Choosing a video card for an old eMachines PC to be used as an HTPC.

[tokyorock]

Hey guys, I have an old low-profile eMachines computer I would like to use as an HTPC, but the integrated graphics suck and it only has one PCIe x1 expansion slot on the motherboard (it's a mini-ITX based build). I need some help figuring out if I can use an x16 GPU in the x1 slot if I mod it with a dremel tool, or do I need to pay a bit more for a x1 card? I don't need anything powerful, just an HDMI port.

My primary candidate is the GT 610, and I've found an EVGA x16 card for $30 and a Zotac x1 card for $43. I'd like to get the cheaper EVGA card if it would be compatible with a modded PCIe x1 slot, but I haven't a clue if it would work.

Can anyone offer advice?


EVGA Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130815&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Zotac Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?gclid=CjwKEAjw9qafBRCRiYrL4-fpuFkSJACvocQ1wPVqCVH45y4vCnm1wGElwVjWRDEg42veWTOWIwDBdRoCFVPw_wcB&Item=N82E16814500299R&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-pla-_-Desktop+Graphics+Cards-_-N82E16814500299R&ef_id=U7shvAAABKhWUQbN:20140812234907:s

 

[dariens007]

to break it down a littlbe bit a PCIe x1 expansion slot does not have as many lanes as a PCIe16 slot. so the card will either not work or bottle neck. you can try it but i definitely dont recommend it....so stop being cheap and get the x1 zotac lmao.

 

[tokyorock]

to break it down a littlbe bit a PCIe x1 expansion slot does not have as many lanes as a PCIe16 slot. so the card will either not work or bottle neck. you can try it but i definitely dont recommend it....so stop being cheap and get the x1 zotac lmao.

Thanks for the reply.

Do you think I'll have any problems with the Zotac seeing as it is an "open box" card?

 

[dariens007]

oh i didn't notice it was an open box card. probably no issues but my general preference is to buy new. but if the price is right i'll buy open box occasionaly. there is a small risk of course but i dont think it'll be an issue. should be fine. hopefully lol.