Upgrading from integrated graphics to GPU

[WhyYouSoggy]

I have an older computer that I want to upgrade so that I can play a few basic games with my friends who have moved on to PC gaming.  I am not looking for anything spectacular, but I have an HP machine with a Q67 chipset and an 

Intel Core i7-2600S 2.8GHz quad-core processor that is currently running integrated graphics.  I have done some research and I am looking at upgrading to something along the lines of the MSI GeForce GTX 1050 2G OC because of case size limitations (and I don't mind that I can get away without having to upgrade my PSU as well).  I am just looking for some validation that these components will be compatible and any complications that I may run into along the way (I have no experience doing any hardware upgrades previously).

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

[chiller15]

I would be fairly confident that you should be able to run that graphics card in your system without any issues.

 

Out of curiosity, what is the wattage of your PSU and what other components do you have connected? Quite often system integrators like HP, Dell, etc, will often stick a very minimal PSU in the system which can cause issues for future upgrades.

[bleedblue]

Shouldn't be any problems compatibility wise, I would recommend stepping that up a bit to a 1050ti though.

[GoldenLag]

Get a cx550 watt (2017) from corsair. And then pick up a used R9 290x.

 

Its a better combo. Unless your case is super short, ut should fit nicely. 

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: Asus - Radeon R9 290X 4 GB Video Card  ($90.00) 
Power Supply: Corsair - CX (2017) 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($32.98 @ Newegg) 
Total: $122.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-01-14 04:37 EST-0500

 

You should get both for about 140$ total.

[WhyYouSoggy]

10 minutes ago, chiller15 said:

I would be fairly confident that you should be able to run that graphics card in your system without any issues.

 

Out of curiosity, what is the wattage of your PSU and what other components do you have connected? Quite often system integrators like HP, Dell, etc, will often stick a very minimal PSU in the system which can cause issues for future upgrades.

It is a 320 watt PSU.  I have no extra components.  Just the 80mm cooling fan for the case. 

[WhyYouSoggy]

7 minutes ago, GoldenLag said:

Get a cx550 watt (2017) from corsair. And then pick up a used R9 290x.

 

Its a better combo. Unless your case is super short, ut should fit nicely. 

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: Asus - Radeon R9 290X 4 GB Video Card  ($90.00) 
Power Supply: Corsair - CX (2017) 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($32.98 @ Newegg) 
Total: $122.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-01-14 04:37 EST-0500

 

You should get both for about 140$ total.

I appreciate the advice.  Unfortunately, I only have 8.1" from the back of the case to a connector attached on the motherboard which is directly in line with the PCI slot.  The case would allow the fit but not the layout of the motherboard itself. 

[GoldenLag]

2 minutes ago, WhyYouSoggy said:

I appreciate the advice.  Unfortunately, I only have 8.1" from the back of the case to a connector attached on the motherboard which is directly in line with the PCI slot.  The case would allow the fit but not the layout of the motherboard itself. 

You could do a PCIe riser cable (they are about 10$ i think) and then place it in a way that fits.

[ahuckphin]

Is your desktop a small form factor model? 

[schwellmo92]

The GTX 1050 will be fine, you could even go a low profile 1050 Ti, I've done similar upgrades for friends with SFF builds.

[PineyCreek]

I'd verify that the PCI-E slot is able to provide 75W power in the first place if you go with the regular 1050.  Not all OEM motherboards stick with standards, especially in smaller form factor desktops.