Upgrading graphics card

**The Walrus** · May 01, 2011, 10:48 AM

So I think I might want to update my graphics card as a present once I complete my AP exams.

Now the last time I looked at graphics cards it was right around the time the GTX 460 came out (but I never bought it).

Currently my system specs:

Processor: i5 650 C@ 3.2 GHz
RAM: 8 gigs at 1333 MHz
Graphics card: NVIDIA geforce GT 220 >__<

Note: (This computer was built by Dell. I received it as a replacement for my 5 year old XPS that broke down a long time ago)

Anyway, I would like a new graphics card. Something with good bang for your buck like the GTX 460 supposedly was. I don't have to have the biggest and best though.

**Crazyeyesreaper** · May 01, 2011, 01:17 PM

the powersupply in that dell is probably not up to par for powering a higher end GPU, get the specs for the systems Powersupply, and then ill look into gpus.

**The Walrus** · May 01, 2011, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by Crazyeyesreaper

the powersupply in that dell is probably not up to par for powering a higher end GPU, get the specs for the systems Powersupply, and then ill look into gpus.

Ah yeah, didn't even think about the power supply

I'll go look it up

EDIT: The website says it is only 350 watts >__<

http://www.dell.com/us/p/studio-xps-8100/pd

Which if I remember correctly isn't necessarily a lot.

Do you need to know more about the PSU?

**SPARTAN VI** · May 01, 2011, 02:05 PM

Amperage on the 12v rail would be nice.

[edit]My google-fu pulled up the following specs from someone else with the same question:

LiteON PSU

Input
100-127V ~/10A
200-240V ~/5A
50-60 Hz

Output

+5V / 18A MAX
+5Vaux / 2A MAX
+12VA / 12A MAX
+12VB / 18A MAX
+3.3V / 17A MAX
-12V / 0.8A MAX

**Crazyeyesreaper** · May 04, 2011, 02:10 AM

yea that power supply isnt really up to the task it might handle a low end gts 450 or ati 5750 but gaming performance on those cards is getting long in the tooth, anything higher then that the powersupply isnt likely to last. It will power a gpu but its gonna stress the powersupply a hell of a lot and leave you no room for aging of components or for any future upgrades or addons.

**SPARTAN VI** · May 04, 2011, 05:05 PM

To answer your question, you might be able to skate by with a HD5770. I see its idle/load power consumption is between 120/200w respectively; that leaves about 100-150w for the rest of your components, which is realistic yet a bit close to your PSU's limits. However, it also seems other XPS 8100 owners have made the same move and are running it "fine."

**The Walrus** · May 04, 2011, 08:08 PM

Ah thanks guys. Maybe I'll try to convince my dad to let me build a computer anyway then (something I've always wanted to do).

**PoleCat** · May 04, 2011, 08:20 PM

There is no reason to build a new system from scratch if you're under a budget (as you're looking to your dad - he may not sympathize with your need for the latest graphics

). Your current system is decent minus the PSU. Just order a new PSU from a decent company in the 600W+ range and you will breathe new life into what you have already. That allows you to upgrade the GPU to anything you'll need. Look here for some good suggestions by MrCrusty. Good luck!

**belamorte** · May 04, 2011, 09:57 PM

Problem is that it is a Dell, meaning it is likely (in fact definitely) a proprietary PSU. I went through this crap with my old Dell XPS710. Typically with Dell your only option is to call them and see if one of their proprietary PSUs will fit that system, otherwise , without major modifications (if even possible) SOL.

out of curiosity what XPS system did you have a replacement computer built for? I had an XPS replaced as well (XPS710 motherboard problems replaced by Dell with an Alienware Area-51 desktop) so I am curious what yours was.

**The Walrus** · May 04, 2011, 10:37 PM

Originally Posted by belamorte

Problem is that it is a Dell, meaning it is likely (in fact definitely) a proprietary PSU. I went through this crap with my old Dell XPS710. Typically with Dell your only option is to call them and see if one of their proprietary PSUs will fit that system, otherwise , without major modifications (if even possible) SOL.

out of curiosity what XPS system did you have a replacement computer built for? I had an XPS replaced as well (XPS710 motherboard problems replaced by Dell with an Alienware Area-51 desktop) so I am curious what yours was.

I had some Dell XPS 600 I think that we received 5-6 years ago for Christmas. 2 years ago it broke.

For 2 years they give me malfunctioning parts and finally I qualified for a system exchange. (for a long time I would go months without bothering to call tech support because I was so busy with band, school, and newspaper).

@PoleCat, I'm not sure if Dell places nice with different PSUs. I guess I can try what Belamorte said though.

I'll still probably try to milk my dad

I would like to build one also just for the experience. BUt...we'll see where that goes. I'll also take a look at PSU's to fill this Dell after exams get done.

Thanks everyone for your help so far.

**PoleCat** · May 04, 2011, 11:25 PM

Originally Posted by belamorte

Problem is that it is a Dell, meaning it is likely (in fact definitely) a proprietary PSU. I went through this crap with my old Dell XPS710. Typically with Dell your only option is to call them and see if one of their proprietary PSUs will fit that system, otherwise , without major modifications (if even possible) SOL.

out of curiosity what XPS system did you have a replacement computer built for? I had an XPS replaced as well (XPS710 motherboard problems replaced by Dell with an Alienware Area-51 desktop) so I am curious what yours was.

Hmm. I find it hard to believe in the idea of a proprietary PSU. I've never run across a PSU that reports back to the OS in any meaningful fashion. There may be an argument to be made regarding the case and space requirements. But then again you'll need to look to what fits your case.

Now Lord knows I am not the most up-to-date tech head on these forums but a PSU is a PSU. If The Walrus wishes to keep his upgrading costs to a minimum then a new PSU should fit the bill. He'll most definitely void any warranty he has left on that machine but at this late stage maybe that is for the best.

If I am wrong, then please pummel unmercifully. At the very least that will afford some of the younger members here a chance to learn. And I don't mind being wrong as long as something useful comes from it. Good luck!

**belamorte** · May 05, 2011, 12:25 AM

Originally Posted by PoleCat

Hmm. I find it hard to believe in the idea of a proprietary PSU. I've never run across a PSU that reports back to the OS in any meaningful fashion. There may be an argument to be made regarding the case and space requirements. But then again you'll need to look to what fits your case.

Now Lord knows I am not the most up-to-date tech head on these forums but a PSU is a PSU. If The Walrus wishes to keep his upgrading costs to a minimum then a new PSU should fit the bill. He'll most definitely void any warranty he has left on that machine but at this late stage maybe that is for the best.

If I am wrong, then please pummel unmercifully. At the very least that will afford some of the younger members here a chance to learn. And I don't mind being wrong as long as something useful comes from it. Good luck!

Perhaps it has changed recently but Dell has typically used either BTX mobos (like the previous XPS7xx series) that were totally screwy for any upgrades (other then RAM/GPU) and modified ATX mobos (for much of their other XPS stuff). These "modified" mobos have different PIN connectors then the normal ATX ones you would buy from newegg or something.

Now I also am a bit behind on much of the tech, and Dell may have changed but I doubt it. I know that non-Dell PSUs do not work on the XPS7xx models as well as much of the rest of the XPS line (due to a different PIN connection then normal) and I would not want to see someone buy something that wont work.

I agree that if possible a non-Dell PSU would be the best bet, I am just warning from my past experience that option is likely not possible. Before ordering a non-Dell PSU he better make sure that the PIN connectors are the right ones and the current that are sent are correct... I would be very surprised if a non-Dell PSU will fit the XPS8100.

Just google PSU Dell Proprietary and you will see. Dell machines are a pain in the a.ss and caution should be used for any upgrade

**ROFL Copter** · May 04, 2011, 10:47 PM

Since when do people get presents for getting honours? For me its always been more like; "get honours or I'll disown you."

**The Walrus** · May 04, 2011, 10:50 PM

Originally Posted by ROFL Copter

Since when do people get presents for getting honours? For me its always been more like; "get honours or I'll disown you."

My family is actually the same way to an extent.

The updated graphics card/building a computer possibly has been something I've wanted to do for a few years. It will probably end up being a birthday or Christmas gift.