Dell XPS 8500 - Upgrade?

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Rob893

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Jul 23, 2014
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Hi Guys,

I have just stumbled into this site when googling around for PC related questions.

I currently have a Dell XPS 8500. It was bought for me a few years ago for a birthday present and it has served me well. This was a time before I realised you can get a lot more bang for your buck with custom built PC's rather than off-the-shelf jobs.

Here are the specs:
Intel Core i7 2600 @ 3.40Ghz
16GB DDR3 Ram
AMD Radeon 7770 2gb
Dell 0YJPT1 Motherboard
Dell D460AM-01 460w PSU
256gb SSD + 2TB hard drive

I mainly use my PC for games and I am able to play most on Medium settings nice and smooth, running on high is pushing it. I recently bought Assassins Creed 4, and I had to run the game on low to get the smoothness I like (the game still looks great though). I feel it is starting to lag behind a bit now so would like to give it a bit of a boost. I am looking to upgrade the PSU and GPU. Everything else about the PC runs sweet, it is just that extra performance when gaming that I am after.

I have been looking around for parts for the past week or so, but to a complete PC building noob it is a bit of a minefield. I have no idea what will fit and what won't. I would like to use an AMD card (I have only ever used AMD cards in my laptops/PCs and have never had an issue with them). PSU I have no idea about. Though I think I will need about 600/650w.

So my question is, what PSU will fit into my PC that can run a pretty high end card? Can my PC even run a high end card? What cards should I be looking? Should I scrap the 8500 and start building a custom one?

Budget for the PSU and GPU is £300 - £400 ($500 - $650)

Thanks!

Rob

 
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drtweak

drtweak

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Sep 17, 2012
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For the most part you can put any PSU you want in there. Only there newer Optiplex X020 series have a propriataty PSU. Just make sure if you need any 90 degree sata power connects that either 1) The PSU has them (Which most do these days) Or 2) get them if needed. as long as you have the right power requirements and as long as the video card fits you should be able to put any card in there.
 
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Rob893

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Jul 23, 2014
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Thanks for the ideas guys.

At the moment, I don't feel the need to go and buy a new case and motherboard. If my PC needs the extra breathing space after giving it more power and a juicer card then I will definitely go down that route.

I am going to look at getting a new PSU in the next few days. Is an 850w PSU necessary? Or is that to future proof my PC?

Thanks!
 
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Somber

Somber

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850w is good.
 
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Rob893

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So I have just been having a look at power supplies:

Corsair CX750W 80 Plus Bronze £60 ($101)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CX750-Builder-Series-Bronze/dp/B008RJZR40/ref=sr_1_4?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1406221708&sr=1-4

For an extra tenner (currently £20 off RRP) a Corsair CS750M Semi Modular 80 plus gold £71 ($120)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CP-9020078-UK-Builder-Series-Semi-Modular/dp/B00GMIPO46/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1406222137&sr=1-1

First question, I am assuming both of these would be good to fit into my case?

Second Question for an extra £10 I can get a semi modular 80 Plus gold PSU, is that a good deal?
 
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drtweak

drtweak

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A modular PSU in your case might be good. Only put in what cables you need. free up space for proper air flow.

Also Somber said something about overclocking. Its a Dell. Can't over clock. So if you do upgrade your CPU. Don't get a K Version since you can't make sure of it. Just FYI.
 
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Somber

Somber

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I would go with cs 750m because it's gold rating so less likely to fry your computer.
 
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Rob893

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I'm toying with the idea now doing what Somber originally said and upgrade the case and motherboard as well as the GPU and PSU.

After doing more googling, space and cooling can become a bit of an issue when upgrading the GPU in the XPS 8500.
 
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Somber

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I wouldn't replace the cpu. Unless you really have the money. And I said he won't be able to over clock. Replacing the mobo psu and gpu isn't as expensive as just building a whole new computer from scratch. Get a mobo that supports your current cpu and also supports other better cpus so it will be upgradable. Get a good 750w psu. And a gtx is a great gpu. Maybe you can sli in the future. Just make sure the mobo supports it.
 
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numanator

numanator

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Couple of things:

-750w is not needed for a single GPU, 650w is more than sufficient
-Both Corsair CX and CSM use chinese capacitors in their PSUs, I wouldn't trust them with my parts. You can find a good seasonic or XFX power supply for the same price that is better quality.

I would probably just get the PSU/GPU

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card (£227.72 @ Scan.co.uk)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply (£60.06 @ CCL Computers)
Total: £287.78
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-07-24 22:18 BST+0100

These 2 parts would get you playing games at Ultra settings, just confirm that the case has room to fit the GPU without obstructions.

IF you wanted a gold rated fully modular PSU this is the best price/quality gold fully modular PSU that I know of:

Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (£80.90 @ Amazon UK)

Comes w/ a 10 yr warranty

EDIT: your case should be fine dealing with your temps as long as you are not overclocking
 
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Somber

Somber

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I recommend an 850w because it will always work with any upgrade he can do. And then he won't have to worry about buying another psu. The 770 is a good choice and having a nice roomy full tower is good because cable management is easier temps will be more cool. Fans will be plentiful.
 
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numanator

numanator

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850w is good for almost any dual GPU configuration (only dual r9 290/x could potentially need more). Actual power draw from a r9 290x is about 330-350w when torture testing, with another 150w for the CPU bringing you up to 500w with another 100-150w extra for headroom and running at max efficiency. More power never hurts but no point in spending extra where it is not needed. I generally don't recommend dual gpu setups due to driver/compatability issues and I don't believe his Mobo would support SLI anyways.

The gtx 770 has a power draw of around 250w.
 
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Somber

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Like I said. If he has the money he should do that.
 
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sora

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I would try for a power supply made by either XFX or Seasonic; the Corsair CX series has poor capacitors.
 
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Rob893

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Thanks for all the help guys. I appreciate it.

I really want to build a gaming rig from scratch, I have got the money for a fairly decent build (£900/$1500). My Dell has served me well, but it's time to build a custom PC!
 
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