⚠️ Background & Initial Challenges
My original system was an HP EliteDesk G3, a compact and reliable business-class PC. However, its limited internal space made it impossible to upgrade the GPU to a powerful card like the RX590.
To solve this:
- ✅ I migrated the motherboard into an affordable ARAD Green ATX case.
- ✅ Aimed to install an RX590 GPU, which requires a strong and stable power supply.
🔧 Power Supply Upgrade – Two Major Issues
HP power supplies use non-standard connectors (e.g., 7-pin and dual 4-pin), which made it nearly impossible to directly replace the PSU with a standard ATX one.
Solution:
- 🧩 I added a server PSU with a breakout board to power the GPU.
- 🧩 Instead of removing the HP PSU, I used both power supplies together.
This led to several key challenges:
⚙️ Power & Compatibility Issues
- PCIe x16 slot instability
Initially, the RX590 was not detected correctly on boot. It turned out the HP PSU couldn’t provide sufficient power to the PCIe slot.
✅ I disconnected the original dual 4-pin cables from the motherboard and replaced them using the breakout board with a 6-pin to dual 4-pin converter.
✅ The GPU was successfully detected afterward. - Power-on Synchronization
Using two power supplies (HP + Server PSU) meant ensuring they turn on simultaneously.
✅ I connected one of the HP’s 4-pin power lines to the breakout board’s “Sync” port.
✅ This guaranteed the server PSU powered on together with the main system. - Grounding Concerns
Using two separate PSUs introduces potential ground loop issues.
✅ I checked with a multimeter and confirmed both PSUs are grounded via the common case chassis, ensuring shared ground without extra wiring.
🛠️ BIOS & Configuration Tweaks
- ✅ BIOS was factory reset.
- ✅ Onboard graphics were disabled to avoid conflicts.
- ✅ The system booted properly with the RX590 every time.
🔬 Test Results
🕹️ Gaming Test – Cyberpunk 2077:
- Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080)
- Settings: Medium
- GPU Temp: ~68°C stable
- Runtime: 5 continuous hours
- ✅ No crashes, no performance drops
🔥 Stress Test – FurMark:
System handled full load without shutdowns, voltage drops, or instability.
💡 Final Tips
- For tighter coordination, consider a delayed power-on module or server start controller.
- Always test for voltage stability and common ground using a multimeter.
- If color issues appear during cold boot, check BIOS and PSU sync timing before replacing any hardware.
✍️ Conclusion
Using a breakout board to power a discrete GPU is an affordable and practical solution, provided you handle:
- ⚙️ Grounding
- ⏱️ Power timing
- 🔌 Connector compatibility
My experience might help others considering a similar upgrade, especially when using a system like HP EliteDesk G3.
📣 Share Your Thoughts
Have you done a similar mod? Thinking about upgrading your system with a breakout board?
📬 Feel free to share your experience in the comments or contact me via the form on iranvba.com.