Upgrading power supply?

[Strobe]

I am considering installing a graphics card into my HP computer (ProDesk 400 G3 Microtower), and decided to open it up to see what kind of video cards I can install. I was aware that my ProDesk uses a 180W power supply (which is way too low for most graphics cards. However, I came across unfamiliar connectors on my motherboard, despite this PC using what appears to be a standard 180W power supply. Is it possible to upgrade the power supply to the 300W PSU this type of computer also comes in?

[erico]

HP Microtower desktop PC's use a specific  format of the size and shape of the PSU and  connectors for the Microtower units that are different than the ATX style that you may be used to seeing. 

Yes, you can order and use the optional HP 300W PSU as replacement for the original 180W unit.

The downside is that 300W  PSU is really not enough for most powerful video cards. Most require 400W or more.

You will probably find the following manuals quite useful.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04887112

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04830838

HP PartSurfer

http://partsurfer.hp.com/

[Woodwood]

All over the hardware service manual  hardware service manual esp p137 is the implication that the PSUs listed therel are interchangeable.  Also in the HP  support pages for this model(s) under 'uprades' (search on the internet is the quickest way to get to correct page) there are listed about 3 to 4 recommended graphics cards.  http://www8.hp.com/us/en/products/desktops/product-detail.html?oid=7638325#!tab=oas (graphics card upgrades for the ProDesk 400 G3 Microtower)

If you need a different graphics card, check how much power your system  will need  usually the card manufacturer will have a recommended power, and this is a good tool http://outervision.com/power-supply-calculator (the basic version is free; I'm no longer sure about the expert one)

Verify the the card will physically fit in your case and the the power connectors are compatible with your PSU.

I am not sure if the HP PSUs are of any standard; they may not be because of thhe size of you case. (The following only applies if you are thinking of using a third party PSU)  Measure the dimensions of your existing PSU.  Check these dimensions against the dimensions of your suspects (ATX important dimension is 86mm x 150mm x (length).  Check if the length including wires will fit into the space available  this might constrain what PSUs and powers are available to you.  Also beware that the 86x150 dimension is nominal. I have a PSU of the 'size'  that doesn't quite fit into the hole provided provided for it, which is the same 'size' and another where the cutout in the case obstructs the mains socket coaming.

Lastly ensure that you have adequate ventilation for new heaters  (PSU, graphics card).  This research should be carried out before you make a purchase.  Check whether your 'suspeect' graphics card will ofver better performancr than the onboard or integrated.  Intel have been developing the integration of graphics hardware into the CPU in later CPUs.

So the short answer to your exact question is "yes"

Woodwood

3.April.2016

http://support.hp.com/ph-en/document/c04850040#AbT5