I want to replace my graphics card in my pre-built computer but don't know if it s compatible with a gtx 970.

nickisit7

Commendable
Nov 13, 2016
4
0
1,510
I bought a computer from staples, (link: http://www.staples.ca/en/HP-ENVY-Desktop-750-229-3-2GHz-Intel-Core-i5-6400-8GB-RAM-1TB-HDD/product_2071430_2-CA_1_20001) but when i got it, I realized the graphics card is terrible, a gtx 745, and i was wondering if i could replace it with a gtx 970 or if i had to buy any other parts aswell. I don't even know if i can replace the graphics card or if the gtx 970 is compatible with my motherboard and other parts. If you need any external info or links just comment telling me what you need.
 
Solution
the 300w power supply will still have plenty of headroom to power a 65w cpu and 75w gpu. if it was a knockoff prebuilt pc one could be concerned, but an hp, dell, acer, etc prebuilt with a 250-300w power supply is no issue. the 750ti was extremely popular for this simple reason and one shouldn't be concerned about dropping in a gpu fully designed to meet the 75w pcie lane specs.

JuniorK

Reputable
Apr 29, 2014
4
0
4,520


What power supply do you have ?
 

nickisit7

Commendable
Nov 13, 2016
4
0
1,510


A 300w hp power supply.
 
your 300w power supply does not have the necessary pcie power pins to connect to a gtx970. get a gtx1050ti or gtx1050.

check to see if your power supply has an extra 6 pin pcie power connector. some gtx1050ti cards need an extra 6 pin pcie power connector. some dont. i dont think any of the gtx1050 cards need the 6 pin. otherwise some of the 1050/ti cards get all the power they need from the pcie lane itself and do not need to be connected directly to the power supply.

what cpu do you have?

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nvidia-geforce-gtx-1050-ti,4787.html
 

Ethan_48

Commendable
Nov 9, 2016
18
0
1,510
Even if you get a decent graphics card without needing external power (such as this one: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/JMVBD3/gigabyte-radeon-rx-460-4gb-windforce-oc-video-card-gv-rx460wf2oc-4gd), a 300 watt hp power supply will be pushed to its limits. Something like I linked takes 75 watts alone, which is all the pci-e slot will provide. That only leaves you with 225 watts for the CPU (65 watts), mobo, ram, hdd, cd drives, etc. And that is if the PSU is capable of giving 300 watts. I would recommend buying a new PSU as well. Right now, there is a 750 watt Corsair PSU on sale for $50.
 
the 300w power supply will still have plenty of headroom to power a 65w cpu and 75w gpu. if it was a knockoff prebuilt pc one could be concerned, but an hp, dell, acer, etc prebuilt with a 250-300w power supply is no issue. the 750ti was extremely popular for this simple reason and one shouldn't be concerned about dropping in a gpu fully designed to meet the 75w pcie lane specs.
 
Solution

Ethan_48

Commendable
Nov 9, 2016
18
0
1,510
300w --> Realistically 275w --> GPU 200w --> CPU 135w --> HDD 125w --> Mobo --> 110w --> Case Fans 85w --> Keyboard/Mouse/etc --> 65w -->CD/DVD Drive 45w -->
 

Gelite5

Honorable
Sep 16, 2013
18
0
10,510
Not only do I recommend to upgrade your PSU (unless you opt for the value packed GTX 1050), but search online forums for compatibility issues. Some pre-built PC's (my Acer Predator) are incompatible with new graphics cards. This is due to the pre-built OEM motherboard.
 


yeah because everybody runs their optical drive at full speed while writing to the hd at 7200rpm while running furmark and prime95 at the same time.