Question Can I upgrade from a R7 240 to a GeForce GT 1030?

[centraltrains]

Hi,

Question as per title. I am not that sure on hardware, so I hope it isn't too much of a problem to be asking here. I've been wanting to upgrade my graphics slightly for ages, and am wondering if this is possible...

This is my current computer:
https://support.hp.com/gb-en/document/c04543968

I have already modified it in the following ways:

• RAM Upgraded by adding identical-ish 8GB stick into free slot
• Secondary 3TB hard drive added
• Secondary 500GB SSD added (using SATA & power from ex-CD Drive)

My main concern is power consumption & compatibility.

The graphics cards have the same TDP, but I don't think this is the same as power usage. Does the GeForce GT 1030 have the same or less power usage than the R7 240?

The GeForce GT 1030 comes with either GDDR5 or DDR4 memory. As I understand, graphics card memory is part of the graphics card and separate from the main RAM. My computer uses DDR3. Would there be any compatibility issues with this?

I know my motherboards specification doesn't list this as a specific compatible card, however as they don't generally update to state new compatibility and the ports are a standard, I think it is unlikely (but possible) I will encounter problems here? (I think the one installed from initial purchase isn't listed on its compatible list either).

Thanks in advance if you are able to answer any questions/give advice.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

If you ran the R7 240 you can run the GT 1030.

 

[centraltrains]

Thanks for the assurance!

Do you think there is any benefit in buying the GDDR5 over the DDR4 one?
(I would guess at not as it's low end anyway)

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Yes get the DDR5.

 

[cryoburner]

Yeah, definitely look for a GDDR5 version.

The DDR4 version gets about half the performance for about the same price, so its not worth considering at all.