Can I improve a basic HP Pavillion Slimline by adding a graphics card?

RedDirt · Mar 6, 2016

I have a pretty basic computer for internet browsing, a HP Pavilion Slimline s5280a Desktop, and I'd like to improve it a little.

In the last couple of years I've switched to Chrome and if I leave lots of tabs open or visit some advertising-heavy sites the hard disk gets thrashed and it sometimes crashes. I think the situation could be improved if I installed a basic graphics card, since it only has integrated graphics. Am I on the right track?

The computer is this one: http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c01867719

The graphics card I'm considering is almost identical to the one HP had as an option: https://www.msi.com/product/graphics-card/N210-MD1GD3HLP.html#hero-specification

Dex does Computers · Mar 7, 2016

Your pc has a graphics card already. It is the same as what you considered. Your solution of hdd getting thrashed is to buy a ssd. Way faster than hdd. Just clone your hdd over to the ssd and you are good to go.

DustinV · Mar 7, 2016

That is a very very outdated pc, you should expect it to run slow. Should use it as a foot rest and get a new pc. As for adds on websites, download adblocker on chrome.

RedDirt · Mar 8, 2016

Dex does Computers :

I just had another look and yes you are right it does. Thanks for the suggestion of a ssd.

I don't know how to do that but I know someone who does, if it's too difficult for me to learn.

hang-the-9 · Mar 8, 2016

I would not clone the system, install Windows clean on the new drive, many slow downs are caused by an old Windows installation, and likely quite a bit of spyware and toolbar installations if computer has not been scanned or checked by someone that knows computers. More RAM will also help a lot with having multiple tabs open, because of age of system you are better off looking for used RAM off craigslist or ebay rather than new. 8 gig of RAM, $40-50 120 gig SSD, new Windows 64 bit setup will make for a much faster system. If you don't have a 64 bit Windows key, then stick with 4 gig of RAM but re-install Windows anyway on the new drive.

RedDirt · Mar 9, 2016

hang-the-9 :

Sounds good, but I don't know if more RAM is an option, the HP website says it can support up to 4 gig on 64 bit PCs.

DustinV · Mar 9, 2016

Yes, your pc can only have 4 gigs

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Can I improve a basic HP Pavillion Slimline by adding a graphics card?

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