Guide for Selecting a Discrete Video Card

[JTrumba]

Hello again and thanks for your time. When I ran the MSINFO32 it says my BIOS version is AMI 80.16 5/12/2014. I was looking around and wanted to know if either of these cards would work in my system with the stock 300w PSU

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487024&cm_re=gtx_750_ti-_-14-487-024-_-Prod...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487025&cm_re=750_ti-_-14-487-025-_-Product

[Big_Dave]

Hi JTrumba,

Either one of the two EVGA 750 graphics cards should work.  However, check the HP Support site for BIOS updates before you proceed with the installation. If you do have installation issues then review the below HP posted information.

HP Secure Boot Windows 8 Topics   Computer Does not Start After Installing a Video Card (Windows 😎

[Rawkstar]

I am looking for a new GPU that is compatible with my unit that I bought from Bestbuy, HP Pavilion HPE h8-1227 Desktop - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) . But I need to know if the GPU will physically fit inside my CPU, and that GPU is compatible with my OS/Mobo.

See link for my exact CPU: http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03363686

I did some reading on this site, see links below, and found some good info. Apparently, not all GPUs are compatible and stock HP CPUs can be picky and not boot after a new GPU installation – usually caused by BIOS problems. Ex: EVGA 750 ti is incompatible link: http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Hardware/new-graphic-card-EVGA-Geforce-gtx-750-ti-failing-on-HP...

Anyhow, a HP Expert Named Big_Dave found that the MSI N750 ti (link below) seems to work best for the bulk of stock HP CPUs as the MSI N750 ti GPU has a hybrid BIOS capability that can be switched to allow compatibility with legacy and UEFI BIOS PCs.

Link to HP Expert Big_Dave

 http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Hardware/Graphics-card-for-MS-7613-Iona-GL8E/m-p/3922500#M80721

Link to MSI GAMING N750Ti TF 2GD5/OC G-SYNC

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127783

My questions are:

• Will the MSI 750 ti physically fit in my unit? (L x H) 9.84" x 5.04"      
• Will the MSI 750 ti physically work in my P Pavilion HPE h8-1227 Desktop?
• At the end of the day, due to the small size, I’d rather buy this EVGA http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487024, but am wondering if it is compatible with my CPU?

……Thank you in advance!!!!

(…below are the specs on my monitor in case it makes any difference…)

My Monitor Name Acer H274HL on AMD Radeon HD 7450 Current Resolution 1920x1080 pixels Work Resolution 1920x1050 pixels State Enabled, Primary, Output devices support Monitor Width 1920 Monitor Height 1080 Monitor BPP 32 bits per pixel Monitor Frequency 60 Hz Device \\.\DISPLAY1\Monitor0

[Big_Dave]

Hi Rawkstar,

Most graphics cards under 10.5" should fit in your PC. However, review this posted document at the top of this thread that depicts measuring just to be sure.

Know what the return policy is before you buy.

If you search this forum, you will find many posts where issues have been discovered with the NVIDIA GTX 750 and HP PCs with a version 7 BIOS.  HP has not and probably will not post a version 8 BIOS for your PC as it is well past two years old.  Stick with the MSI graphics cards that I have referenced in many posts.  If you have doubts with the EVGA GTX 750 then contact EVGA for advice.

[Rawkstar]

Hi Big_Dave,

Thank you for your prompt response, I totally appreciate it!

...I looked into return policies, they are dismal across the board - (tiger, egg, ncix, etc). They don't take back GPUs that arent compatible with customers CPUs; not their problem.

Sigh, so it’s basically a crapshoot.

I didn’t realize that bios 7 was worse than 8. I read your great posts on the MSI 750ti that has a legacy switch and thought that it would be the cure for my needs. In your experience, since I'll likely be keeping whatever I buy, whether it works for me or not, do the MSI 750ti with the legacy switches work well for my old bios 7? Or am I better to run away from the idea of the MSI 750s altogether?

My last ditch effort is to go for a Radeon 7770 etc, do you know if these old 7 series Radeons have a higher probability of being compatible with my bios? I’ll do anything do get more than my current lowst setting 20FPS, even 40FPS would be a world of improvement.

Let me know your thoughts - thanks again.

Sincerely,

Confused newb

[Big_Dave]

Hi Rawkstar,

I do remember that one or more posters on this forum claimed to have claimed success using the MSI GTX 750 that I had referenced.

Recheck the New egg return policy for the MSI GTS 750 graphics card that I had referenced. I just checked and it was a Standard VGA Return Policy. (money back if returned within 30 days of invoice date)

[Rawkstar]

...great, thank you again so kindly - I will give it a shot and post the outcome. I am aware of the risks, but I think that I have a pretty darn good chance at success!

Cheers

[Rawkstar]

Hi Big Dave, I just wanted to let you know that the MSI GAMING N750Ti TF 2GD5/OC G-SYNC works perfectly!!!  Installation, including revoval of old card, took maybe 7 mins.         

I am sooooooo pleased, my FPS went from 15-24fps to an average of 80+ fps. HUGE Difference!!! 

...I installed it on legacy mode from the beginning and it worked without any hiccups, (Legacy mode is achieved by flicking the switch on the card).

Thanks again & all the best.

Rawk

[Big_Dave]

@Rawkstar 

Thanks for getting back to us with your success.:smileyhappy:  That's a huge change in performance!:smileytongue:

[cbayley]

Hey,

I have the HP Pavilion HPE h9 series, currently with the Nvidia GE GT 630 installed (I upgraded when I ordered the pc, so I haven't upgraded since then). I've been bitten once trying to buy a graphics card only to find that my motherboard wasn't compatible (internet tells me it's HP's proprietary Fomosa?). So, I'm looking for help here.

I'm running DirectX 11, my bios is 7.1. I'm looking for FPS performance and settings upgrades for PC Gaming. I want to be able to run Assassin's Creed Black Flag at more than 24 FPS, and I want to make sure I can get Dragon Age Inquisition to run at mid to high settings. 

My price limit is >$300. For that price and with my motherboard, what's the best performance card I can get?