Question about upgrading Omen 45L GPU (4090->5090)

[Roymus99]

Well, it didn't work.  I can't get the current 4090 card out to save my life.  For one thing, the posted video for removing the graphics card from the 45L is COMPLETELY different than what is actually there.  There's a long metal retainer that has to be removed.  I finally got that out, but when I tried to depress the lever to remove the card (firmly but gently pressed), it broke off!  Apparently there's some other kind of screw(s) holding it on that's IMPOSSIBLE to see or remove.

I'm giving up on this for now, but I have to say I'm pretty frustrated as the GPU assembly is completely different than your official site video for the 45L, and I can't seem to find any other help with this on your site or elsewhere.  It appears this request has transformed into an official warranty claim, how can I get help?  Thanks!

[Bill_To]

Greetings @Roymus99 

I don't work for HP or the HP Forum. I am an independent volunteer.

Sorry to see you had a problem removing the graphics card.

The HP video I directed you to is accurate for the specific 45L configuration used in the video.

Please review our entire conversation again.

In this thread I previously suggested you might want to have a local PC Tech do this graphics card upgrade.

I also stated upgrading a graphics card is not as easy as installing RAM or installing a second SSD,

Then I stated it would very difficult to find someone having the exact 45L configuration you have who has upgraded to the exact 5090 you want to install.

I have been building PCs since 1997. I have broken some stuff along the journey.

Some mistakes can be very expensive to correct if you have to replace the broken component.

You learn from your mistakes.

Regards

[Roymus99]

I appreciate the quick response, and I do realize you're just trying to be helpful and I also appreciate that.  However, as you asked me to review the thread, I should also point out the following:

While I of course don't hold you responsible for the trouble I'm having (and the possible additional costs I might incur, although my PC is still under warranty), I will say that your advice and the aforementioned video both influenced me to attempt this upgrade myself (note that you indicated several times that fitment shouldn't be a problem, and that the video you posted should be an accurate guide). 

You referred me to this video as a useful guide to replacing the GPU for the 45L, and even asked me again if I'd watched it.  You didn't indicate that there are different configurations of the 45L, and that my configuration might be substantially different than the one in the video.

As I've said, I'm not completely inexperienced, and have completed upgrades of most components (hard drives, memory, sound/video cards, etc.) on many of my own PCs in the past.  Based on my experience, I can say that the way the stock GPU is mounted effectively prevents anyone without special tools/training from removing it.  I'd suggest that in this specific area (GPU upgrades) you may need to do some additional research before advising others...I understand that you don't work for HP or this forum, however you do present yourself as an expert.

Again, I apologize if any offense was taken.  Certainly none is intended, again I realize you're only trying to help...in fact, you might still be able to help me.  Can you suggest a way to get an updated video or PDF from HP to address replacing the GPU of my configuration?  Alternatively, given that my PC is still under warranty under an in home service plan, can you suggest the best and fastest way to schedule a warranty repair (or even a fee based maintenance call) using this site?

Thanks again...Roy

[Bill_To]

Greetings Ray,

Installing any 5090 available for retail sale at this time, in the 45L case, would not pose a fitment problem.

I did tell you to measure and verify.

Again, the HP video I directed you to is accurate. And the video is a useful guide to be used to accomplish the task.

I am not offended. 

I told you to have a local PC tech do the upgrade if you were unsure about doing the upgrade.

HP only provides videos showing how to remove and replace factory components for a typical PC configuration.

I know of no video HP might have created to explain, in detail, how to upgrade a video card for your specific 45L or any HP PC for that matter.

I have no special HP contact information other than the contact options provided by HP at This HP Site.

Regards

[Roymus99]

Thanks again, but just to clarify:  the issue is not fitment (i.e. measuring would have done nothing).  The new card should fit; I simply can't remove the old one.  And again just to clarify:  the video is accurate ONLY for the specific configuration of the 45L in that video.  It's worse than useless for my configuration, as it leads you to believe the process will be much easier than it actually is.  The problem is purely mechanical...too much steel and too many screws.

My guess is that the video was meant for the original 45L config, and it's been updated a lot since then...in fact, there may be multiple configurations.  All I know is that there are at least two retaining brackets on my rig, both metal with multiple hard to get at screws, and the card is simply not coming out without special tools/techniques.  My response was only to suggest that you mention this issue of multiple 45L configurations and additional retaining brackets when responding to posts like mine in the future (and I'm guessing there's going to be more now that the 5090 is available).  Cheers...

Roy

[Bill_To]

Greetings @Roymus99 

My pleasure.

It's not good to see any damage occurring when removing or replacing components. But it sometimes happens.

I have broken some stuff, from fans up to a few MBs here and there, since 1997; not so much over the last ten to 15 years, thank GxD.

I have built and sold a lot of PCs over the years. I had to eat the cost of replacing the damaged components. It's tough to maintain a profitable operation when you break stuff so you learn fast or you go out of business.

Did you remove the MB side access panel to check for additional sag bracket retention screws?

Have you carefully examined the GPU PCIe x16 retention latch? The latch can, sometimes, be reattached to the MB if it is not completely damaged. I've fixed GPU retention latches in the past.

I don't work on many HP PCs. I have never had a hands on 45L experience. However, HP sells the 45L case as a stand alone part because industry standard components (retail: MBs and power supplies) work with this case.

I do know HP goes the extra mile to secure the Graphics Card so it does not come loose during shipping. That's a good thing.

You still might consider having a local PC Tech take a look.

It would be difficult to cover every pitfall one may encounter when upgrading an OEM  PC.

OEM PC manufacturers may not honor warranty service if the PC has been modified in any way. Warranty service only applies to OEM components installed by the OEM at the factory.

Damage caused as a result of doing an upgrade would probably not be covered under the warranty agreement between the OEM and the consumer. 

The user has to accept the risk involved when self upgrading a PC under warranty. A reputable local PC Tech should cover incidental or consequential damage relating to the work performed by the Tech.

Regards

[Roymus99 · Accepted solution]

Thanks, I actually took the rig to Micro Center.  For $60 I was able to get the card replaced, and more importantly they removed the extra steel retention bracket that was holding the card in.  I can see now that the stock 4090 had an extra anti sag bracket bolted on, in addition to the two retention brackets (I'd say that HP went a little above and beyond in their efforts to prevent shipping damage).  I should be good to go now, will let you know if there are any other questions.  Thanks again, clicking Reply Helpful 🙂

[Bill_To]

Greetings @Roymus99 

My pleasure.

Good to see you had Micro Center upgrade the graphics card.

Also good to see you took my advice.

You chose the correct course of action.

Enjoy the 5090.

Regards

[Kvnhnh]

Good evening, I come from Germany, and luckily got a 5090 TUF, and have the same Omen 45L, does the new GPU work with you without problems? Could you use the old power PSU, I'm a little worried about the power plug

[Bill_To]

Greetings @Kvnhnh 

Welcome to the HP Forum.

You should start a new thread for the best results.

An Nvidia reference 5090 requires a minimum 950 watt power supply.

Having a power supply with a native Nvidia 16 pin connection is a plus.

The Nvidia 16 pin connector has had some problems resulting in graphics card damage and PSU damage.

It is suggested to ensure this connector is fully seated at the 5090 and the PSU.

It is also suggested to avoid extreme bends close to both connection endpoints.

Regards