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Thinking of upgrading my Video Card #1015905
05/24/15 04:33 PM
05/24/15 04:33 PM
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Hi all,

I have an Alienware X51 BIOS: A12 Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3770 CPU @ 3.40GHz (8 CPUs), ~3.4GHz and a GeForce GTX 660. (as listed in my DXDIAG file)

I'm thinking about getting a GTX 970 and just wanted to make sure (since I'm not too tech savvy) that it would fit in my computer.

I don't want to get the card and then find out that my processor or system can't handle the upgrade.

Would appreciate any advice.


You laugh because I'm different
I laugh because you're all the same

Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most.

John
Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1015908
05/24/15 05:07 PM
05/24/15 05:07 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
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Near St. Louis, MO
Draclvr Offline
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What is the wattage of your power supply?


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1015932
05/24/15 08:41 PM
05/24/15 08:41 PM
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southeast USA
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Originally Posted By: oldman
I have an Alienware X51 BIOS: A12 Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3770 CPU @ 3.40GHz (8 CPUs), ~3.4GHz and a GeForce GTX 660. (as listed in my DXDIAG file)

I'm thinking about getting a GTX 970 and just wanted to make sure (since I'm not too tech savvy) that it would fit in my computer.

I don't want to get the card and then find out that my processor or system can't handle the upgrade.

The processor won't be a problem.
It's the power supply that matters -- and sometimes the computer case.
The card you want will probably draw more power than your current card.

According to this thread
http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1662766/alienware-x51-power-supply.html
an X51 might only have a 330 Watt power supply.

Also if your X51 is the small skinny type instead of a full or mid-size case, the card might not fit.
http://image.alienware.com/images/landings/desktops/x51_ugs2.png

Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1015935
05/24/15 08:54 PM
05/24/15 08:54 PM
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Since your case is probably the skinny type, I suspect your current GTX 660 is a low profile card. In a case this small, I would also want to make sure there is plenty of cooling available.


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1015955
05/24/15 11:44 PM
05/24/15 11:44 PM
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Thanks for the advice guys. My 660 is doing the job right now and it looks like upgrading it may be too big a problem. I have no idea what the wattage of my power supply is nor where to find out.

My X51 is the skinny case and I guess I'll just live with what I've got.


You laugh because I'm different
I laugh because you're all the same

Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most.

John
Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1016012
05/25/15 11:26 AM
05/25/15 11:26 AM
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Draclvr Offline
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I've not found much of anything on what that power supply might be except for what Jenny mentioned - a 330 watt. I've also found that the power supplies in these skinny Alienware computers are just an exterior adapter and not even internal, so you can't just replace it with anything. This thread even indicates that a replacement video card must be proprietary to Dell - unless I'm reading it wrong.

Those computers are sexy looking, but not much good if you need to upgrade.


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1017073
06/02/15 03:56 PM
06/02/15 03:56 PM
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Well now that I found out that I can't really add anything to this particular PC because of the small case, I'm seriously thinking of just upgrading the PC. I found this on line and wonder what you guys think and if anyone has heard of the company. CYBERPOWERPC

Here are the specs:

CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-5820K Six-Core 3.30GHz 15MB Intel Smart Cache LGA2011-V3
HDD: 2TB (2TBx1) SATA-III 6.0Gb/s 64MB Cache 7200RPM HDD (Single Drive)

MEMORY: 16GB (4GBx4) DDR4/2400MHz Quad Channel Memory (Corsair or Major Brand)

MOTHERBOARD: ASUS ROG X99 RAMPAGE V EXTREME/U3.1 ATX w/Wi-Fi 802.11 AC 2.4/5 GHz, Dual Intel GbE LAN, 4x Gen3 PCIe x16, 1 PCIe x4,1x M.2, 10x SATA 6Gb/s [+351]

SOUND: Creative Sound Blaster ZXR 5.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCIe Sound Card w/SNR 124dB, DBPro optical output, Multi-channel surround, SBX Pro Studio, Sound Core3D Processor & Audio Control Module [+226]

VIDEO: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 4GB GDDR5 PCIe 3.0 x16 (Maxwell) (Single Card)

POWERSUPPLY: 600 Watts - Standard 80 Plus Certified Power Supply - SLI/CrossFireX Ready

STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR [3 Year Labor, 1 Year Parts] LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Price $2289


You laugh because I'm different
I laugh because you're all the same

Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most.

John
Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1017081
06/02/15 05:39 PM
06/02/15 05:39 PM
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Draclvr Offline
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Great specs for a gaming computer! Be sure to get a case worthy of such a fine machine! I especially like that motherboard.


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1017085
06/02/15 06:28 PM
06/02/15 06:28 PM
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Have you gone to the Cyberpower website? You should do that and check the weekly specials at the top of the homepage. You may find this model or one of equal specs on sale or at least a minimum of free shipping. Also you might be able to build your own from the custom configurator for a better price. My last 4 computers have come from Cyberpower and all have been great.I am writing this on one now. The only things I would warn about is that you should check to see if windows is included because it may be an option you have to select to add.Also nowadays liquid cooling seems to be the default option so if you want fans instead you would have to select that.

Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1017102
06/02/15 09:29 PM
06/02/15 09:29 PM
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Thank you Geo. I have been to the website, in fact those specs are from a PC that I did build with the custom configurator. It's good to hear from someone who has done business with them especially with favorable results. That's what I was looking for. The rig I chose/built does have windows 8.1 as well.


You laugh because I'm different
I laugh because you're all the same

Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most.

John
Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1017106
06/02/15 10:29 PM
06/02/15 10:29 PM
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Good... I was hoping Geo would check in. I knew he'd bought more than one from Cyberpower. Another place to play around with configurations is eCollegePC


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1017124
06/03/15 03:34 AM
06/03/15 03:34 AM
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By the way,I gave my old computers to friends and they are still running. The only problems I have heard about from them is fans that started making noise and needed to be replaced.Also one needed new video drivers downloaded and that fixed the problem.
Having said all that,I wouldnt want you to buy a computer based on one person. If you bought it and had trouble I would feel bad.

Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: Draclvr] #1017208
06/03/15 09:28 PM
06/03/15 09:28 PM
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Draclvr I went to the ecollegepc site and built a PC with the same specs for about $500 less.

I'm not to the point where I'm going to purchase right away but I'm pretty happy with what I see on that site. Thanks for the tip.

I'm probably a couple months away from taking the plunge.


You laugh because I'm different
I laugh because you're all the same

Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most.

John
Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1017210
06/03/15 09:42 PM
06/03/15 09:42 PM
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Both companies have good customer service track records and that's what really matters!


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1017291
06/04/15 02:18 PM
06/04/15 02:18 PM
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Kentucky
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Hi oldman! just wanted to let you know that I had eCollegePC build me one about two or three weeks ago and I love it. It was from the same page that Draclvr gave you a link to. It cost me $1825.

Here are my specs:

Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0Ghz 8MB Cache Quad-Core |
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO CPU Fan/Heatsink 2x120
GIGABYTE GA-Z97X-SLI (Intel Z97, HDMI, DVI, 2xPCI-E,
6xSATA, 4xDDR3) |
16GB (8GBx2) PC3 12800 DDR3 1600Mhz Memory Lifetime
Warranty |
1TB 7200RPM 32MB Cache SATA3 6Gbps Western Digital
Blue |
250GB SAMSUNG 850 EVO Series MZ-75E250B/AM
SATA3 SSD |
24X LG SATA Dual Layer DVD /-RW/CDRW |
4GB GeForce GTX 970 GDDR5 PCI-E Dual-DVI/HDMI
(Major Brand) |
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit (Includes DVD +
COA) |
Consair Black Carbide Series 500R
600watt Corsair CX600 V2 80 PLUS CERTIFIED |
Onboard 1Gbit LAN included |
Creative sound Blaster Z OE M
Logitech S-120 2.0 Channel Speakers |
Wires and Cables ran behind case and tied up for maximum
airflow |
3 Year Parts and Labor Warranty |
Standard processing time: Ready to ship in 8 to 10 business days
Thanks Kay

Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1017296
06/04/15 03:39 PM
06/04/15 03:39 PM
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Thank you Kayc sounds like a heck of a computer. In fact the same one I'm looking for. Could you tell me how long it took from the day you ordered to the day it was delivered.

Also, (this is for everyone)I have no idea about motherboards. There are 24 options listed the cheapest being, of course, the one that comes with it free all the way up to #330 extra. What is the difference? Does a more expensive motherboard make any kind of difference at all?


You laugh because I'm different
I laugh because you're all the same

Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most.

John
Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1017299
06/04/15 04:02 PM
06/04/15 04:02 PM
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Hi oldman, From the day I ordered it, got the computer in 8 business days. FedX delivers it and you will have to sign.
Thanks
Kay

Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1017398
06/05/15 02:11 PM
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Thank you Kayc that sounds great.


You laugh because I'm different
I laugh because you're all the same

Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most.

John
Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1017413
06/05/15 03:37 PM
06/05/15 03:37 PM
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For a higher end gaming computer, you should get a higher end motherboard. For instance the one Kayc got is a nice mid-range motherboard with a lot of nice features. Select a motherboard and then click on "View Details."

One of the things you might consider is how many USB ports you want to have; how many USB 3.0 ports; the sound card options on the motherboard etc. Some of these higher end motherboards have excellent sound which might save you a few bucks on a separate sound card - it all depends on how much you want to spend on sound. Of course, a great Creative gaming sound card doesn't do much good unless you have killer computer speakers!


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1017489
06/06/15 01:06 AM
06/06/15 01:06 AM
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Originally Posted By: oldman
Thank you Kayc sounds like a heck of a computer. In fact the same one I'm looking for. Could you tell me how long it took from the day you ordered to the day it was delivered.

Also, (this is for everyone)I have no idea about motherboards. There are 24 options listed the cheapest being, of course, the one that comes with it free all the way up to #330 extra. What is the difference? Does a more expensive motherboard make any kind of difference at all?


When you look at the options at E-College the drop down box will list all motherboards available, and other components as well. You know that! BUT here is the good part. When you select one and it shows up as a choice in your list click on the view details tab above your choice. It will take you the mfg page for that product. There you can find out all kinds of details about the component including for many a downloadable manual for the motherboard or whatever you are looking at.

I bought several pcs from E-college over the years. Regarding motherboards I wanted to know how many slots it had and what type they were. I wanted to know about space for add ons vid cards etc. I also wanted to know how many usb ports and where they were located. I wanted to make sure the MB had usb-3 as well as usb-2 ports. You never know when a higher powered usb is required in the future. They are not making USB-3 without intending to have components that require them. That ability to go to the component's site helped me to not only make a better choice in a MB, but among other things I learned a lot.

Every little bit helps and yes customer service is great. You always get a prompt answer when you ask a question.

Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1017834
06/08/15 02:56 PM
06/08/15 02:56 PM
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Thanks everyone for all the advice and help. The deed's done and I have my new computer chosen and being made with shipping expected soon. Here is what I finally came up with:

Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0Ghz 8MB Cache Quad-Core |
Thermaltake NIC C5 120mm Untouchable Cooler Fan/Heatsink
|
GIGABYTE GA-Z97X-Gaming 3 (Intel Z97, DVI, HDMI,
3xPCI-E, 6xSATA, 4xDDR3) |
16GB (8GBx2) Corsair Vengeance 12800 DDR3 1600Mhz
Lifetime Warranty |
1TB 7200RPM 32MB Cache SATA3 6Gbps Western Digital
Blue |
24X LG SATA Dual Layer DVD /-RW/CDRW |
4GB GeForce GTX 970 GDDR5 PCI-E Dual-DVI/HDMI
(Major Brand) |
Microsoft Windows 8.1 64bit (Includes DVD + COA) |
Apevia Black/Blue X-Dreamer 4 (4 5.25, 5 3.5) 5 Fans,
Audio/USB 3.0 |
600watt Corsair CX600 V2 80 PLUS CERTIFIED |
Onboard 1Gbit LAN included |
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Rx PCI-Ex |
Wires and Cables ran behind case and tied up for maximum
airflow |
3 Year Parts and Labor Warranty |
Standard processing time: Ready to ship within 7 to 10
Business Days


You laugh because I'm different
I laugh because you're all the same

Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most.

John
Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1019569
06/20/15 04:25 PM
06/20/15 04:25 PM
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Well my new computer arrived yesterday and I am really happy with it. I had a duh moment when I first installed the cables. There are three plug-ins for the monitor and I plugged it into the top input which was for the Intel Graphics card. Everything worked fine but when I tried to play Witcher 3 the game was not responding. Needless to say I panicked and called their Tech support, got no answer and had to leave a message but they got back to me within hours and I discovered that I needed to plug the monitor into another input which was the GeForce card. Once old dumb guy plugged it into the correct place the game and everything else works outstanding.

So I am very satisfied with the computer and the support I receive and would recommend this company to any and all who ask.

This is a full desktop case and not the skinny one like I had.


You laugh because I'm different
I laugh because you're all the same

Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most.

John
Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1019570
06/20/15 04:38 PM
06/20/15 04:38 PM
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Congratulations on the new machine! I had a phone call one night from an out-of-state friend who was hooking up a new computer from eCollegePC and was having the same issue. I asked if she had plugged the monitor into the motherboard or the video card. Yup, slap your forehead moment!


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: Draclvr] #1019573
06/20/15 05:25 PM
06/20/15 05:25 PM
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United Kingdom
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That's fabulous, oldman !! Enjoy your new stuff to the max !! broccoli


Time : The Most Precious Commodity
Re: Thinking of upgrading my Video Card [Re: oldman] #1019671
06/21/15 05:56 PM
06/21/15 05:56 PM
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Posts: 7,707
The Country
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Hmmmmmm. Drac..... wonder who that out of state friend was penguin


Would that I could be the peacemaker in your soul that I might turn the discord and the rivalry of your elements into oneness and melody
Gibran
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