Looking for Graphics Card for HP Compaq Pro 6300 SFF

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sapphiresiren

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Dec 27, 2014
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Hello!

I was just gifted last night by a generous friend with an HP Compaq Pro 6300 SFF. I'm looking for a dedicated video card besides the integrated graphics because I eventually wanted to do some video recording of console gameplay and/or just play games at a decent setting on my computer other than "shortest draw distance" or "fastest performance." (I usually play things like Minecraft or Steam games, and I don't need them at max settings. I'd just like to be able to run it on "medium" without much lag.) I also do a lot of artwork on Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. The computer has an Intel i5 Quad Core.

The specs for this PC (found here in PDF format) stated that I have basically four options due to the limited non-interchangeable/proprietary power supply of 240W:


  • AMD Radeon HD 6350
    AMD Radeon HD 7450
    Nvidia NVS 300
    Nvidia NVS 310
My questions are:


  • What is the best performing of these four for my needs?
    Is it even worth it to get a dedicated video card, or should I stick with the CPU integrated graphics?
Money is not a factor, as all of them are under $150. However, I do only have VGA and HDMI ports on my TV/my current monitor.

Any input is appreciated!

Thank you!
 
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hang-the-9

hang-the-9

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Mar 25, 2010
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If you want to record games and play anything past simple games on Medium, look for a power supply upgrade and then get a lower end gaming card. Of the card you pocked, none of them are worth more than $30-40 never mind $150.

Try this, remove the hard drive from where it is under the power supply along with the caddy for it. Will a square power supply fit there now? If yes, remove the DVD drive, get a 5.25 to 3.5" adapter and install the hard drive where the DVD was, then get a small power supply that will fit like http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Bestec-CFH-320AWWA-320W-Power-Supply-HP-Compaq-611484-001-Replacement-/291463023074?hash=item43dc8cc9e2:g:f7IAAOSwKIpWFDww

Then you can get a small form video card like the nVidia 750 and you will have pretty good game performance.

If you can only get the card you listed and can't upgrade the power supply, you may as well use the onboard video which would be as fast as any of those cards. Depending on what Intel i5 model you have.
First number is the PassMark video score, second is the overall rank.


Intel HD 3000 310 695
Radeon HD 7450 322 686
RADEON HD 6350 213 770

If you have anything in the i5 that's an HD3000 or faster, you may as well use the onboard video.
 
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sapphiresiren

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Dec 27, 2014
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My apologies for the late reply; I was busy the past couple days. Thank you so much for your research and input!

So I'm a bit confused now, being a total newbie to computer hardware specs/performance and all. I know I said that maybe the cards listed weren't worth it, but I actually logically can't think of why. Wouldn't ANY card boost overall performance? A graphics card "takes away" graphics processing from the CPU so it can do other things, correct? So then the CPU isn't as overloaded and can run games or record better than it would have otherwise. Kind of like the video card is additional processing power for just graphics. Am I mistaken in this line of thought? (I'm betting I am. Lol.)

I'm also not sure about doing that much modification to my computer. I really need the DVD drive, as silly as that might sound. I play audio CDs as well as running some programs off the disc. I suppose I could get by without, but it makes my life easier, and considering I have disabilities, I need it as easy as possible.

I was reading that the Nvidia 750 needs 60W of power max. Since my current PSU is 240W, the 320W one should easily be able to handle the additional 60W, correct? (Since there is an 80W difference between the two.) I assume you wouldn't list a card with an incompatible PSU, but I have to make sure. Can I also safely assume that an HP 320W supply like the one you listed also has the amperage to run that video card? If so, I may consider doing your solution and running the Nvidia 750.

I'm also seeing there's a 750 Ti, and I wonder if that would be any better.

My apologies for so many questions and assumptions. I'm still trying to learn.

EDIT: I forgot to hit "reply," and I really don't want my thread to die. I need to make a decision soon so I can ask for whatever hardware I need for Christmas.
 
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hang-the-9

hang-the-9

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Mar 25, 2010
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Your case has a special shaped power supply, it's like an L, to fit around the hard drive. Which is why to replace the power supply for a better video card you will need to re-locate the hard drive. You can get an external USB 2 DVD drive to use, but like I said, if you were looking at the cards you listed, you don't have to bother switching.

Not just any video card is better, if you add one that is slower and older tech than the one on the CPU die you are making things worse.

A 750 Ti is better, and is the fastest card you can get that is available without an external power plug, but it also generates more heat and is usually larger than a plain 750. In you case (as in PC case as well as "case"), you don't want to stuff a hotter card in there. Another option is to sell your computer and get one in a standard mini tower case or something that will fit a regular video card and power supply.
 
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sapphiresiren

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Dec 27, 2014
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I appreciate the help, but I'm still confused as to why getting a video card that performs better than the CPU, even slightly, wouldn't help overall performance. It would take the graphics load off the CPU, unless I'm wrong about this.

In any case, I think I'll stick to the 7450. I really don't want to do a major overhaul of my PC. But thanks anyway!
 
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hang-the-9

hang-the-9

Titan
Mar 25, 2010
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Up to you if you want to spend the money. Before you install it, install and run PassMark, note the score for video. Then run it again when the new card is in and see what the scores are. Unless you have a slower onboard video than the HD3000 you should not see any difference.
 
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