Information Request For Graphics Card Installation.

Greetings CHF,

I have an HP desktop, model: p7-1254. Specs are as follows:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&docname=c03135882

I wish to install an XFX Radeon HD 6770 graphics card. Specs are as follows:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=602046&CatId=7005

Obviously, I will need to upgrade my PSU wattage. I also suspect I need an adapter to convert a 4-pin power connector to a 6-pin connector, which is required for the graphics card.

Could someone provide me with some recommendations as to precisely what hardware additions I need to make, as well as installation instructions? I have installed the graphics card itself, but need help with making the necessary adjustments to the power supply.

- CV

 

Hi arahan1984. Welcome to Computer Help Forums.
Amd recommend a PSU of 450 Watt or greater for your card.
The molex 6pin power adapter should be included in the box along with the driver install disc.
Most Computer shops carry the 6pin power adapter if it's not in the box.
If you have no Disc then get the correct Drivers from here.
There are help Videos bottom of page.
http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/Pages/index.aspx

 

Thanks DSTM,

A power adapter was not included with my card, so I'll have to get one. Could you reiterate precisely what it is called, and maybe link to a picture of exactly what it looks like, so that I don't end up with the wrong thing?

Also, how can I upgrade my PSU to have an extra 150W, which the card requires?

- CV

 

Here is an image of a molex to 6pin Graphics card power adaptor.



Upgrading the power supply means you have to buy a new Power Supply Unit.

 

Hi arahan, I just had a quick word with DSTM about the power supply, he firstly recommends, and I agree, you look to buy one of at least 500 watts, that way you will be well covered both for the graphics card you are looking at, and will give some small overhead if you decide on a higher power card later.

Also there is every likelyhood that a power supply of a higher wattage may well have the extra power connector for the graphics card any way, which will save a few coppers of buying an adapter. So look into that when buying, or at least wait till you get the power supply and check it then.

As DSTM said earlier, unfortunately the only way to upgrade a power supply is to buy a bigger one, there isn't a switch or trick available to make a 300 watt PSU provide 500 watts. Sorry about that but they are made that way.

Nev.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys,

I'm not sure I understand, concerning the power supply. Is there a piece that I can install into my existing system to upgrade the wattage, or do you mean that I have to purchase a different PC tower altogether, because the one I have can't handle 500W no matter what?

- CV

 

Hi. You need a new 500watt power supply unit which goes into the existing PC Tower.
You ring your local Computer repair shop and ask them for a cost of supplying and fitting a new 500watt power supply unit.
If your happy with the quote you take the tower to them and get the power supply fitted.
With respect your limited knowledge of computers you would not be able to fit the power supply yourself.

 

Thanks for the help guys, thats all the info I needed! I appreciate it.