Upgrading Gaming RIG/Content Maker!

Anthony Cruz · Aug 16, 2014

Hello,

Well I purchased an Alienware X51 and before the bickering begins, let me say it was my only choice for pc gaming as Dell lets me pay off the computer!

Now with that said, lets get into the issue, as you may know GTA V and The Division ect. These games will depend on better rig then mine, and as content creator I want to provide HD videos. Now My current Specs:

Alienware X51 R2
-Intel i5-4440 3.1 GhZ
-1TB HDD 7200RPM
-8gb RAM
-GTX 645

Now I hopefully, want to switch out a few components and replace the case.
This is what I was going to replace:
-Case to NZXT Phantom 410 ATX Mid Tower
-EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2gb SuperClocked ACX
-Corsair Builder 750W 80+ Bronze ATX PSU

Now is this possible? And if not at all what parts can I spare as I have only had the computer for 7 months.

MeteorsRaining · Aug 16, 2014

You'll be better off by just replacing the GPU as everything else is good. 8GB RAM is pretty much enough for any game. That CPU is really fine to run any demanding game on high-ultra. Your GPU is your bottleneck, replace it.

Why're you replacing the Case and PSU with the GPU, makes no sense to me.

And if you really want to do those specific replacements, then yes everything is fine to fit but I'd advice to get a better PSU from Antec/ EVGA/ SeaSonic, preferably a Tier 1 or 2. Tier list:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-1804779/power-supply-unit-tier-list.html

MostWantedSoulRider · Aug 16, 2014

Hi OP,

GTA V is not released for the windows platform, yet it is going to happen this fall. Secondly, The Division is also not released. Hence, it is impossible for us to point out a good configuration to play these games in Ultra. Either, they may need more graphics from the cards like R9 290 and Titan or render heavy graphics with 270x itself.

So buying the gaming card based on those upcoming games is not a wise decision. In the current market, there are few enthusiast engines and they are as follows -

R9 290X

R9 290

Nvidia Titan

R9 280X

GTX 780

GTX 780 Ti

It will be pretty if you are able to afford any one of these. I didn't mean 270x or 760 are worse; these two cards are bit lower than the above mentioned ones. Hope, I've helped. Have fun!

Edit: In the meantime, your rig is already good to go. Just keep upgrading the graphics card and PSU (Seasonic or Antec), nothing else.

Anthony Cruz · Aug 16, 2014

MeteorsRaining :

Well I don't know the whole deal-io with this topic of how "the alienwarex51 motherboard is not meant for higher wattage then a 330"

And the reason I would like to change the components is I want more RAM better GPU and new case, the Alienware case is to small and limits the space for upgrading and modding. And if I'm gonna put a Beast GPU Im gonna need more space.

Anthony Cruz · Aug 16, 2014

MostWantedSoulRider :

I'm a content creator so a better GPU will give me a boost in FPS when rec with shadowplay, basically I want answers to UPGRADING my rig no matter what the future lies ahead I just want to upgrade. I want to know if the parts are compatible, will the function properly or will my pc fry, I am new to pc building (I have never built a PC before).

MostWantedSoulRider · Aug 16, 2014

You would fry your PC if -

1) you install a crappy PSU

2) you didn't get better air circulation inside the tower i.e., keeping the components far away from the threshold temperature.

3) you did not seat the components firmly into the respective slots.

Do not worry though. I will give you some valuable points before upgrading your rig. First, make sure you have installed AFTERMARKET COOLER like COOLER MASTER EVO 212. That's the ticket to keep your processor's pristine temperature. Here's the link for the product (http://www.coolermaster.com/cooling/cpu-air-cooler/hyper-212-evo/).
Next, I would recommend R9 290X. Trust me, that is a heavy graphics rendering monster for your daily needs. Here's the link to know more about it (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121840)

And finally, do not ignore PSU. For 290x, better to start with Seasonic 650W and here's the link for it (http://www.anandtech.com/show/7761/seasonic-s12g-650w-power-supply-review)

Hope I've helped you. Have fun!

Anthony Cruz · Aug 16, 2014

MostWantedSoulRider :

You would fry your PC if -

1) you install a crappy PSU

2) you didn't get better air circulation inside the tower i.e., keeping the components far away from the threshold temperature.

3) you did not seat the components firmly into the respective slots.

Do not worry though. I will give you some valuable points before upgrading your rig. First, make sure you have installed AFTERMARKET COOLER like COOLER MASTER EVO 212. That's the ticket to keep your processor's pristine temperature. Here's the link for the product (http://www.coolermaster.com/cooling/cpu-air-cooler/hyper-212-evo/).
Next, I would recommend R9 290X. Trust me, that is a heavy graphics rendering monster for your daily needs. Here's the link to know more about it (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121840)

And finally, do not ignore PSU. For 290x, better to start with Seasonic 650W and here's the link for it (http://www.anandtech.com/show/7761/seasonic-s12g-650w-power-supply-review)

Hope I've helped you. Have fun!

I have intel though.

MeteorsRaining · Aug 16, 2014

Fair enough. That statement about MoBo can't be true as it already has a higher PSU.

Yes the case of Alienware isn't the best around. Just buy another set of 2X4GB RAM sticks identical to the ones you have in your current build, or you may have to replace all the sticks if they're in 4X2GB config.

That NZXT case is pretty good both in space and airflow, good choice there!

GTX 760 SC is a very good GPU, I'd like to draw your attention to the R9 280, both are head to head. Also, the Gigabyte WindForce 3X OC 3GB Edition is a very well matched GPU and can even better the 760 in some games. That R9 280 got more shader units, better boost clock, better memory bandwidth, better texture rate, better memory bus, more TMUs, more cache, a good enough cooler and lesser price.

In terms of PSU, the EVGA/ Antec/ SeaSonic/ Super Flower will be a solid choice, preferable tier 1 or 2 class A as I mentioned earlier.

Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($76.66 @ Newegg)

^This one is Tier 2 Class A with lots of room for upgrades.

Anthony Cruz · Aug 16, 2014

MeteorsRaining :

Fair enough. That statement about MoBo can't be true as it already has a higher PSU.

Yes the case of Alienware isn't the best around. Just buy another set of 2X4GB RAM sticks identical to the ones you have in your current build, or you may have to replace all the sticks if they're in 4X2GB config.

That NZXT case is pretty good both in space and airflow, good choice there!

GTX 760 SC is a very good GPU, I'd like to draw your attention to the R9 280, both are head to head. Also, the Gigabyte WindForce 3X OC 3GB Edition is a very well matched GPU and can even better the 760 in some games. That R9 280 got more shader units, better boost clock, better memory bandwidth, better texture rate, better memory bus, more TMUs, more cache, a good enough cooler and lesser price.

In terms of PSU, the EVGA is a solid choice, preferable tier 1 or 2 class A as I mentioned earlier.

Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($76.66 @ Newegg)

^This one is Tier 2 Class A with lots of room for upgrades.

I have intel though r9 arent they for AMD?

MostWantedSoulRider · Aug 16, 2014

^ nice choice for the PSU. +12V rail really matters in here. Seasonic's 650W PSU itself will provide a headroom for future upgrades and hence the OP can save bucks.

MostWantedSoulRider · Aug 16, 2014

Anthony Cruz :

MeteorsRaining :

I have intel though r9 arent they for AMD?

CPU can be anything. You can install AMD graphics card in intel processor.

MeteorsRaining · Aug 16, 2014

Lol no. Intel doesn't decide which GPU fits your rig. I myself have R9 290 with an Intel 4790k, you're totally wrong here. Your PC can very well support the R9, its a GPU and is not CPU-specific.

Anthony Cruz · Aug 16, 2014

Ok thanks guys, I thought I was going to have to build new one, maybe will after I've used up my x51 till its soul dies lol ! Thanks alot though ! I will get back to you if anything else comes to mind!

MostWantedSoulRider · Aug 16, 2014

Better let it die naturally. Killing might make its soul to lurk around your house lol

We don't need Computer Ghosts.

Anthony Cruz · Aug 16, 2014

MeteorsRaining :

Fair enough. That statement about MoBo can't be true as it already has a higher PSU.

Yes the case of Alienware isn't the best around. Just buy another set of 2X4GB RAM sticks identical to the ones you have in your current build, or you may have to replace all the sticks if they're in 4X2GB config.

That NZXT case is pretty good both in space and airflow, good choice there!

GTX 760 SC is a very good GPU, I'd like to draw your attention to the R9 280, both are head to head. Also, the Gigabyte WindForce 3X OC 3GB Edition is a very well matched GPU and can even better the 760 in some games. That R9 280 got more shader units, better boost clock, better memory bandwidth, better texture rate, better memory bus, more TMUs, more cache, a good enough cooler and lesser price.

In terms of PSU, the EVGA/ Antec/ SeaSonic/ Super Flower will be a solid choice, preferable tier 1 or 2 class A as I mentioned earlier.

Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($76.66 @ Newegg)

^This one is Tier 2 Class A with lots of room for upgrades.

BTW since my rig has 2X4 RAM sticks I can replace them with new RAM sticks same GBs without having BIOS issues?

Anthony Cruz · Aug 16, 2014

MeteorsRaining :

Can you link me the R9 280

MeteorsRaining · Aug 16, 2014

Link to GPU: http://pcpartpicker.com/mr/newegg/gigabyte-video-card-gvr928wf3oc3gd
And sorry but I didn't get what config of RAM you currently have, 2 sticks of 4GB or 4 sticks of 2GB. Anyways, replacing the whole lot with a new one won't cause any sort of problem.

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