[SOLVED] Upgrade older computer

[csreaderrrocks]

I really like keeping my older systems useful, and in this vein am currently focused on a 2011 HP Pavilion Elite HPE 590-t, and want to see if I can turn it into a 1080p capable gaming rig. This would rely entirely on the GPU options/capabilities, as I'm maxed out on the processor and RAM for this motherboard/chipset.

Still... I think something's possible. Here the specifics:

HP Pavilion Elite HPE 590-t
Product number XX096AV#ABA
Manufacturer's motherboard name: Pegatron IPMTB-TK
HP/Compaq motherboard name: Truckee-UL8E
Chipset: Intel X58 Express
Two PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphics slots

Specs:

Processor: Intel Core i7 X 990 @ 3.47 GHz
RAM: 24GB (6 x 4 GB) DDR3 PC3-10600 (messaged as PC3-8500) (Non-ECC required)
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GT 440 (1.5GB)
PSU: 460 Watt


This system has been a workhorse. I do a lot with video ripping/conversions (30tb+ on my home media server) and I've used it as my set and forget batch processing video conversion workstation for years. It's also getting slightly harder to purchase systems with a blu-ray drive installed (which this one has), and this is a must for me, for digitizing my purchased Blu-Rays (My wife's Korean, so I like to buy a lot of my movies as foreign versions with Korean subtitles, when I can.) I plan to keep using this system till it breaks.

I realize that video conversion is largely processor dependent, but given that all of the conversion programs I use allow you to use GPU acceleration, I would assume I could get a bump in this department, as well.

Mostly, though, I'm interested in creating a gaming computer, and I don't have a need for bleeding edge in that arena (ie, 4K/ray tracing, etc.)

So, if you will, and with my thanks in advance to my informational betters - lay it on me: what can I do; what should I do; and what's not worth doing due to throttling by processor/ram?

I was considering the GTX 1660, as it's only 200-250 dollars, but am primarily interested in knowing what the options are and making the best choice.

Finally, while I can't imagine it would be necessary, but in case it's relevant, I have no problem upgrading the power source.

Thanks again.

 

[MrN1ce9uy]

With that lower wattage PSU, I would advise an Nvidia GPU. I was going to say GTX 1650 Super. But if you want to spend on a GTX 1660 that would work as well.

If it's no problem, I would recommend upgrading the PSU. Those unfortunately don't last forever, and it's best to always keep one that is still under warranty, especially if buying a new GPU.

There are several good PSUs available, but there are many, many more PSUs that aren't worth purchasing.

If you can tell us where you are purchasing from, we can tell you which good PSUs are available.

*Update: I'm seeing that some of those HP motherboads have issues with some after market power supplies not working. Your existing power supply should support the GTX 1660, it's just a gamble on if it will fail sooner or later.

 

[csreaderrrocks]

With that lower wattage PSU, I would advise an Nvidia GPU. I was going to say GTX 1650 Super. But if you want to spend on a GTX 1660 that would work as well.

If it's no problem, I would recommend upgrading the PSU. Those unfortunately don't last forever, and it's best to always keep one that is still under warranty, especially if buying a new GPU.

There are several good PSUs available, but there are many, many more PSUs that aren't worth purchasing.

If you can tell us where you are purchasing from, we can tell you which good PSUs are available.

*Update: I'm seeing that some of those HP motherboads have issues with some after market power supplies not working. Your existing power supply should support the GTX 1660, it's just a gamble on if it will fail sooner or later.

Hey, thanks very much. Well, the 1660 is a good price point for me, but I'm curious about the difference between DDR 5 and 6. I notice the 1650 Super is DDR6, and I read an interesting article about the 1650 Super that really gave it glowing reviews. I also recently read an explanation on these forums that seemed to indicate (in the comparison/usage scenario given) that it was going to be a significantly greater bump for the user to get, say, a 2gb ddr5 as opposed to a 4gb ddr3 or 4. I don't mind spending the extra 90 bucks, but I'm also not necessarily trying to get this particular rig to be all that it can be. (I wonder if VR is ever possible on a machine this old?) On the other hand, if the performance bump between the 1660 and the 1650 Super is meaningful, I'm into the extra 90. At those kind of prices, it's kind of cool to be able to go big without going stupid.

Which is the better purchase, if the price difference is not an issue? Also, will the 1650 Super give me the performance range I'm looking for (1080p gaming)?

Understood re: the PSU, and it's better advice than you know. I bought three of these systems at once, and one of them had a power source failure - the only such failure, to be honest, that I've ever had with a system. I'm inclined to upgrade. I generally purchase the best price between Amazon and Newegg for parts, and I appreciate any direction you want to give me on the best purchase that makes sense for this rig, in that regard.

I'm also wondering if there's a significant heat increase with an upgrade to either card (the 1660 or 1650 Super) from the 440. I don't have any special cooling on this system, and have never needed it. Is that likely to change with this kind of GPU upgrade?

Finally - sorry, but this just occurred to me - there are 2 pcie slots. Does this mean it's possible to insall dual GPU's and SLI them? Would there be any particular benefit to doing this, in this rig, or is that just overkill that the system won't be able to really take advantage of, anyway?

Thanks again.

 

[hang-the-9]

With that older motherboard newer video cards may not work, they really want a newer mobo with UEFI. nVidia 750Ti, 950 should work fine without a power supply upgrade and both are quite a bit faster than the card you have now. If you are thinking about putting in more money on a higher end video card or a better power supply that is where I would stop and think about replacing the full system. You can buy plenty of cases with space for your blu ray drive. A $500 new Ryzen 7 system will be faster than yours in most things. Actually if you swap the drive for a solid state if you have not, that may be a worthy upgrade aside from the video card.

 

[csreaderrrocks]

I hear you, but I already have newer, more powerful systems. I'm actually building a "future proof" machine this summer. I just want to get the most of of this particular PC, and even if I can't get it up to 1080p gaming-capable, I intend to continue using it for batch video conversion. Given the relatively low costs of GPU upgrades, it's an investment I'm willing to make on this basis alone.

Having said that - I hope to avoid purchasing a card that simply won't run on the MOBO. I appreciate the info, and the recommend on the 750 ti. I'll do a little more research.

Edit: I have a 2tb SSD installed as the primary drive.