GPU Can I fit a low profile GPU into Lenovo Tiny

[JSPOT]

I'm trying to build a low-cost small form factor PC to run live security camera feeds in a browser. The main thing is I need to hook up 5 displays, all 1080p at 60hz.

I was thinking of adding a low-profile GPU like the Nvidia K1200: https://a.co/d/5qPBgU1

Would that card fit in this unit? And do I need any kind of adapter for the PCI slot?

Also, does this PC let you run both the iGPU and discrete GPU at the same time? I think it's a BIOS setting, but not sure if this system supports it.

Here’s the link to the PC: https://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX00133844

Specs for the SFF machine are below.

 

[confusis]

It looks like it should fit with the appropriate riser - looks like the expansion slot is non standard, so you'll need the correct riser card.

I'm seeing other units on Google with display outputs in that expansion slot, so it may be possible to run the dGPU and iGPU at the same time, but someone who has one of these may be able to tell you.

 

[JSPOT]

I made that post while I was out and just on my phone. Now that I'm back, let me explain the project. I'm basically trying to set up a small PC, the M920Q, that'll be used just to view live feeds from Ubiquiti cameras on five separate 1080p displays. The Ubiquiti interface is called "Protect" and it runs in a browser, so the idea is to have five browser windows open, each showing two camera feeds. That's the only thing this PC is going to be used for.

Since browsers can eat up a lot of memory, I went with 32GB of RAM, which that particular PC I linked already has. I've also been considering installing Windows 11 LTSC on it. I'd need to find a license first, but is it worth it? I really can't stand all the bloat in regular Windows, and LTSC might help the feeds run smoother without annoying popups or updates interrupting things.

After doing some more digging, it looks like I might need a PCIe adapter to install the GPU I'm thinking about.

Also, would there be any noticeable advantage to going with a slightly better card like the T600 or T1000? Just wondering if it would actually make a difference for this setup.

What I haven't been able to figure out is whether the card can fit inside the case without needing major mods. Will the case close properly after it's installed, or will it stick out? And what about the power supply? I think the PC comes with a 65W brick, but I'd probably need something more powerful, right?

Another thing I'm not sure about is whether I can use both the integrated GPU and a discrete GPU at the same time. I'd like to use four outputs from the discrete card and one or more from the iGPU to hit my five display target. Still haven't found a clear answer on that.

 

[REVOCCASES]

you can install a low profile & single slot GPU (e.g. T600, T1000, RX6400, A310, etc), but you'll need a dedicated LENOVO riser card (eBay, Taobao)... another issue with the M920q is the case cover, which has no any ventilation - so you'll have to drill some vent holes to make that work

I think that might help:

Log - ThinkStation P350 Tiny - 1L Pocket Rocket Lake with RTX A2000 | SFF.Network

and:


correct, the 65W PSU is not enough. you'll need at least a 180W or 230W brick.

yes, you can use the iGPU and dGPU outputs at the same time.

if you haven't bought the PC yet, I'd have a look and try to find a second hand Thinkstation Tiny which is already equipped with a T600 or similar GPU - that might be overall cheaper

 

[JSPOT]

Thanks for the info and for confirming that both GPUs can work simultaneously.

I actually already bought the PCs. They were around $250 USD each. I did try looking for ThinkStations that already had a GPU installed, but couldn't find any. I would have preferred that since it would have saved me from buying a bunch of extra parts.

Speaking of parts, I was hoping someone could help confirm a few things for me.

I found a parts list someone shared on Reddit, and I'm trying to understand the differences. Specifically, what's the difference between the PCIe riser they listed and this one I found on AliExpress: New PCIE16 Expansion Graphic Card For Lenovo ThinkCentre 910Q 910X M720 ThinkStation P330 Tiny4 01AJ940? The AliExpress one is quite a bit cheaper. Is there a catch?

Also, I'm not sure if the heatsink, rear bracket, and those small screws are actually necessary. Here's the parts list I came across:

• PCIe x16 Riser Card (if not already in the system): FRU# 5C50W00933
• Rear IO Bracket: FRU# 5M11N44156
• Custom Heatsink: FRU# 5H40U93234
• Four M2x3 Screws (for securing the heatsink to the card)

Do I really need all of these for a proper install, or can I skip some of them?

 

[REVOCCASES]

Actually, you only need the riser card.

The I/O Bracket only woks with certain Nvidia cards, I'd DIY something or just leave the I/O open for better airflow

Not sure for what this heatsink is used for, I've never seen it in a Tiny

 

[JSPOT]

Thanks everyone. I've got the cheaper riser card coming and an RTX A1000.

 

[Nilithium]

If you don't need the extra horsepower, I have a spare T400 and a T1000 which could bith use a new home instead of collecting dust. Let me know if you would like either!