Desktops forum: Installing a PCI express video card in the new HP slimline

hp slimlines typically use sfx power supplies. measure your existing power supply first to be sure. here are some to choose from: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010320058+1131310143&Subcategory=58&description=&Ntk=&srchInDesc=

i suggest you get at least a 240W unit. as for low-end gaming video cards, your choices are 7300gs or radeon x1550 (skip the 7300le, 6200, and x1300) and they'll run about $60.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048%201069609641%20106790717&srchInDesc=low%20profile&bop=And&Order=PRICED
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048%201069609641%20106790809&srchInDesc=low%20profile&bop=And&Order=PRICED

this x1600pro is the best gaming option that will fit but you'd need about a 300w power supply. its up to you if middling performance is worth $150 (including power supply).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102032

Has anyone found a suitable power supply for the slimline?
I've contacted HP and they do not provide one.

Thanks for the link. The slimlines aren't there. They use a non-standard size power supply.
What I do know is that the PSA is ~ 3.25 x 1.6 x 8.5". There are a number of Slex ATX size power supplies that would fit the bill, though they all have 20 pin MB power connectors and the slimline board requires a 24 pin connector. I have seen adaptors for that.

http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=422369

http://www.power-on.com/flexatx250plb.html

or this one...

http://hq1.shuttle.com/products_page03-spec.jsp?PLLI=207&PI=429

I'll be eager to hear how this goes for you. I'm also very interested in upgrading the power supply in my HP. Good luck to you.

To tony2socks:

Could you post the model number of the power supply that you ordered and where you got it ftom?

Thanks..

tony2socks:

that Sparkle 270 watt power supply is the one that I am looking at also. I'm hoping that it will fit in the S3020n without problems. Perhaps we could exchange email addresses and work together on this project. Let me know what you think.

here is another link that may prove to be helpful...

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1419085&Tab=12&NoMapp=0

Guys! Please let me know if this solution worked out for you? I have the same PC and is stuck with the same problem. HP tech told me not to install any other vga cards there because "they can build" one with dvi connector for me anbd i should return the one i bought back to the store.
I really appreciate your time and help.
if needed, i am also at this addy xrayboy777 at y*hoo

Thank you much!

What hardware and where you have purachsed it for your VGA upgrade. Along with the pin adapter if needed.

Thank you so much for your help.

As I see it, there are 3 main points to upgrading the video card.

1. Finding a power supply that will fit
2. Finding a video card that will fit
3. Adapting the power connector to connect to the board.

Point 1. I don't recall the exact measurements, but Spakle makes a 270W power supply that fit rather well.
It's a flex-form factor sized unit. This is where I purchased mine from.
http://www.censuspc.com/Sparkle-Power-SPI270LE-270-Watts-FLEX-ATX-20-24-Pin-RoHS-Power-Supply-Bulk-pack-pr-5902.html

Point 2. You'll need a low-profile PCI express card (they come in x1 and x16 varieties). If it's not 'low-profile', it won't fit, too wide. if it's not PCI express, it won't fit either. Different connection altogether. This is what I purchased.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2563225&CatId=1560

Point 3. The standard power connector is too large for the connection on the motherboard in the Slimline series. It utilized a stanard pinout (all 24 circuits are the same) but the connector itself is a diferent size. Both are produced by Molex, the standard is called a Mini-fit whereas the HP board uses a Micro-fit connector. There are 2 ways to address this:
1. Cut the connector off the old power supply and reconnect to the new power supply.
2. Get an extra set of connectors and create a wire harness/adaptor to plug the new power supply in to( this has the advantage of causing no permanant damage to either power supply. (Thats what I did).
http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=538-43025-2400
don't forget the pins:
http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=538-43030-0010
and somethig to splice it to:
http://www.directron.com/242.html

The philisophical aspect of this whole project... Would I do it again? NO!!
The cost to benefit from doing this didnt weigh out for me. I spent about $225 all said and done on parts and countless time researching and making the upgrade. I still do not have a gaming rig, though it is slightly better than before. my vVsta numbers went up slightly, but actual performance still has me thinking I need more RAM over the video card upgrade.
I would have rather bought a full tower that uses more readily available cards and power supplies and put the extra money to a better card.

The Slimlines small form factor fills a certian niche, and though it's possible, it's not meant to be a tricked out power house.

Something to think about.

Hi avto1,

Just curious where you got the parts to make the interconnect for the adapter. I saw the ones that tony2socks listed, it's just that there aren't any pictures there to let you know exactly what you're buying.

Your setup looks nice and clean, so just wondering if that's what you got from mouser, or from somewhere else.

-

Also - the Shuttle power supply is about an inch longer than the HP one, did you have any issues fitting it in there?

Thanks!

Because I about to do it, myself, but I really need some help! can you please send me some pictures, of the connection? please! this is my email, Luiscast_2007@hotmail.com