Graphics card for MSI 2A9Ch motherboard

midoeveryday

Prominent
Jan 1, 2018
2
0
510
I have an HP Elite 7100 MT PC, Core i5 650, has an MSI 2A9Ch motherboard and Intel HD graphics card, 6GB RAM. It has 1 * PCIe (2.0) x16 slot which I understand I can maybe add a dedicated graphics card to. I've had this PC for years and I really can't afford buying a new gaming PC or laptop, but I'd like to be able to play games on this one if I can. I was wondering what graphics cards would be compatible and good enough to play games on without breaking the bank. I currently have 6 gb installed RAM but I'm gonna upgrade it to 12 thanks to a friend.
 
Solution
I took a look at the specs, it looks like you have a 300W power supply in there and the pci-ex x16 slot outputs a full 75W. Not only that, but it looks like that model uses a standard power supply, which means you can easily replace it if needed.

The one thing I can't tell is how much room you have lengthwise. The specs say it can handle a full height card, but that doesn't always mean full length. The fastest older card that would work with the current power supply is the GTX 750 Ti. It's usually compatible with older computers like yours. The fastest newer card would be the 1050 Ti. The new gen cards from AMD and Nvidia can be picky about what older motherboards they work with though.

If you bought a new power supply you could get...
I took a look at the specs, it looks like you have a 300W power supply in there and the pci-ex x16 slot outputs a full 75W. Not only that, but it looks like that model uses a standard power supply, which means you can easily replace it if needed.

The one thing I can't tell is how much room you have lengthwise. The specs say it can handle a full height card, but that doesn't always mean full length. The fastest older card that would work with the current power supply is the GTX 750 Ti. It's usually compatible with older computers like yours. The fastest newer card would be the 1050 Ti. The new gen cards from AMD and Nvidia can be picky about what older motherboards they work with though.

If you bought a new power supply you could get something like an HD 7970. That would give you about the most performance your computer can handle while being compatible with the older motherboard.

This really depends on 3 things: Do you want to get a new power supply or no? How long can a card be and still fit in your case? What kind of games are you hoping to play and at what resolution?

PUBG and Assassin's Creed Origins at 1080p high settings and 60fps would be an example of expecting too much.
 
Solution

midoeveryday

Prominent
Jan 1, 2018
2
0
510


First, thank you for the informative answer and taking the time.
So the GTX 750 Ti and 1050 Ti would be the ones I could get without needing to change the power supply. I'm just wondering about the compatibility issue, how do I make sure it's compatible, is that something that the manufacturer lists on the cards specs online ?

I think a new power supply would be expensive, specially one to support the graphics card and the components already there, plus the graphics card cost itself, I think that would be pushing too much for a PC like mine, unless the performance would be substantially increased compared to the others, what's ur take ?

As far as the card fitting, I guess I have to open and take measurements to find out, and find the length specs for the card if I'm correct, right ?

I would be happy if I can play PUBG and Assassin's Creed smoothly at lower settings, but still enjoy the gameplay in terms of detail, is that something possible ?

Again thank you, I appreciate taking the time !