Upgrading graphics card, compatibility issues

[graha]

Hello,

I have a hp pavilion that I wanted to upgrade so I can play diablo 3. The current integrated card is a nvidia 9100. Here are the specs of my computer-http://bizsupport1.austin.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=c01643540&lang=en&cc=us&contentType=SupportFAQ&prodSeriesId=3823602&prodTypeId=12454

I know its old but its what I got. It says there is a pci express card expansion slot. But how do I know if it is just x16 or 2.0 or 3.0 and I am worried about the fit.

 

[dudewitbow]

Hello,

I have a hp pavilion that I wanted to upgrade so I can play diablo 3. The current integrated card is a nvidia 9100. Here are the specs of my computer-http://bizsupport1.austin.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=c01643540&lang=en&cc=us&contentType=SupportFAQ&prodSeriesId=3823602&prodTypeId=12454

I know its old but its what I got. It says there is a pci express card expansion slot. But how do I know if it is just x16 or 2.0 or 3.0 and I am worried about the fit.

pci express x16 slots are uniform and backwards compatible. what you should be worrying about is:

1. Will it fit case(prebuilt computers are usually micro atx cases)
2. Does your power supply support it and have 6 or 6+2 pin connectors
3. Will the cpu bottleneck the gpu

if your not changing your psu, then the most you can get is a 7750 since it requires no 6pin connector. your 250w psu is extremely low end and probably of low quality, so really i cannot guarantee how far it can go with non 6 pin cards.

 

[fantastik250]

Well, there is a manual for it.

Upgrading and Servicing Guide:
http://bizsupport1.austin.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c00841410/c00841410.pdf

Unfortunately, it doesn't show PCI-E version.

It's either 1.x or 2.x

You will have to measure the inside of the case where your current graphics card is to the card you will upgrade. With these cards you don't need to use the power supply. Just install it and it will power itself. The cards I will suggest will not max out the slot or bottleneck if its a PCI-E 3.0 card on a 1.0 slot or 2.0 slot. Also all the cards have measurements on the Details tab.

All PCI-E slots are backwards compatible.. With the rare exception that PCI-E 2.1 sometimes doesn't work on PCI-E 1.0

XFX 7750 PCI-E 3.0 ($109.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150612

ASUS 7750 PCI-E 3.0 ($109.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121633&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&PageSize=10&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&IsFeedbackTab=true#scrollFullInfo

The 7750's are great budget cards for the performance.

If you need lower suggestions:
ASUS 6670 GDDR5 PCI-E 2.1 ($92.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121442

HIS 6670 GDDR5 PCI-E 2.1 ($99.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161397

EVGA GT 440 PCI-E 2.0 ($79.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130612

 

[graha]

I have one pcie x16 and three pcie x1. The second one looks like it is being utilized by the modem, which i do not use. However, it also looks like it was put on upside down, as the label on the back side is upside down and the I will have to take out the PSU to get to the screw to detach it. Here is an image of my mother board. Damn OEM!

http://bizsupport1.austin.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportDocument/c01635734/c01635736.gif

Thanks for the quick reply, by the way. I have to agree with dudewitbow on my power supply though. 250W power supply is scary low. After upgrading new graphics card and power supply. Should I just spend a couple extra hundred bucks and get a new pc?

 

[fantastik250]

The 7750s consume power so low that you wouldn't have to worry about getting a new PSU.

You can if you want upgrade to a 300 or 350 W, if you planning to upgrade your card later down the road.

 

[graha]

My current graphics card is integrated and well below the slot. I'll have to take the measurements and your word on the PSU. It does worry me when they say min. 400w power supply. Thanks for your help. I will have to put my measuring skills to the test.

 

[graha]

Best answer selected by graha.