HP Workstation Graphics card change

[Edgar R. Zakarian]

Hi Guys,

 

I got an older HP Workstation Z400 with some xeon processor, some ECC DDR3 ram,

and a Quadro FX580. FOR FREE!

 

Now I'd love to turn this into a gaming machine.

I've tried installing a Geforce 8800 GTX in it, with no luck. Just 6 Long beeps and no posting. Any ideas?
Google results didn't help

 

Specs (I'll be more specific once I visit my mom and see it Again)

 

Please see here: http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docId=emr_na-c01709671

 

CPU: xeon 3GH Quad core 4 HT. something something

RAM: DDR3 ECC 6GB

PSU: Generic HP workstation 400W for that pc.

MOBO: Generic HP specially made for that Workstation.

GPU: Nvidia Quadro FX 580. - can play some games. But Hella' slow.

 

The PSU does have 1x6 Pci-e power. So I added a 2x Molex to 1x6-Pci-e in, to connect the Card.

-This has worked for me on both Pc's i've tried on before this one.

 

Any ideas?

[zanthros]

Sounds like there is a possibility of the system needing a bigger power supply. The minimum system requirements for the 8800 GTX is 450 watts or greater with a 12V current rating of 30 amps. If your system does not meet this requirement (according to the specs posted) it may not work. I would suggest at least a 650 watt good quality unit with all of the proper cables if you find this is the issue.

[Edgar R. Zakarian]

Sounds like there is a possibility of the system needing a bigger power supply. The minimum system requirements for the 8800 GTX is 450 watts or greater with a 12V current rating of 30 amps. If your system does not meet this requirement (according to the specs posted) it may not work. I would suggest at least a 650 watt good quality unit with all of the proper cables if you find this is the issue.

Just heard that I can't use any power supply . It has to be HP, cause they're tailored to Work with their motherboards?

[zanthros]

Well that kinda bites. Here is a link to the parts page for the unit.http://h20566.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?calledBy=Search_Result&docId=emr_na-c01716997&docLocale=en_US

 

An optional 600 watt power supply is available for the Z400 but it will run around $60. dollars US and up (refurbished). The trick is to find someone that ships to Denmark for a reasonable price. That is cheap in comparison to the lowest price that I was able to find it in the EU. It was around 150 euro with VAT! LINK: http://icecat.us/en_in/p/hp/626409-001/power-supply-units-5704327965374-626409-001-7979391.html?offers_country=24&ti=offers

 

If you know the card is good and you have good power connectors going to the two 6 pin power connectors and it does not work, then the power supply is more than likely the problem.