Question Can I use a GT1030 2GB for my current setup?

[NoahHasComputer]

In the future I'm thinking of getting a GT1030 but I'm not sure if it will work with my current setup. My current motherboard is an ASRock H81M-E but when I checked for a GPU I think there was no physical one connected.

Specs:
Processor: Intel i3-4150@3.50Ghz
Motherboard: ASRock H81M-e
Ram: 12gb RAM DDR3
Monitor: LG Flatron E2241
GPU: Intel HD graphics 4400

I usually use my computer for watching videos and playing games, so I want to add a better GPU so that games will run smoother at higher graphics. If anybody could help me that would be great thanks!

 

[Lutfij]

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

I usually use my computer for watching videos and playing games, so I want to add a better GPU so that games will run smoother at higher graphics.
What games are we looking at?

Motherboard: ASRock H81M-e
ASRock don't have that motherboard, though Asus make a board by that exact model. So did you get the brand wrong or the model wrong, which is it?

Ram: 12gb RAM DDR3
How is this setup? Make and model of the sticks of ram? If you had a dual channel ram kit with tight timings, you'd net a little more out of the platform

Make and model of your case? You forgot to mention the make and model of your PSU and it's age. If we leave the quality of your PSU aside, yes you should be able to drop the GPU you've mentioned above into your board but given what you have to work with, I don't think spending any money on that platform will net you much in terms of graphical fidelity(apart from being a money pit) as you might need to rectify other ends of your build to complement the discrete GPU.

Lastly, where are you located and what is your budget for a discrete GPU?

 

[Tac 25]

@NoahHasComputer

be careful.. if you're getting a 1030. Be sure it's the GDDR5 version.

here is a comparison of DDR4 1030 and GDDR5 1030.

the games featured in the video also show what the 1030 can do for you.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a80mtoQklSo

 

[NoahHasComputer]

Sorry, I got motherboards mixed up, the actual model is a H81M-VG4 R2.0. Regarding the RAM, I have one Kingston 8gb and another 4gb with no brand name on it (it's really old). But yes it is dual-channel RAM. My computer case is a Futura Neo xv600 HG. I'm not exactly sure about what PSU I have though. About my location, I live in Indonesia and my budget in the future is roughly 100USD for a new GPU or maybe other parts (can change budget). What other parts of my build should I upgrade that you said would compliment the GPU and with this new information, does the GPU I asked about still work with this setup?

Note: My PC is and old office PC that is made of a lot of cheap parts but I can't really get a whole new one right now

 

[NoahHasComputer]

be careful.. if you're getting a 1030. Be sure it's the GDDR5 version.

Yes, the one I'm thinking of getting is a GDDR5. Thanks for the heads up anyways!

 

[Tac 25]

@NoahHasComputer

12 GB total ram is enough for 720p gaming for many games.

you now just need to buy the GT 1030.

 

[ak47jar3d]

The gt 1030 is not really a gaming card as renders most games unplayable. It will do better than integrated from the Hassell architecture. If you can pick up an rx 580, I would much rather recommend that....

 

[NoahHasComputer]

The gt 1030 is not really a gaming card as renders most games unplayable. It will do better than integrated from the Hassell architecture. If you can pick up an rx 580, I would much rather recommend that....

I'm pretty sure my motherboard caps the max vRam at 1gb so it wouldn't make much of a difference I think

 

[ak47jar3d]

Motherboard don't cap vram. It's doesn't work that way....