Switching from Nvidia to AMD

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Mistamatthew

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Mar 10, 2014
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I currently have an alienware x51 with an nvidia gtx 555. Im plaanning on switching my graphics card to an AMD r9 270x.

My question is, what should I do in preparation for switching graphics cards? Is there anything beyond uninstalling my nvidia drivers? Does it matter if the card is made by MSI? Also, what are some things I should consider while switching out my gpu? I have never really messed with my computer so any specific tips would help.

My computer specs are:

Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3770 CPU @ 3.40GHz

330W Power Supply

8.00 GB of ram

If you need to know anything else spec wise just ask.
 
Solution
serge44
You don't have to do anything, it's actually quite easy. Just turn it off and unplug it, switch cards following the manufacturer's instructions, boot, install the new AMD drivers and uninstall the unused Nvidia ones - this last step is not even mandatory, but it's healthy for your system. You can even keep using either monitor program you already use (Afterburner, Precision, OC Guru, etc) without having to do anything.

Good luck!
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serge44

serge44

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Mar 16, 2011
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You don't have to do anything, it's actually quite easy. Just turn it off and unplug it, switch cards following the manufacturer's instructions, boot, install the new AMD drivers and uninstall the unused Nvidia ones - this last step is not even mandatory, but it's healthy for your system. You can even keep using either monitor program you already use (Afterburner, Precision, OC Guru, etc) without having to do anything.

Good luck!
 
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Solution
serge44

serge44

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Mar 16, 2011
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After my post I was having second thoughts about if your Alienware's case wouldn't be an issue, but I found out that now the X51 is shipping precisely with the r9 270x. Just make sure your PSU has at least 2 6-pin PCIe connectors!
 
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Avocade

Avocade

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Apr 12, 2013
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You'll still need to up your PSU with the 660 it's a decent low level GPU. Which ever you choose uninstalling and installing the card and drivers is a breeze even with no prior pc building knowledge.
 
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barto

barto

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Apr 20, 2009
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This is the problem with Alienware. They are a little overpriced and difficult to upgrade. I can't find the said 600 watt PSU that Alienware uses when they ship systems with the 270 or 760GTX. I can't find it as a stand alone upgrade even though I now see it is a external PSU. It even has a proprietary motherboard that you can't just stick into another case. You are pretty much stuck with what you have unless you mod something.
 
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m32

m32

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Apr 15, 2012
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You guys are way over estimating the wattage. FX-8350 with an R9 280x running fine on a 550watt PSU. It is an 'gold' PSU though.

The power supply that came with your pre-built probably is crap. They want to build an rig as cheap as possible. They have to make money somewhere. I can't recommend any GPU for you. That 330w PSU might can supply 400w, but I wouldn't be surprised if it couldn't get to 300w. I can't judge the unknown.
 
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barto

barto

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Exactly. The issue isn't necessarily if a 330w PSU can power a 660, it's what can the 330w PSU that comes with the system power. Personally, I wouldn't want to try and power the 660 with the 330w PSU. The small enclosure means everything is going to run warmer, thus using more watts. Then the unknown about the efficiency of the PSU and it's ability to sustain high loads.

Just don't like it.
 
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hardrock152

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Feb 19, 2013
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Unfortunately I would have to agree with the other posters here. Are other eople using that power supply on a 660, probably. Should they be? No. I am a person that firmly believes in messing around with your computer, and trying whatever you, you can usually fix whatever you do. I do not EVER recommend messing around with power supplies. Alienware does not ship with the highest quality PSUs (Not that they are god awful either) but pushing that thing beyond its comfortable point can do serious long term damage. Just my 2 cents. As far as actually installing a new card, it really is a breeze. Unplug old one, plug in new one, Uninstall your drivers, and install new ones.
 
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