What is the best Graphics card upgrade for HP 3300 (HP pro slimline)

[housecarl2066]

Hello, I am learning about upgrading and fixing PCs and I am starting with an HP 3300 (Pro Slimline) with Windows 10.

First I am thinking about changing the graphics card so that I will have an HDMI output. I have read through all the threads on this board and on others about upgrading the HP 3300 graphics card but I haven't found a definitive answer as to which one is best. As I understand it something like this will work:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENERIC-GeForce-GT-630-Graphics-Card-1GB-DDR3-128-bit/292371881094?hash=item4412b8dc86:g:lw0AAOSwHUhaM9uu

At only £20 I would be willing to fit it just for the HDMI output, whilst I look into upgrading my PSU and looking for a better card.

Bearing in mind I have never opened a PC before, can I just open it up, take out the old graphics card, and plug this one in?

Thanks

 

[nvincent_08]

before installing the new graphics card, uninstall the driver of the old graphics card first, then install the graphics card and get the appropriate driver for your new graphics card. by the way if you want the slightly better graphics card, get the gt 1030, but if you feel no need to buy slightly more powerful graphics card, then no problem if you want gt 630

 

[housecarl2066]

Thanks a lot Vincent, I will get a look at the GT1030 to see how it compares in price. Don't mind paying a bit extra for something better.

 

[housecarl2066]

before installing the new graphics card, uninstall the driver of the old graphics card first, then install the graphics card and get the appropriate driver for your new graphics card. by the way if you want the slightly better graphics card, get the gt 1030, but if you feel no need to buy slightly more powerful graphics card, then no problem if you want gt 630

Looking at the GT1030 cards and it seems I need a computer with 300w power supply to run them.

The HP 3300 Pro Slimline actually only has a 220w power supply as standard. I have already researched upgrading the PSU for this model, but I wasn't able to find any answers for that .

 

[nvincent_08]

before installing the new graphics card, uninstall the driver of the old graphics card first, then install the graphics card and get the appropriate driver for your new graphics card. by the way if you want the slightly better graphics card, get the gt 1030, but if you feel no need to buy slightly more powerful graphics card, then no problem if you want gt 630

Looking at the GT1030 cards and it seems I need a computer with 300w power supply to run them.

The HP 3300 Pro Slimline actually only has a 220w power supply as standard. I have already researched upgrading the PSU for this model, but I wasn't able to find any answers for that .

dont think it is going to use much, usually those were only the recommended. the power usage of it should be under 100w

 

[housecarl2066]

Thanks for the reply. I found out in the meantime that a 220w is more than sufficient, so added your original reply as "The solution" again.

Thanks a lot.

 

[dontlistentome]

If it's a 'slim' case then make sure the card is low profile, and maybe even single slot if possible. Some slim cases really have no extra space to spare.