I need a graphics card

[BreatGritain]

Hi,

 

I'm out of my depths with graphics cards, way over my head...

 

The idea: Converting a Shuttle XPC SFF pc into an entertainment system

 

So far: Added blu-ray player, SD card reader, maxed out the RAM to 2 (yes, an entire TWO!) GB, all ok.

 

Next: Add a graphics card with HDMI output. - The machine will be used to watch DVD's and play music through a TV, it really, really doesn't have to be anything fancy in the slightest. the cheaper the better.

 

The problem: The machine has a 200W PSU. Because it's small form factor the PSU's aren't easy to come across, so it would be very difficult to upgrade.

 

Specs: The motherboard is a Shuttle "FS30 v1.3" - I've had a look and i *think* it's a PCIe x16 slot, but, frankly I don't really know. There's also a free PCI slot.

 

The graphics card would need to be thin, in the sense that the PCIe slot is next to the case, so one of these fancy fans & fins everywhere jobbies won't fit, but the case will take a standard full-height atx style card.

 

Can anyone recomend a suitable card?

 

Sorry if theres a bit too much rambling in that...

 

Thanks,

Tom

[KenB]

Hi Tom

 

First the bad news ........... with a 200 Watt PSU you are going to be hard pressed to find a video card that will run off it.

 

The manufacturers recommendation ( say 400 Watt ) is assuming that you are going to put the video card under load.

If you are not going to run games or graphics intensive software then 400 Watts can come down by a fair bit.

I have seen people run video cards at way below the recommended PSU - I wouldn't advise this but it is possible.

 

Some cards only use 75 Watts but this is in addition to your present system requirements.

 

With a Shuttle you are going to be very restricted on space.

 

Take a look here:

http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

 

Put in your system details. Leave blank any that do not apply.

 

What does it come out at ?

[BreatGritain]

Hi Ken,

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

The calculator you've shown me doesn't seem to work,

 

It won't let me select a CPU, and when I try calculate it without the CPU it takes me to a 404 not found page!

 

I've filled out a similar calculator on the Asus website, without a graphics card, which suggests a minimum of 250w.... It's not looking good, is it??

Thanks,

Tom

Edited June 12, 2013 by BreatGritain

[KenB]

Hi Tom

 

It's not looking good, is it??

To be blunt .......no.

These machines were not designed to be upgraded.

 

I assume that the PSU is not a standard ATX ( square box shape ) ?

[BreatGritain]

No, nowhere near atx I'm afraid,

 

Are there any other ways of getting a HDMI out port on the machine?

[KenB]

You could take a look at a VGA to HDMI adapter.

[BreatGritain]

The tv has a VGA port, so there would be little point.

 

I'm going to have to accept its not possible me thinks!

 

Thanks for your help though ken,

Always appreciated.

[KenB]

Hi Tom

 

Add a graphics card with HDMI output. - The machine will be used to watch DVD's and play music through a TV,

 

The tv has a VGA port

There is no sound on VGA so no use for video anyway

[BreatGritain]

Hi ken,

 

There's a sound jack next to the VGA port so it should be ok.

 

I think I'm going to get a sound bar anyway, If I do I'll look for a sound car with optical-out, and hopefully the search for one of those won't be quite as disappointing!

 

Thanks again,

Tom