upgrading HP envy phoenix 860-019

[simono93]

Hi

here's my PC, it is advised on the hp website as fully and easily customizable with more powerful parts. 

http://h20386.www2.hp.com/CanadaStore/Merch/Product.aspx?id=N0A72AA&opt=ABL&sel=DTP&jumpID=ps_r11638...

I want to upgrade the GPU (GTX 960), the cooler and the PSU. I opened the case for the first time today, and I was surprised by what i found.

Firstly the GPU looks incredibly small, and looks nothing like what I pictured it before. It doesn't have the "hard case" outside as seen in the typical GPUs, instead it's only a fan on a card. See screenshot below.

Secondly I'm very shocked to see that there is barely any space left, the inside seems crammed already. I was planning on buying a GTX 980Ti Strix, which is 1 inch longer than my current one in length, the same in height and width (however I'm not sure my GPU is as big as a normal GTX 960 with the external case).

Can anyone confirm that this is how a GTX960 is supposed to look like this in the PC? And also can I upgrade the components I'm hoping to upgrade?

inside the case

Thanks so much! 

[wb2001]

The card will fit. But it draws 250W, that's 130W over your existing card. Your going to need a min of 600W PSU.  I'd like to see a Corsair 650W TX series.  It's about 1 inch deeper into your case, but I see you have the room. You'll need to search for it.

[simono93]

Thanks so much! 

Yup I was planning on getting a new cooler and psu as well.

So you're 100% certain that the GTX 980 Ti card will fit?

[wb2001]

Cut yourself a piece of cardboard the same length of that card.  I did note it's 12.01 inches.  Your existing card is 9.5 inches.

See this guide.  You do understand that card draws 375W, and the max (on the forums) has been a 650W PSU.

Looking back on  this, the PSU situation might be the gorilla in the house that breaks this apart.  The original PSU is 500W max, and it's supplying 120W to the 960 card.  That leaves a margin of 350W.  If my math is correct, 350W + 375W exceeds any PSU that has been successfully installed in an HP chassis.  With this in mind, I have asked for more insight.  Expect another forum member @Big_Dave to jump into it.

[Big_Dave]

@simono93

You have been give good advice by @wb2001   I would suggest that you use a modular PSU such as the Corsair CS650m so that you can minimize the cable congestion.  The Corsair CS650m is the same physical size as the HP PSU so you will still be able to use the PSU cabinet frame latches.

I also suggest that you do some measuring inside as suggested by wb2001 so that you know for sure what size NVIDIA GTX 980 TI will fit.

BTW -- notice the the motherboard is a 9.4 by 9.4 verses the typical industry standard of 9.6 by 9.6.  Missing due to its reduced size are the extra PCI-E slots. However, I do like the two M.2 slots (although not documented very well).