Adding a Graphics Card to an APU build

TheApuProblem · Dec 5, 2015

Hello guys,
My PC is a Acer Aspire x3470 with a bad APU in it...
Today I opened it to clean it all up...and discovered that there was a graphics card slot!
So what I am thinking is if my PSU of 220w will manage to keep up with a GPU that is better than my APU graphics...I might be able to make an upgrade.
But that's not the only problem

...
Knowing my case is slim, the width of my mini tower is 9cm max!
If anyone can find me a graphics card that has good performance, is quite compact and that doesn't need a lot of power, then I would be very thankful

Thanks in advance

Toni

COLGeek · Dec 5, 2015

You should be able to use something similar to this GPU:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sapphire-240-Graphic-Card-2GB/dp/B00I9GM5GO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449360517&sr=8-1&keywords=low+profile+r7+240

Absolutely no overclocking and you should be okay.

ToniQuestionAnswers · Dec 11, 2015

COLGeek :

Hey there,

I posted this thead with my other account that i forgot the password but nvm,

So are you sure I could fit a discrete GPU cause my case is like super small (mini pc)

And just one question, will the GPU that you linked will support GTA 5 at med settings for about 40-50 fps?

Thanks for your answers

Toni

ToniQuestionAnswers · Dec 11, 2015

COLGeek :

And how about this one? : http://www.amazon.co.uk/XFX-Radeon-Graphics-Card-GDDR3/dp/B00JIX1C34/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449855475&sr=8-1&keywords=XFX+Radeon+R7+240D+Core+Edition

Thank you soo much for your incredible help <3

Toni

COLGeek · Dec 11, 2015

ToniQuestionAnswers :

COLGeek :

And how about this one? : http://www.amazon.co.uk/XFX-Radeon-Graphics-Card-GDDR3/dp/B00JIX1C34/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449855475&sr=8-1&keywords=XFX+Radeon+R7+240D+Core+Edition

Thank you soo much for your incredible help <3

Toni

Yes, that one will fit as well.

COLGeek · Dec 11, 2015

Regarding the GTA5 question, I doubt you'll be able to maintain 40-50fps for a couple reasons. One, these low-profile GPUs are not strong gaming GPUs. They can certainly run games, they just lack the horsepower that other GPUs have.

Second, small form factor systems often handle heat poorly. When components get hot (both your CPU and GPU), they will slow themselves down to prevent damage. Heavy gaming will stress these components and generate heat.

All this being said, go for. Results can, and do, vary.

Good luck!

ToniQuestionAnswers · Dec 11, 2015

Thanks for your answers I appriciate people take the time to explain me things

Is the installation hard? And I won't need to configure anything right?

COLGeek · Dec 11, 2015

Not hard at all. When you get the GPU, you will likely need to swap the regular bracket for the low profile bracket. Takes a couple minutes.

Installing into the system is straight forward as well. It will only go one place.

Drivers are also a no-brainer. Go to AMD's website (see below) and get the most recent and install.

http://support.amd.com/en-us/download

ToniQuestionAnswers · Dec 11, 2015

Cool thanks!

COLGeek · Dec 11, 2015

You are most welcome. Have fun!

ToniQuestionAnswers · Dec 11, 2015

COLGeek :

Still one thing

?

I know it might seem dum but is this [UPGRADED] version of the XFX Radeon R7 240 (that i posted earlier) pump up a ton more juice or not than the last one cause if not ill rather take this one

http://www.amazon.co.uk/XFX-Express-Graphics-Card-Core/dp/B00FQIXQGG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1449870196&sr=8-3&keywords=xfx+r7+240

THANK YOU A LOT <3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3

Toni

COLGeek · Dec 11, 2015

Nope, they will draw the same (or darn near it) power. Not something to worry about.

ToniQuestionAnswers · Dec 11, 2015

SUPER ! THANKS A LOT !
Bye now

And salut from France

COLGeek · Dec 11, 2015

De rien mon ami.

...via Google Translate.

ToniQuestionAnswers · Dec 11, 2015

Hehehe

ToniQuestionAnswers · Dec 13, 2015

Still one tiny thing (hopefully last one)

The XFX R7 240 kinda sucks they say (ref from LinusTechTips : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sph6cjJeRdI )

So I was thinking if I could go a bit higher with a MSI GeForce 750ti Low Profile GPU [ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127836 ]

Thanks so much for your help and I must be so annyoying you :/

COLGeek · Dec 13, 2015

The 750ti is a better choice. Agreed on it as an option. Not annoying. No worries.

ToniQuestionAnswers · Dec 13, 2015

Thanks soo much !

You are helping people like me very well!

Is there any way I could add you any rep points?

Thanks again!

COLGeek · Dec 13, 2015

You add rep points by selecting Best Answers (click on the green "Pick as the solution" button) or upvoting posts. Just passing that along as a general comment.

The joy of Tom's Hardware is to help others. That is what makes this a special site to be a member of. Also, great members, like you.

Enjoy!

Adding a Graphics Card to an APU build

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