Graphics card question

[|Hands|]

Hey guys,

I currently am using an HP Pavilion a1730n desktop comp. It was my dads and he buggered it up pretty good, so I've since gotten it back to working order.
My only question is, does anybody know if I can get a secondary graphics card? I know this one has an integrated card that sucks. Hard. (GeForce 6150 LE)

Can I buy a better card and somehow make the computer recognize only the newer card? Or do I have to replace the whole motherboard?

Or is there a way I can install the new card and somehow make them work together?


Any help at all would be awesome!

Thanks!

 

[5starGeneralAlphaSnake]

If it has a pci-e slot then yes..

 

[Snipeye]

It uses a A8M2N-LA motherboard, which has 3 PCI and 1 PCI-E x16 connection, so it's good to go.

The two issues/worries I have for you is the CPU and RAM. You will definitely get into a situation where the GPU is more powerful than the standard CPU included with the HP computer (AMD AthlonTM 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor 4600+ ).

2nd concern is just the RAM. It's based on DDR2, not DDR3. So just keep that in mind.

I'd suggest a GPU around the $100-150 price range, that should give you a hell of a nice jump in capabilities, and won't overdo it.

 

[Wizekraker]

As these guys have stated makes check for PCI or PCE-E x 16 slot. Next is make sure your power supply has appropriate connectors/ wattage required.

 

[Simon]

Your PSU is the top priority when installing a new GPU. Most Dell/HP/brand name computers dont have very high end power supplies, and it is very likely you will need a new one for any graphics card.

 

[|Hands|]

Well, at least RAM is relatively cheap these days.

As for this "PSU", I'm not sure how to check this, or even what it is.

Sorry, guys. I'm a relative compnoob.
I appreciate the replies though.

 

[Simon]

Well, at least RAM is relatively cheap these days.

As for this "PSU", I'm not sure how to check this, or even what it is.

Sorry, guys. I'm a relative compnoob.
I appreciate the replies though.

PSU is your power supply. Its that little box the power cord connects to!

If you pop open your machine it should have a label on it indicating the voltage, usually in watts (W).

The graphics cards nowadays usually wants at least 450W or more.

 

[Snipeye]

If you're looking to up your RAM (or just get better sticks), here's a relatively cheap, but reliable, suggestion
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098

Remember, your mobo only goes up to DDR2 so this is the best you can do. We can do a quad RAM set up, but that's up to you if you want to do that or not. (I don't think it would be worth it unless you up the speed up to DDR3 speeds, which will require a new motherboard).

Another issue to keep in mind, when you install the video card (assuming you do have or get a PSU that can supply enough power), there has to be enough room in your computer case to install it. So you'll want to double check the size (width, length, height) as well as where you would install it. Make sure you have the single or dual slots available as needed.

Quick explanation about the slots: Originally, most GPU's were single slot installation, requiring you to only remove one backing. Today, it's more atypical that you have to remove two slots so you make room for the heatsink and fan.

 

[Narh]

I'd sugest getting the EVGA GTX 650 1BGddr3 - Only $100 and you have some extra $$ for the 400watt (minimun) PSU.

The GPU itself is a nice jump from what you currently have and shouldn't bottleneck the cpu too bad.

 

[viperxp45]

Hey guys,

I currently am using an HP Pavilion a1730n desktop comp. It was my dads and he buggered it up pretty good, so I've since gotten it back to working order.
My only question is, does anybody know if I can get a secondary graphics card? I know this one has an integrated card that sucks. Hard. (GeForce 6150 LE)

Can I buy a better card and somehow make the computer recognize only the newer card? Or do I have to replace the whole motherboard?

Or is there a way I can install the new card and somehow make them work together?


Any help at all would be awesome!

Thanks!

if u have a agp/pcie slot wont be a problem:thumbup1:

 

[Snipeye]

Viper; you need to read the previous posts before posting. The connection/port question has already been answered.

 

[|Hands|]

Holy, Snipeye. Information overload.

Okay, I'm gonna take the side panel off my machine, take a peek at the PSU and find out the wattage. Then, I will confer with the internet to check and see what Graphics Cards are available for my current set up and space confinements.

THEN, I will purchase some new RAM sticks because 512 Gigs isn't cutting it.

If I have any money left over, I will buy a new Monitor because mine is getting screen burn, strangely enough.

 

[Cloakedsphere]

Holy, Snipeye. Information overload.

Okay, I'm gonna take the side panel off my machine, take a peek at the PSU and find out the wattage. Then, I will confer with the internet to check and see what Graphics Cards are available for my current set up and space confinements.

THEN, I will purchase some new RAM sticks because 512 Gigs isn't cutting it.

If I have any money left over, I will buy a new Monitor because mine is getting screen burn, strangely enough.

You mean 512 Mb. 512 gigs would only be on a server machine. Nothing would ever need that much.

Megabytes and gigabytes are two different sizes and are tremendously different.

 

[_Sushi]

I'm going to guess that the wattage is around 300W.

 

[Cloakedsphere]

His computer has a 300W Merlot C regulated ATX power supply.

I found this on the computer from a different thread from a different forum.

 

[I'm your huckleberry]

So just add in a cheap cx430 or 500 which are decent enough for what you have and are a steal when on sale and you are good to go.