Gigabyte M3970AM-HP Compatibility

[brodydewitt]

I am planning on upgrading a pre-built HP Envy H8-1559.
Here is a link from HP:
https://support.hp.com/ca-en/document/c03668430

Specs:
AMD FX 8350
8GB RAM
GIGABYTE M3970AM
AMD RADEON HD 7570
460W PSU
2TB HDD
MID SIZE ATX CASE

I would like to keep the AMD FX 8350, 8GB RAM, GIGABYTE M3970AM, and 2TB HDD. I'd like to upgrade the GPU to a GTX 1060 6GB, and 120GB SSD for boot.

What would I need to do to make sure the GTX 1060 works with the GIGABYTE M3970AM. Is it as simple as plug and play? I've also just factory reset the PC.

Thanks

 

[Barty1884]

Without knowing much about the PSU, I'd consider replacing it too. While it was probably fit for purpose with the original config, it's going to be dated at this point.

For the SSD, I'd highly recommend a clean install of your OS opposed to a 'reset' and 'clone' of your current boot drive.

Beyond the PSU issue, remove your GPU drivers fully using DDU in safe mode:
https://www.guru3d.com/files-tags/download-ddu.html

Then shutdown and swap over the GPUs - then install GPU drivers from Nvidias website.

Beyond that, it should be pretty much plug & play.

Be aware though, depending on the titles you play, the FX8350 may well hold back a 6GB 1060

 

[Barty1884]

PM from OP

Hey thanks for the reply! I couldn't figure out how to reply on the forum, I can definitely replace the PSU these are the specs for the current PSU:
Internal 460W (100V-240V)
Form Factor: internal ATX
Total wattage: 460W
Nominal input voltage range:
100-127V/3A (50-60Hz)
200-240V/2A (50-60Hz)
Dimensions: 150mm x 140mm x 86mm (5.9 x 5.5 x 3.4 inches)
I understand the CPU may hold back the GTX 1060 6GB. Will the GTX 1060 fit into the gigabyte motherboard?

Yes, the 1060 will fit in the same slot you remove the 7570 from. It's PCIe 2.0 x16 (as all FX boards are), but there's no compatibility issue there - PCIe is backwards compatible, and a 1060 isn't going to exhaust the bandwidth anyway.

As for the PSU, is there a model numbers on it anywhere? The specs don't really tell us anything at all.

 

[brodydewitt]

The PSU Model #DPS 460DB-5 A. I've gotten a 240gb Kingston SSD for OS boot and picking up a ASUS GeForce GTX 1060 6GB Dual-fan OC Edition tomorrow.

Do I still need a better PSU?

Is there a possible link to a guide on how to install a new windows os on a ssd? Also, how to remove graphics driver and install the new ones specifically for my AMD Radeoon HD 7570 to a new MSI GeForce GTX 1060 6GB?

PM from OP

Hey thanks for the reply! I couldn't figure out how to reply on the forum, I can definitely replace the PSU these are the specs for the current PSU:
Internal 460W (100V-240V)
Form Factor: internal ATX
Total wattage: 460W
Nominal input voltage range:
100-127V/3A (50-60Hz)
200-240V/2A (50-60Hz)
Dimensions: 150mm x 140mm x 86mm (5.9 x 5.5 x 3.4 inches)
I understand the CPU may hold back the GTX 1060 6GB. Will the GTX 1060 fit into the gigabyte motherboard?

Yes, the 1060 will fit in the same slot you remove the 7570 from. It's PCIe 2.0 x16 (as all FX boards are), but there's no compatibility issue there - PCIe is backwards compatible, and a 1060 isn't going to exhaust the bandwidth anyway.

As for the PSU, is there a model numbers on it anywhere? The specs don't really tell us anything at all.

 

[Barty1884]

A 120GB SSD fills up fast. If the budget allows, I'd opt for a minimum of 240GB.

For the same kind of outlay, this would work:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Storage: Kingston - A400 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($47.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB GT OCV1 Video Card ($339.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - S12II 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($70.35 @ Mike's Computer Shop)
Total: $458.33
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-11-01 21:43 EDT-0400

As for installing Windows, create bootable media here (you'll need a blank 8GB USB drive).
Once that's complete, you just boot from it and follow the prompts (and skip when asked for a license key - it'll activate when you're back online


If you're installing a new boot drive and reinstalling your OS, you don't have to worry about removing drivers. Just install the appropriate drivers from Nvidia's website directly.

 

[brodydewitt]

I would just need the SSD strictly for boot, I have a 2tb HDD installed already. As for the driver installation you are saying that if I install a new OS from a USB like you said I would not need to worry about the old AMD Drivers? It is a pre built desktop that I just factory reset.

A 120GB SSD fills up fast. If the budget allows, I'd opt for a minimum of 240GB.

For the same kind of outlay, this would work:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Storage: Kingston - A400 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($47.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB GT OCV1 Video Card ($339.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - S12II 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($70.35 @ Mike's Computer Shop)
Total: $458.33
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-11-01 21:43 EDT-0400

As for installing Windows, create bootable media here (you'll need a blank 8GB USB drive).
Once that's complete, you just boot from it and follow the prompts (and skip when asked for a license key - it'll activate when you're back online


If you're installing a new boot drive and reinstalling your OS, you don't have to worry about removing drivers. Just install the appropriate drivers from Nvidia's website directly.

 

[Barty1884]

I would just need the SSD strictly for boot, I have a 2tb HDD installed already. As for the driver installation you are saying that if I install a new OS from a USB like you said I would not need to worry about the old AMD Drivers? It is a pre built desktop that I just factory reset.

Even so, 120GB fills up fast unless you spend a fair amount of time monitoring your storage.
A Windows install plus a couple rounds of sizable updates will take you to ~60GB. With a couple of commonly used programs that'll benefit from the speed of the SSD, and a few 'oops' that are bound to happen, a 240GB makes much more sense - especially when it can be achieved for the same budget overall.

Correct. You'd install the chipset drivers etc (everything other than the GPU driver) from HP's support website for your model, and install the GPU driver directly from Nvidia.