PCA Forums

Hi, I'm looking for some help with a problem. I dont' really mod, but I'm hoping you peeps can help.

I bought a Matrox G550 video card with dual output 'cuz I want to use 2 monitors & I didn't want to spend a lot. But the computer I want to install this on is not a tower case. It's one of those evil Compaq space-saving 'Evo' cases (4x13x14:hxwxd). So they've got everything very cramped. Well, the metal bracket on the oem video card is not as long as the standard bracket found on most video cards, this enables the video card to fit inside the case. Soooo, I want my new video card to fit in, but it seems I'll have to shave mine down an inch or so to get it to fit. I don't want to do that in case I ever want to use the card in another computer where I'll need the standard bracket size. I figured I could get a hold of another metal bracket and just swap it out, but then I have the problem of needing the pre-cut holes for the 2 video outputs. I figure the screw holes can just be drilled, but I need suggestions for the video outputs. Can anyone offer some advice?

Someone suggested I simply not use the bracket, but I would prefer to have the card secured to the case.

I've already contacted Matrox to see if there's any way I can get a hold of an extra bracket for the video card but I'm still waiting for a response. So, any help you peeps can throw would be appreciated.

First off, does this "Evo" computer have on-board video? If so, be aware that the Matrox may not work. It can be tricky to install a video card on a system with onboard video.

My second concern would be that those small cases have VERY puny power supplies. Now the G550 is not a power hog like a modern Radeon or GForce, but it's still possible it draws more current than the system is designed for.

I consider this doubtful, as I said, because the G550 is not a current hog, but you should be aware of it. I don't think it would cause any damage but the system may become unstable (lockups, BSODs, etc). Keep it in mind.

If you have onboard video you'll need to disable it. Usually there's either a jumper on the motherboard or a setting in BIOS. Trouble is these budget systems aren't usually designed to have the video card upgraded so there may be no way to disable it.

It may still work, but you'll just have to try it and hope that the Matrox becomes the primary video card (if it is you will see a picture on the Matrox but not on the onboard during POST) - you can then disable the onboard in Device manger (DISABLE not uninstall!). If the Matrox does not become the primary video then you're screwed (unless there's a setting in BIOS that lets you select which video card is the primary).

Before going to a lot of trouble customizing a new bracket, I'd take the bracket off and try the card to see if it even works.

I think, personally, it would be easier to leave the bracket off, and just rig up some nylon tie or mini-bracket to just stabilize the top of the card so it doesn't wiggle in the socket.

If you want to re-manufacture a bracket then the easiest way is to use a dremel tool with a fiberglass cutting wheel for the primary cuts, then a small grinding cylinder to size it. A lot of patience with a file will be neccesary to finish it of.

Take your measurements from the card and then do the work on the bracket AWAY FROM THE VIDEO CARD AND THE COMPUTER while you work on it! If you get metal filings/dust on the card or the motherboard, then DOOM ON YOU!

Hey, will this work for you? If so, LMK. I'll let you have it for $4? I suppose that would cover shipping.. eGo

***edit*** Sorry, forgot the pic..

Hey Penguin, this Evo does have onboard video, but it also has a GeForce2 MX 200 card in the AGP slot and the monitor is already running off the GeForce. So I'm guessing that swapping out the GeForce for the Matrox shouldn't be a problem.

As far as the power, I don't know. If it's related to the PSU, then I don't know how to check that seeing as how we're not given documentation for these machines. If the power issue needs to be checked through some other manner, then I don't know how to do that either.

You made a good point for me to try the card without the bracket just to see if it works, I'll do that. Thanks for the tips on cutting. As for being careful, I'm usually very mindful of my work area.

Ego, thanks for the offer, but my Matrox card needs holes for a DVI and and HD-15 port, so the bracket you're offering would have to be modified anyway and the third hole would cause problems.

I didn't realize it was a DVI I do have a lot of different old ISA cards.. Dunno if any of them would have the right size? What size is a DVI connector? Like the size of a Joystick connector? I'll see what else I have in the box.. GL in your searches though.. eGo

The DVI is the same height as the HD-15 and about an inch wide. The distance from the center of the DVI screw to the HD-15 screw is half an inch. Thanks for your effort.