Is my motherboard compatible with an MSI RX 480 graphics card?

[BarnOw1]

Hey there,

Could someone advise me on if the MSI Radeon RX 480 (4GB) graphics card is compatible with my motherboard? Just got a Lenovo TS-140 and wanna soup it up a bit...

Thanks in advance!

My system info:
OS Name Microsoft Windows 10 Pro
Version 10.0.14393 Build 14393
Other OS Description Not Available
OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation
System Name SEAN-TS140
System Manufacturer LENOVO
System Model ThinkServer TS140
System Type x64-based PC
System SKU LENOVO_PN_ThinkServer TS140
Processor Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E3-1226 v3 @ 3.30GHz, 3301 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)
BIOS Version/Date LENOVO FBKTB7AUS, 9/16/2015
SMBIOS Version 2.8
Embedded Controller Version 1.13
BIOS Mode Legacy
BaseBoard Manufacturer LENOVO
BaseBoard Model Not Available
BaseBoard Name Base Board
Platform Role Desktop
Secure Boot State Unsupported
PCR7 Configuration Binding Not Possible
Windows Directory C:\WINDOWS
System Directory C:\WINDOWS\system32
Boot Device \Device\HarddiskVolume1
Locale United States
Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = "10.0.14393.206"
User Name Sean-TS140\Sean
Time Zone Central Standard Time
Installed Physical Memory (RAM) 12.0 GB
Total Physical Memory 11.8 GB
Available Physical Memory 7.25 GB
Total Virtual Memory 23.8 GB
Available Virtual Memory 18.4 GB
Page File Space 12.0 GB
Page File C:\pagefile.sys
Hyper-V - VM Monitor Mode Extensions Yes
Hyper-V - Second Level Address Translation Extensions Yes
Hyper-V - Virtualization Enabled in Firmware No
Hyper-V - Data Execution Protection Yes

 

[chizrah]

If the power supply is sufficient, yes, but I suspect it won't be. If this the case you're out of luck, because you will have to upgrade the PSU, and therefore the motherboard as the connectors on it aren't standard.

 

[BarnOw1]

If the power supply is sufficient, yes, but I suspect it won't be. If this the case you're out of luck, because you will have to upgrade the PSU, and therefore the motherboard as the connectors on it aren't standard.

Oh! I should have mentioned that I DID upgrade the power supply. It's now got a 600W PSU. I connected it with a 24-pin to 14-pin adapter. But I don't exactly understand the last part, why would I also have to replace the motherboard? Can't get the system to even boot when I insert that MSI Radeon RX 480 (4GB) graphics card... Advice from here?

 

[chizrah]

I was saying you'd have to replace the motherboard if you couldn't upgrade the PSU, I didn't realise you got an adapter. Does it boot without the GPU?

 

[BarnOw1]

I was saying you'd have to replace the motherboard if you couldn't upgrade the PSU, I didn't realise you got an adapter. Does it boot without the GPU?

Yup, it boots just fine when the GPU is out.

 

[chizrah]

OK, are you sure all the power connectors are plugged into the card? Also are you plugging your display into the GPU directly?

 

[BarnOw1]

OK, are you sure all the power connectors are plugged into the card? Also are you plugging your display into the GPU directly?

Yes, there's an 8-pin power connector that I connect straight to the 600W PSU, and then I use DisplayPort cable directly from the GPU to my monitor.

 

[chizrah]

Hmm, could be a dead card then. Do any fans spin/ lights come on? That wouldn't tell much but at least we'd know if the card is getting power. Is it possible for you to test the card on another PC?

 

[BarnOw1]

Hmm, could be a dead card then. Do any fans spin/ lights come on? That wouldn't tell much but at least we'd know if the card is getting power. Is it possible for you to test the card on another PC?

Yes, all the lights come on and the fans spin. I don't really have a way to test it on another PC though. Is that the only other real option, ya think?

 

[chizrah]

Not really, I'm racking my brains here for an alternative to an RMA. Try another output than DP? Or try it in another PCI Slot perhaps?

 

[BarnOw1]

You've really helped out, thanks. I tried the other outputs and PCI slots, and no go. I'll probably just try to return this card and get a different one. Any recommendations?

 

[chizrah]

The MSI one is still good, as is the Sapphire Nitro +, and just a suggestion, but maybe spend a little more and get an 8gb card?

 

[BarnOw1]

The MSI one is still good, as is the Sapphire Nitro +, and just a suggestion, but maybe spend a little more and get an 8gb card?

I see the dimensions are a tad bit bigger for the Sapphire Nitro +, and I BARELY fit that MSI unit on to my motherboard. I had to move the HDD and DVD drive SATA cables over to other SATA inputs, take out an extra HDD bay, and unplug the front USB hub to even fit the unit in. I have a feeling that the Sapphire Nitro + won't fit at all. Do you have a recommendation for really good a single-fan GPU? I am using this monitor: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/aoc-g2460pf-24-inch-144hz-freesync-monitor,4743.html

Thanks a bunch

 

[chizrah]

perhaps another MSI card? You could get the armour or the Gaming X, both are good.

 

[BarnOw1]

perhaps another MSI card? You could get the armour or the Gaming X, both are good.

Whoa, those look great! Buuuuut...I should have mentioned my price range -- $250 max (or less). Also, I'm not sure I need 8GB, do I? I was under the impression that 4 would be enough since I won't be running 3D, 4K or much that's over 1080p. I'm an occasional gamer, mostly indie and platformers (Inside, Limbo, Brothers, Telltale stuff, etc) and survival horror (Outlast, Amnesia, Layers of Fear, etc). What's your take on that? Knowing my price range, interests, sysinfo, the monitor I have, and my motherboard size restrictions, (ha ha, quite a bit!) can you recommend something solid for my purposes?

 

[chizrah]

In that case I'd stick with another RX480 4GB. Lots of solid options. I suggested the 8gb card though in case you decide to get into more serious gaming or just so it'll keep up for a little longer. It's well worth the extra ~$30 imho.

 

[BarnOw1]

In that case I'd stick with another RX480 4GB. Lots of solid options. I suggested the 8gb card though in case you decide to get into more serious gaming or just so it'll keep up for a little longer. It's well worth the extra ~$30 imho.

Your input has been really helpful and valuable, thank you, much appreciated!

 

[chizrah]

Glad to help