Upgrading the GPU in a Dell Studio 540 Desktop

builditfilmitM · Nov 22, 2013

I would like to upgrade the GPU in my Dell Studio 540 Desktop, in order to improve gaming performance on 1080p resolution.

The current specs are:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33 Ghz 2.34 Ghz
6 GB Ram
ATI Radeon HD 4670
350W PSU

I'd like to upgrade to the highest possible GPU available, while still working under my CPU and PSU specifications. I'm open to upgrading the PSU as well, but I'm on a tight budget so it would need to be fairly inexpensive. I'm really not good with buying computer parts, so your suggestions are greatly appreciated!

rolandzhang3 · Nov 22, 2013

First of all, what size/form factor is your Studio 540?

A 7750 should work with your current configuration

With a PSU upgrade you could aim for a GTX 650 Ti or a 7790/260x (the deal on the XFX 550W PSU ends 11/28)

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-100b10500kr

Considering the current pricing on regular 650 Ti's and 7790/260x cards, it would be worth it to step up to a 7850 or 650 Ti Boost since pricing is very close between these cards (depending on where you live)

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-r7850twinfrozr2gd5oc

There's even a very cheap 7870 right now

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-r78702gd5toc

Though to be frank, the Q8200 is a tad outdated so it will be holding your system back in playing upcoming games at 1080p

The problem with OEM systems is that they may lock down the option to overclock on their motherboards, otherwise an overclocked Q8200 would be a pretty good alternative to getting a brand new system

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/overclock-phenom-pentium,2366-12.html

builditfilmitM · Nov 22, 2013

rolandzhang3 :

Thanks for the reply. Just to clarify, I only play The Sims 3 (with all 20 expansions installed) on this PC. It actually runs pretty well on 1080p res, but it lagged quite a bit while recording using Fraps which is why I'm upgrading.

The 7750 actually looks like a pretty good upgrade, considering it has twice the pixel rate of my current card.

Since this system is almost 5 years old now, and I'm currently saving for a new computer, would a new PSU even be worth the upgrade considering I'm only playing older games?

builditfilmitM · Nov 22, 2013

rolandzhang3 :

First of all, what size/form factor is your Studio 540?

A 7750 should work with your current configuration

With a PSU upgrade you could aim for a GTX 650 Ti or a 7790/260x (the deal on the XFX 550W PSU ends 11/28)

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-100b10500kr

Considering the current pricing on regular 650 Ti's and 7790/260x cards, it would be worth it to step up to a 7850 or 650 Ti Boost since pricing is very close between these cards (depending on where you live)

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-r7850twinfrozr2gd5oc

There's even a very cheap 7870 right now

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-r78702gd5toc

Though to be frank, the Q8200 is a tad outdated so it will be holding your system back in playing upcoming games at 1080p

The problem with OEM systems is that they may lock down the option to overclock on their motherboards, otherwise an overclocked Q8200 would be a pretty good alternative to getting a brand new system

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/overclock-phenom-pentium,2366-12.html

And to answer your first question, here are the computer's dimensions.

Height 362 mm (14.2 inches)
Width 170 mm (6.7 inches)
Depth 435 mm (17.1 inches)

rolandzhang3 · Nov 22, 2013

Ah that's good it's not a small form factor so you should be good

Take a look at your PSU sticker inside the machine, what's the reading under the +12v rail? if it's 16A or more a 7750 would be a great choice

builditfilmitM · Nov 22, 2013

rolandzhang3 :

I'm not sure exactly which number that is, so I've attached a picture:

(sorry it's upside down)

rolandzhang3 · Nov 22, 2013

Seems that it has two +12v rails, It says that the combined 12v rails will not exceed 300W (which would be around 25A or so) so that should be enough for a 7750, just remember to get the quicker variant with GDDR5 memory

builditfilmitM · Nov 22, 2013

rolandzhang3 :

This is the one I was looking at - with GDDR5 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=14-121-633&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Keywords=%28keywords%29&Page=1#scrollFullInfo

I'm just not sure if it will fit the actual slot. Says it measures 5", and my current card is 4".

rolandzhang3 · Nov 22, 2013

They are PCI-E so it would fit, measure inside the case to see if that additional inch or two will come into contact with a Hard Drive bay or something

That 7750 is a little expensive but it'll do the job fine, the other models down such as the Powercolor versions are cheaper but I'd rather go for the quality of Asus

builditfilmitM · Nov 22, 2013

rolandzhang3 :

It's only a 1/2 in longer than my current GPU, and only comes in contact with a cord, but I think it should work.

rolandzhang3 · Nov 22, 2013

It should, just move the cable out of the way and it should be fine

builditfilmitM · Nov 22, 2013

rolandzhang3 :

Okay, I think I'll go with the ASUS HD7750. Thank you for your help!

rolandzhang3 · Nov 22, 2013

Have fun

Search

Upgrading the GPU in a Dell Studio 540 Desktop

builditfilmitM

Distinguished

rolandzhang3

rolandzhang3

Dignified

builditfilmitM

Distinguished

builditfilmitM

Distinguished

rolandzhang3

Dignified

builditfilmitM

Distinguished

rolandzhang3

Dignified

builditfilmitM

Distinguished

rolandzhang3

Dignified

builditfilmitM

Distinguished

rolandzhang3

Dignified

builditfilmitM

Distinguished

rolandzhang3

Dignified

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page