F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Question Converting HP Workstation Z2 G4 Desktop to an emulation machine

Question Converting HP Workstation Z2 G4 Desktop to an emulation machine

Question Converting HP Workstation Z2 G4 Desktop to an emulation machine

Pages (2): 1 2 Next
Z
zZuko
Junior Member
12
08-26-2022, 10:00 AM
#1
Hi All,
I'm receiving an HP Z2 G4 for free and am planning to convert it into an emulation setup, mainly for Dolphin. The exact model is a 5DU92UT#ABA. I have some experience with PC building but have never assembled a system before or worked extensively with hardware beyond swapping RAM. My goal is to achieve at least 4K60, preferably 4K120 on my living room screen.

From what I understand, the machine comes with:
i7-8700
Nvidia Quadro P1000
500W power supply
16GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM
512GB SSD

After some research, it appears the P1000 only supports a mini-display port, which means I would need a mini-display adapter to connect it to my TV. These adapters can only push 4K30 at best. My TV struggles with games if the signal drops below 120Hz, so while I’d prefer a stable 120Hz signal, I’m okay with 60Hz as well.

Considering this, my ideas were:
- Sell the P1000 and purchase a used or open-box GPU
- Use my existing 16GB of 3200MHz Corsair RAM (uncertain compatibility)
- Install a Thermalright Assassin X120 cooler for the CPU (assumption it fits, but I’ll need to verify)
- Explore alternatives if the PSU only has a 6-pin or 6+2 connector for a powered card
- Look into used 1650 or open-box 3050 cards (around $80-$130), aiming to stay under $100 total after selling the P1000

I’ve heard Nvidia tends to work better with Dolphin than AMD, but if that’s not the case, I could consider some AMD options.

Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Z
zZuko
08-26-2022, 10:00 AM #1

Hi All,
I'm receiving an HP Z2 G4 for free and am planning to convert it into an emulation setup, mainly for Dolphin. The exact model is a 5DU92UT#ABA. I have some experience with PC building but have never assembled a system before or worked extensively with hardware beyond swapping RAM. My goal is to achieve at least 4K60, preferably 4K120 on my living room screen.

From what I understand, the machine comes with:
i7-8700
Nvidia Quadro P1000
500W power supply
16GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM
512GB SSD

After some research, it appears the P1000 only supports a mini-display port, which means I would need a mini-display adapter to connect it to my TV. These adapters can only push 4K30 at best. My TV struggles with games if the signal drops below 120Hz, so while I’d prefer a stable 120Hz signal, I’m okay with 60Hz as well.

Considering this, my ideas were:
- Sell the P1000 and purchase a used or open-box GPU
- Use my existing 16GB of 3200MHz Corsair RAM (uncertain compatibility)
- Install a Thermalright Assassin X120 cooler for the CPU (assumption it fits, but I’ll need to verify)
- Explore alternatives if the PSU only has a 6-pin or 6+2 connector for a powered card
- Look into used 1650 or open-box 3050 cards (around $80-$130), aiming to stay under $100 total after selling the P1000

I’ve heard Nvidia tends to work better with Dolphin than AMD, but if that’s not the case, I could consider some AMD options.

Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!

P
Pewdieant
Junior Member
8
08-30-2022, 09:23 AM
#2
If the mobo supports video output, I would start with the iGPU first. This approach reduces complexity, heat, and noise. It supports 4k at 60fps, but it won’t handle "upscaled" Dolphin games at that resolution. A 1650 might work, but likely not a 3050.
P
Pewdieant
08-30-2022, 09:23 AM #2

If the mobo supports video output, I would start with the iGPU first. This approach reduces complexity, heat, and noise. It supports 4k at 60fps, but it won’t handle "upscaled" Dolphin games at that resolution. A 1650 might work, but likely not a 3050.

L
loltribo
Posting Freak
870
09-19-2022, 03:54 AM
#3
P1000 can operate with 4x displays at 4K 60Hz. It isn't designed for speeds beyond 60Hz, but a suitable mini-DP to DP 1.4a adapter and a DP to HDMI2.1 cable will work.
L
loltribo
09-19-2022, 03:54 AM #3

P1000 can operate with 4x displays at 4K 60Hz. It isn't designed for speeds beyond 60Hz, but a suitable mini-DP to DP 1.4a adapter and a DP to HDMI2.1 cable will work.

M
MinaSG
Junior Member
11
09-19-2022, 09:13 PM
#4
Sure, I can try that first and check the results. I hope upscaling works well for me—it wouldn't be a big issue if it does.
M
MinaSG
09-19-2022, 09:13 PM #4

Sure, I can try that first and check the results. I hope upscaling works well for me—it wouldn't be a big issue if it does.

J
josiecatz__10
Senior Member
640
09-19-2022, 11:05 PM
#5
OK good to know. It seems like I could manage that for around $40. I'm considering opting for a 75W card instead, since at that point I'm already purchasing items I don't have, while I still have some HDMI 2.1 cables. My regular PC is currently connected via a 25' powered HDMI cable, and it took me three attempts to find one that supports 4K at 120Hz. I'm not sure if I want to go through another round of trial and error with an adapter and cable.

I'm hoping the PSU still has a 6-pin or 6+2 connector, giving me more flexibility. I should have the PC later this week to find out. There are three to four machines available, so maybe I can take them all and either sell them or sell the CPUs and GPUs to boost my budget a bit.
J
josiecatz__10
09-19-2022, 11:05 PM #5

OK good to know. It seems like I could manage that for around $40. I'm considering opting for a 75W card instead, since at that point I'm already purchasing items I don't have, while I still have some HDMI 2.1 cables. My regular PC is currently connected via a 25' powered HDMI cable, and it took me three attempts to find one that supports 4K at 120Hz. I'm not sure if I want to go through another round of trial and error with an adapter and cable.

I'm hoping the PSU still has a 6-pin or 6+2 connector, giving me more flexibility. I should have the PC later this week to find out. There are three to four machines available, so maybe I can take them all and either sell them or sell the CPUs and GPUs to boost my budget a bit.

D
DragonBlack246
Member
100
09-21-2022, 01:22 PM
#6
Yes - at that size, an active cable is almost essential.
I own a Quadro, and when they were new they included miniDP-to-DP adapter dongles in the package. I would ask the seller to include a few more. Then all you'd need would be something like this ($30 USD).
D
DragonBlack246
09-21-2022, 01:22 PM #6

Yes - at that size, an active cable is almost essential.
I own a Quadro, and when they were new they included miniDP-to-DP adapter dongles in the package. I would ask the seller to include a few more. Then all you'd need would be something like this ($30 USD).

A
Areeend
Member
142
09-22-2022, 04:43 PM
#7
Alright so I got the PC yesterday and it does have a 6 pin and a 6+2. So of course I went over budget.
OEM HP New Old Stock 2060 - $125
3 Thermalright Case Fans -$11
2 Magnetic Dust Filters for 120mm Fans -$7
Coolermaster i30 CPU Cooler -$13
Total with tax and shipping: $165
I plan on modding the case this weekend for the fans. I'm going to lay the PC on its side so it fits in my media console. I'm thinking one fan on the front and one on the "side panel" as exhaust. I'll keep the third fan as a spare
I was going to go with a used RX6600 to get hmdi 2.1 support but I'll just roll with 4K60.
A
Areeend
09-22-2022, 04:43 PM #7

Alright so I got the PC yesterday and it does have a 6 pin and a 6+2. So of course I went over budget.
OEM HP New Old Stock 2060 - $125
3 Thermalright Case Fans -$11
2 Magnetic Dust Filters for 120mm Fans -$7
Coolermaster i30 CPU Cooler -$13
Total with tax and shipping: $165
I plan on modding the case this weekend for the fans. I'm going to lay the PC on its side so it fits in my media console. I'm thinking one fan on the front and one on the "side panel" as exhaust. I'll keep the third fan as a spare
I was going to go with a used RX6600 to get hmdi 2.1 support but I'll just roll with 4K60.

M
MissCGaming
Member
116
09-30-2022, 12:21 AM
#8
Well it works
Top down
https://ibb.co/PFr7VSY
Speed holes for extra horsepower
https://ibb.co/7Q2Tk9v
Larger speed hole
https://ibb.co/Lxnq2xg
A bit of jank but I'm satisfied. I drilled the holes using the mobo to avoid damaging it. Placed a wooden piece behind the panel during drilling for safety. I'm downloading Cyberpunk now to test temperatures. GPU is idling at 36C
I kept the stock HP cooler on since the new one didn't improve performance. I'll monitor and reassess later.
edit: Tomorrow I'll install the new cooler, it's expected to reach 90C in the game menu lol
M
MissCGaming
09-30-2022, 12:21 AM #8

Well it works
Top down
https://ibb.co/PFr7VSY
Speed holes for extra horsepower
https://ibb.co/7Q2Tk9v
Larger speed hole
https://ibb.co/Lxnq2xg
A bit of jank but I'm satisfied. I drilled the holes using the mobo to avoid damaging it. Placed a wooden piece behind the panel during drilling for safety. I'm downloading Cyberpunk now to test temperatures. GPU is idling at 36C
I kept the stock HP cooler on since the new one didn't improve performance. I'll monitor and reassess later.
edit: Tomorrow I'll install the new cooler, it's expected to reach 90C in the game menu lol

T
ToxicDaniel
Member
55
10-01-2022, 05:35 PM
#9
Hah, it looks great, you might be able to find a grill or similar item to cover the hole you made on the front. It seems like it has received some nice improvements since you first got it.
T
ToxicDaniel
10-01-2022, 05:35 PM #9

Hah, it looks great, you might be able to find a grill or similar item to cover the hole you made on the front. It seems like it has received some nice improvements since you first got it.

D
DiabolicPotato
Junior Member
9
10-01-2022, 10:08 PM
#10
Here’s what you need to know about the build.
I’m keeping the front intact because I’m not too worried about the appearance.
I wasn’t expecting to have to remove the motherboard for a cooler upgrade—so I just reattached it. It brought the CPU temperature down to around 70°C, though it reached 100°C with many NPCs and action scenes. GPU temps stayed under 70°C, mostly in the low 60s.
Temperatures in Dolphin aren’t too high. Most games run between the mid-70s to low 80s. Wind Waker hits about 72°C, while NFSMW can go up to 93°C.
I have a spare fan left, so I’m weighing putting it over the CPU as an intake. I’m unsure if that would help or hurt. I considered cutting a hole for a mesh guard, but even without the side panel, it doesn’t cool much better. I think I should try taking the motherboard apart to install a proper cooler.
I’m also considering undervolting, but I’m worried about BIOS limitations. I tried FanControl and a few other tools, but they don’t appear in the settings and there’s no fan control in the BIOS. HWinfo doesn’t even recognize the fan headers.
D
DiabolicPotato
10-01-2022, 10:08 PM #10

Here’s what you need to know about the build.
I’m keeping the front intact because I’m not too worried about the appearance.
I wasn’t expecting to have to remove the motherboard for a cooler upgrade—so I just reattached it. It brought the CPU temperature down to around 70°C, though it reached 100°C with many NPCs and action scenes. GPU temps stayed under 70°C, mostly in the low 60s.
Temperatures in Dolphin aren’t too high. Most games run between the mid-70s to low 80s. Wind Waker hits about 72°C, while NFSMW can go up to 93°C.
I have a spare fan left, so I’m weighing putting it over the CPU as an intake. I’m unsure if that would help or hurt. I considered cutting a hole for a mesh guard, but even without the side panel, it doesn’t cool much better. I think I should try taking the motherboard apart to install a proper cooler.
I’m also considering undervolting, but I’m worried about BIOS limitations. I tried FanControl and a few other tools, but they don’t appear in the settings and there’s no fan control in the BIOS. HWinfo doesn’t even recognize the fan headers.

Pages (2): 1 2 Next