Computers & Tablets

[NJnative90]

I've had this desktop for over a year now and recently the vga output integrated into the motherboard broke off. I bought a video card to replace it and in order to install the software I would need to disable the original one. In order to do that I would need to see what's going on, but like I said earlier, the original vga output broke off. There are no other video outputs on the computer and I can't think of any way to fix this. By the way it's a vista. Any help would be appreciated.

[AJ87]

My only suggestion is this, since the VGA connector is broken...

Install the new video card (since you've already purchased it).  Connect the monitor to the new card. Power the system.  On boot, enter your system's BIOS setting and disable your onboard graphics (per HP's instructions).  Save your BIOS settings and exit.

The system should reboot once again and once Windows starts, it will detect your new video card.  When Windows tries to install the driver, direct it to installing the drivers that came with the new video card. When it's done, Windows should want to Reboot.  You should be fine. 

[hockeycanuckjc Trusted Contributor]

Just wanted to say from my experience owning an older computer trying to upgrade the video card:

In order to get a picture on the add in card, I had to be connected to the onboard first, and then switch it off and then add in the card and get a picture. WIthout this, it wouldnt have worked.

[AJ87]

It does depend on the system's BIOS...Though most newer HP/Compaqs will automatically disable the onboard if a card is installed in the AGP or PCIE skots.

I've installed video cards on HP/Compaq  systems with onboard chipsets and connected to the new card, booted, entered the BIOS and disabled with no problem.  However, the same story wasn't true for a couple of Dell computers.  I had to boot with the onboard, then disable it, shut down, and then put in the new card.

But, as was mentioned in the original post, the new card is already purchased, so it's worth a try to install the new video card, connect the monitor to the new card, and boot the system.  The important thing would be getting into the BIOS setup before Windows starts to disable the onboard.

A couple of things to check after you get it running with the new card and its drivers.

Make sure Windows sees the old onboard display adapter as disabled from Device Manager.

Also, if the old chipset is a different manufacturer than you new card, uninstall the Display Adapter's drivers for the onboard card.

[NJnative90]

I've already tried installing the hardware (can't see screen to install drivers) and connecting the vga, and it still doesn't work. The original is completley broken off and there is no way I can see the display. The specs are HP Pavilion a1710n, the video card is BFG Tech, nvidia GeForce 8400 GS. Any help would be appreciated.

[AJ87]

Your system's onboard chipset is an Nvidia GeForce 6150 LE, and your new card is also an Nvidia.  Nvidia uses unified drivers, so the drivers for your new card are already on the system. 

According to HP, your motherboard is an ASUS A8M2N-LA, which is a special build of the ASUS M2N board.  According to ASUS support, the onboard should be disabled if a card is detected in the PCI Express slot.

So, disabling the onboard really shouldn't be an issue, unless the broken off VGA connector is causing some kind of short circuit.

Now, the BFG 8400 GS card requires a 300 Watt Power Supply.  What is the Wattage of the Power Supply in your  HP (Unfortunately, HP doesn't document that on their site)?

Are you sure that you've seated the BFG card fully into the PCI Express slot.  I've seen cases where a person puts in a new video card, and they don't have it in the slot all the way, so the new card doesn't work.

If the BFG card is fully seated, your Power Supply is at least 300 Watts, and you've hooked up your monitor to the BFG card's VGA connector, you should boot up just fine.  Your driver's for the new card are already on your system because HP put version 7.15.11.7521 of the GeForce unified driver on your system.  The 8400  chipset support is included, you don't have to install the drivers.

[AJ87]

Researching online, it appears that your system has either a 250 watt or 280 watt power supply.  If that is the case, that card may not boot up in the system without a power supply upgrade.  Also, check what your current power supply's rating is for the 12 Volt line (or rail).  For the BFG GeForce 8400 GS, you'll need 22 Amps on the 12 Volt "rail".  Less, and the card won't run.

I'm guessing that a GeForce 6200 would have been a better card given your system's specs (meaning that you wouldn't have to upgrade your power supply) because the power supply requirement is only 250 watts and 18 Amps on the 12 volt rail.

You can change out your power supply, there are some good deals on the internet for 350 Watt power supplies for around $20, especially CompUSA and Microcenter.  Also, you could buy a GeForce 6200 PCI Express card from a local retailer who has a generous return policy.  By that I mean, that you try the 6200 and see if your system boots up with it.  If so, decide whether to return the 6200 or upgrade your power supply.  It saves the hassle of swapping out your current power supply just to find out that the broken VGA connector is causing your problem...