Solved New great game - how can I upgrade video card for SFF box?

[retired464]

I have a HP s5-1020 computer, small and neat but not much power. Graphics are adequate. BUT I just got Mass Effect Trilogy for Xmas. Looks like video will not run. The chipset on standard box is Intel G4 (?) and case is too small to add in something better (GE Force or ATI card).
Is there any way I can plug to better graphics card or should I give up and return Mass Effect? I am not going to buy new computer.
I have an idle box (old full size computer, DELL, with XP on it, but plenty of RAM and good HD). Should I be looking at getting it set up as a game machine?
Any adivce welcome.
Thanks

 

[Erick Aguilar]

I have a HP s5-1020 computer, small and neat but not much power. Graphics are adequate. BUT I just got Mass Effect Trilogy for Xmas. Looks like video will not run. The chipset on standard box is Intel G4 (?) and case is too small to add in something better (GE Force or ATI card).
Is there any way I can plug to better graphics card or should I give up and return Mass Effect? I am not going to buy new computer.
I have an idle box (old full size computer, DELL, with XP on it, but plenty of RAM and good HD). Should I be looking at getting it set up as a game machine?
Any adivce welcome.
Thanks

Get a low profile card.
Couple of cards today are powerful enough and offer the open to use it's low profile brackets so they fit on smaller form factor cases.

 

[LuzTeTT]

You may be able to purchase a cheap video card that will run the game to some acceptable degree, as mentioned above.

 

[bassfisher6522]

If your up for it....why not just a new case and move everything in it. This way you can get a full size GPU with better heatsink and fan. It's not hard at all and you can get a mid-tower case from $20 to $50 that is decent and functional.

Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Computer Cases, Computer Cases, ATX Mid Tower, $25 - $50

 

[bobkn]

Get a low profile card.
Couple of cards today are powerful enough and offer the open to use it's low profile brackets so they fit on smaller form factor cases.

HP Pavilion Slimline s5-1020 Desktop PC Product Specifications HP Pavilion Slimline s5-1020 Desktop PC | HP® Support

220W PSU.

That may not support a capable add-in card.

 

[Erick Aguilar]

Get a low profile card.
Couple of cards today are powerful enough and offer the open to use it's low profile brackets so they fit on smaller form factor cases.

HP Pavilion Slimline s5-1020 Desktop PC Product Specifications HP Pavilion Slimline s5-1020 Desktop PC | HP® Support

220W PSU.

That may not support a capable add-in card.

True, It could even have trouble running an APG legacy card

 

[retired464]

Thanks for the quick replies. I hadn't thought of moving to a bigger case; simple, eligant, and for $50 it looks like there a few good ones with power supply (one was 450W and should do). But my son (the ever practical one) says don't bother. Just buy a huge, capable gaming computer and really get into it. Maybe. I'm retired now and might just want a separate box for that with huge HD, fast processor, great graphics and sound, huge screen, etc. I might just be that nutty. I'm tired of working at the component level all these years!!
Again, you all had some good ideas. Thanks.

 

[kbrady1979]

I was a component upgrader for a long time.........a piece here and there, then a bigger piece here and a bigger piece there. Diminishing returns after awhile. I finally built a system for myself this summer and could not be happier with the result! It is a very nice build and will last for several years if need be.

I can't tell you which way to go, upgrade your case, PSU and graphics card or a completely new build, but I can tell you that there is no use in sinking a bunch of money into a computer with old/outdated parts to just be disappointed with the result. If you want some suggestions on a new build, we would be more than happy to help with that!

Kelly