How do I Install a graphics card on a machine with No Graphics

[CKZ777]

Hi, Because of an inaccurate description, I purchased a (Windows 10) HP Z440 Workstation with No Graphics. I have never had a PC without any graphics and thus no way to attach a monitor. Due to their error, the company I purchased it from sent me a GeForce 8400 GS graphics card. I installed the card and turned the machine on, but it immediately starts beeping and flashing red lights. I figure it needs the driver for the card. My question is how do I install a graphics driver without being able to see what the computer is asking? 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Normally when you install a non-HP graphics card in any HP PC that comes with W8 and newer, you have to go into the BIOS, enable legacy mode and disable secure boot.

And since you can't see any display, I have no idea what you need to do, other than have the company send you one of the supported HP graphics cards that would 'plug and play.'

The nVidia GS 8400 is definitely not one of the supported video cards for that model.

You would need one of the video cards with the HP part numbers listed on pp 11 - 12 of the quickspecs document at the link below.

http://www8.hp.com/h20195/v2/GetPDF.aspx/c04400038.pdf

I had no idea there were z### workstations that did not come with onboard graphics.

[CKZ777]

I had no idea computers were sold without some type of video either.

I am making progress. I bought an nvidia k620 (one of the ones on the supported list) and installed it this morning connected via dvi to dvi. The video is really awful, fuzzy and a really nice puke green. It is really difficult, but thankfully not completey impossible, to make out words. I was able to get the driver installed from the provided CD. Setup for the card wanted to go to the Internet to get the latest driver, but I do not want to take the chance of Windows 10 deciding to update itself, while I'm trying to get the video working. After the install, the video did not change, still fuzzy and green. I tried a restart which didn't help. I went into settings it is really difficult to see to make changes. Plus, I'm really not all that familiar with Windows 10. (My workhorse PC is still Windows 7.) I'm thinking maybe the fuzz is resolution, but after playing a couple hours, I had other things to do today beside mess with this currently expensive doorstop. I also downloaded the latest nvidia driver so I will install that probably Monday since I have other things to do tomorrow.

The card also has a displayport output, which since it is HPs might be a better way to go when first installing the card, but I don't have a monitor with a displayport input. I tried using the displayport from the card via adapters that came with the card to go to VGA, but nothing appeared on the monitor. I also used a display port to dvi cable with the same result. It was like there was nothing connected to the monitor.

Any thoughts?

[CKZ777]

By-the-way, I did not buy the card from HP. I really hope that is not a requirement!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

If you got the card installed without the PC beeping at you, then you are fine.

Why you have the lousy graphics, unfortunately that I do not know.

Even with no driver installed the colors should be somewhat normal.

Only the resolution should be off (fuzzy).

I've only used a display port cable from the output to a display port monitor input-- both DP.

I never used a DVI to display port cable, but that should have worked normally since they both output digital video.