trs96
Moderator
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2012
- Messages
- 25,472
- Motherboard
- Gigabyte B460M Aorus Pro
- CPU
- i5-10500
- Graphics
- RX 570
- Mac
- Mobile Phone
This project is still in developmental stages.
Why attempt to install a desktop graphics card in an ITX size mini PC ?
Answer: The HP 8300 USDT models can only use Ivy Bridge CPUs and HD4000 integrated graphics at best. This means no 4K video output is possible. The best resolution available would be 1440p. The goal of this project is to enable the streaming of 4K content with this HTPC. This will also be useful to those with unsupported HD2500 graphics.
How is this even possible ? Isn't this machine only a little bigger than a Mac mini ?
Answer: With very minimal changes to the case it should be possible to install a GT 710 with HDMI 2.0 output. The plan is to use a passively cooled 710 that can connect via PCIe x1. See it at Amazon: Zotac GT 710 1GB
Here is the available Mini PCIe x1 slot on the HP motherboard:
Front 4 USB ports of the 8300
The HP 8300 USDT does have an MXM slot which holds a few models of HP branded graphics cards. None of them are macOS Catalina compatible. The supported Nvidia MXM cards from iMac models do not work with this motherboard and BIOS. HP does let you install the AMD 7650A card but it's a poor performer and is not supported by macOS.
AMD 7650a MXM graphics card (laptop class) A GTX 650 performs two times better than this MXM card.
Part Upgrades
Here is the required Mini PCI-e to PCI-e x1 adapter/riser card.
Mini PCI-E to PCI-E x1 riser card | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Mini PCI-E to PCI-E x1 riser card at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
You can upgrade to Noctua 60mm fans (PWM) in these HP USDTs. The stock fans are usually noisy. Both the front and back fans are 60mm so you can replace both if you'd like.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VXTANZ4/?tag=tonymacx86com-20
If you need to replace both fans and don't need PWM speed control, these Noiseblocker fans from Germany are a good value. Two 60mm fans for $22. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WVTEEWS/?tag=tonymacx86com-20
Any standard 2.5" Sata SSD will fit in these too. A 240 GB size is the most economical. I like PNY brand.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0719D9YL7/?tag=tonymacx86com-20
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