI-E slot involved for housing the card.
•  The bios version of the computer.

The supported graphics card for your computer is a limited white list that I gathered from the product specifications of the computer: http://support.hp.com/us-en/product/HP-Pavilion-HPE-h8-Desktop-PC-series/5146418/model/5155346/docum...

• GeForce GT 530 (2 GB)
• GeForce GT 545 (3 GB)
• GeForce GTX 550i (1 GB)
• GeForce GTX 580 (1.5 GB)
• Radeon HD 6570 (1 GB)
• Radeon HD 6670 (1 GB)
• Radeon HD 6850 (1 GB)

You could order these from HP parts store if they are available.

Link for HP part surfer: http://partsurfer.hp.com

HP part store link: https://parts.hp.com/hpparts/CountryChoice.aspx?mscssid=&ccode=ZZ&lcode=ZZ

Now, these are cards that are definitely supported by the computer. You could order them by contacting HP parts store, Amazon, eBay or a local Best Buy or Staples store

The power supply of the unit could be 300W, 460 Watt or 600W which is good enough for a GTX 1050 card.  But you need to check if the power connector is compatible with it.

.

Link for motherboard specifications: http://support.hp.com/us-en/product/HP-Pavilion-HPE-h8-Desktop-PC-series/5146418/model/5155346/docum...

Link for Upgrading and Servicing Guide: http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c02871896

• Please note that HP does not recommend upgrading either the operating system or the computer’s hardware as the components that were initially installed with the unit are certified by HP for optimal performance.
   
• However, as you are very technically inclined, I would still request you to consult a local technician like Best Buy or Staples before proceeding to upgrade the graphics card on the PC as it should work correctly.

So finally, GTX 1050 on paper looks like being supported. However, please consult a local technician to ensure that the card works correctly with the computer before the upgrade considering the bios involved.

GTX 1050 specs: http://www.nvidia.in/graphics-cards/geforce/pascal/gtx-1050/#redirected

Trust me I’ve done all I can to assist you by keeping your best interest in mind. I genuinely hope the unit works great and stays healthy for a long time to come. It has been an absolute privilege to have shared this platform with you. Going by the troubleshooting and copious diagnosis and investigations conducted by you, I am sure Sherlock Holmes couldn't have done any better. 🙂

To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help.

If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles. :)Do take care, stay healthy, keep smiling big and do have a blessed year ahead. 🙂

[Tubbs43]

Wow -- a quite comprehensive reply.  Fabulous work and thanks!  (It appears I need a new computer... ;-))

dr

[DavidSMP]

Hi @Tubbs43,

It has been a fabulous experience working with you. 🙂 I thank you greatly for accepting this as a solution. 🙂 You've been simply amazing with your technical expertise and thanks again for giving me the privilege to share this platform with you. 🙂

I hope the things work great for you. 🙂

To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help.  

Please take care, stay healthy, keep smiling big and do have a blessed year ahead. 🙂