How do I figure out what GPU I can upgrade to in my computer? (Specs inside)

English Hardware
#1

I want to upgrade my GPU to be faster, have more memory and have dual HDMI slots. I currently have:

Linux 3.16.7-21-desktop
openSUSE 13.2 (Harlequin) (x86_64)
KDE 4.14.9
12 GB RAM

CPU: AMD A4-3400 APU with Radeon™ HD Graphics 2.7 GHz, Dual Core
GPU: AMD Radeon HD6410D Graphics
PCI Slots: PCI-E x1 (1/1), PCI-E x16 (1/1)
Power Supply: 220W

The computer is the Acer AX1470-UR30P (Desktop) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883103383

#2

Hi
Since it’s a APU (CPU+GPU), not sure how it would handle a PCIex16 GPU. Either look at getting a later APU device that will fit in a FM1 socket, else perhaps something from the following list;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&IsNodeId=1&N=100007709%20600007852
Then you would probably wind up with DUAL GPU’s, so probably stick with an AMD GPU.

Else get a new motherboard that can use your RAM… (might be cheaper in long run) that will fit in the case?

#3

Thank you. A few questions:

  1. How would I know if those work with the 220W PSU in this computer? (The specs on those product’s pages don’t list it)

  2. Do I need to do anything in openSUSE to make two GPU’s (one internal) work at the same time?

  3. How do I know if my APU can be replaced? If so, how do I find a much better one?

Thanks!

#4

220 watts is rather thin for serious computer work. Most CPU will pull 90 watts or more and a GPU depending on make and model will pull more. 220 does not give you much margin. Newegg is not best for publishing specs try tigerdirect. They generally have complete specs or at least better. You can also check the manufacturers site

#5

Hi
Something like may work, you need to check power requirements and also will it fit in your case;
http://www.amazon.com/Radeon-support-PCIe-x16-Display-Video/dp/B011Z2BHTE/ref=sr_1_19?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1454035244&sr=1-19&keywords=PCIeX16

But I think you going to be hard presses for dual HDMI, get DVI and DVI-HDMI cables…

Maybe time to upgrade, look at combo deals?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.2254090

Else as gogalthorp indicates, power supply may need to be upgraded, I would guess a min 450W.

Also check your BIOS, can you select the PCIe slot as primary for video?

#6

Thank you. Is that a fully built computer? Or one I put together?

Can i change some of the pieces in that? And is that GPU a really good one that will work well in a dual HD / HDMI setup?

Thanks again! (This is really helping. I’m a programmer but completely lost when it comes to hardware)

#7

Hi
It’s all the bits… you assemble, I don’t think you can with the combo kits, maybe email Newegg?

Here are the M/B specs;
https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/A68HMK/

So you want this more for compiling code, or graphics related code compiling?

#8

I need it for both. It’s not a gaming computer but a workstation. I need it it to be great at compiling code (Android, Node Webkit, Java, C++), good on graphics (and capable of handling 2 1080p or higher HD monitors - which my current setup is not), run multiple virtual machines with web servers, VPN, owncloud, Git server, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator (both run in windows in virtual machines). My current setup is not able to handle that.

I would like to keep the price near the one you linked (which might be unrealistic)

How about this one? http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.2630544 Does that meet the needs I specified?

(I know I keep saying this, but THANK YOU)

#9

Hi
You need to be looking at something like this…
http://www.amazon.com/Workstation-X5670-2-93GHz-Quadro-64-bit/dp/B017Y03AMI/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1452057684&sr=8-11&keywords=HP+Z800+RAM
or
http://geeksstore.com/DESKTOPS/Products/Z800-X6C266X2-MAR-R
Probably worth a browse around the above site…

#10

Ho
Or maybe;
http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-ThinkServer-TS140-E3-1246v3-Computer/dp/B017UO7OVG/ref=sr_1_20?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1454046621&sr=1-20&keywords=Lenovo+ThinkServer+TS140

Check out the specs for the Intel HD P4600, this will drive 2 simultaneous HDMI outputs…

#11

I’d like to but can’t afford anything like that. Any suggestions in the $200-400 range?

#12

On Fri 29 Jan 2016 06:16:01 AM CST, 6tr6tr wrote:

malcolmlewis;2751335 Wrote:
> Hi
> You need to be looking at something like this…
> http://tinyurl.com/z7jxfn3
> or
> http://geeksstore.com/DESKTOPS/Products/Z800-X6C266X2-MAR-R
> Probably worth a browse around the above site…

I’d like to but can’t afford anything like that. Any suggestions in the
$200-400 range?

Hi
Maybe one of the lower spec ones from this link;
http://tinyurl.com/h4vhua8

You could always use your old system for something like owncloud and git
server?

Or this motherboard (has the Intel HD P4600 GPU);
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132014

You would need RAM, CASE, Power Supply and CPU…

–
Cheers Malcolm °¿° LFCS, SUSE Knowledge Partner (Linux Counter #276890)
SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 12 SP1|GNOME 3.10.4|3.12.51-60.25-default
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