Looking to Upgrade my 2010 Dell XPS Studio 9100

TauSigmaNova · Dec 8, 2014

Hey everyone!

Recently I've been interested in upgrading my aging Dell desktop and thought I'd come here to ask for help! I'm running a Dell XPS 9100 that I bought for a 1000 dollars back in 2010 (I think?) Aside with warnings of imminent hardware failure, I'd like to do some general upgrades to get better 3D Graphics/Gaming performance. The card is a Radeon 6670 1GB which i know is pretty sucky. As far as processors go I have an i7-930 octacore @2.8GHz and I have 8GB of RAM (Although DxDiag and Control Panel is telling me I only have 4 though i know for a fact it had 8 when I got it.

) It has a 1.5 TB Hard drive along with that and a power supply whose size/output I'm not sure of.

I think the most needed update is the graphics card and I'd be looking to hopefully spend no more than 200 (can splurge a bit if it's really worth it). What's my best option?

How about hard drives? I'd prefer to stay 1.5 TB or better yet get a 2TB drive. How much would a decent new one cost and how would I transfer over the OS along with all my files?

Did some of my RAM fry? My computer is supposed to be expandable to up to 24GB. Should i replace or add more?

How hard is it to put in the upgrades myself? I've never done it before but I have soldering experience if necessary and would love the experience.

Did some research - internet says the XPS has a 525 Watt power supply. Will it do? I'd prefer to keep the costs to a minimum if possible. I want to hopefully be able to run GTA V on PC when it comes out. For most of the games I play I still get decent performance on medium settings but I'd like to be able to keep the PC current and have it be a faster on the day to day.

One more thing, I have a Belkin Wireless USB Adapter that's a little broken and I'd love to install one internally instead for more stability since mine doesn't like to stay plugged in correctly. If it's possible/not too costly this would greatly decrease how frustrating my computer can be sometimes with it's random BSODs and other things.

Thanks for any and all help

clutchc · Dec 8, 2014

For that price, one of these GTX 760 would be the way to go: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007709%20600453362%204017&IsNodeId=1&name=%24100%20-%20%24200&Order=PRICE&Pagesize=30

Or one of these R9-270X: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007709%204017%20600473875&IsNodeId=1

Be sure you PSU has 2 x 6 pin connectors, though. And it would be nice to know the nameplate rating for the +12V rail(s).

TauSigmaNova · Dec 8, 2014

clutchc :

Thanks for the answer man. Is there an easy way to find out if my PSU does without having to unplug and open everything? How about the Hard drive and RAM?

clutchc · Dec 8, 2014

Can't say about your RAM. You're not running a 32 bit version of Win7 are you?
Hard drive prices are coming down. Here are some 500GB to 2TB in the better brands: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007603%20%20600457699%20%20600003269%2050001984%2050001095%2050001305%2050001259%2050068017%2050001306&IsNodeId=1&Order=PRICE&Pagesize=30

The only way to tell if your PSU is capable for sure is to read the nameplate on the side. Or post a pic of it. I'm assuming Dell used a substantial 525W unit.

If you want an internal wireless adapter, you need to let me know what type of slot you have available. PCI, PCIe x1, PCIe x4, etc.
For best signal strength, you'll want one with a removable antenna.

TauSigmaNova · Dec 8, 2014

clutchc :

Hell nah. 64 bit. Pretty sure you can;t have more than 3 or 4 gb with a 32x system right?

Pretty sure it's 525W. I can try to take a picture later since it's a lot ofwork to get it out of where it is. Internet returned these images though IDK how accurate they are.
http://
http://

Sorry for being a noob but I don't know what that means or what the difference is... I'm a guitarist by nature, don't know much about these computer things.

E: For hard drive, would this work well? Seagate Constellation

clutchc · Dec 8, 2014

If those pics are of your PSU, you are fine using a GTX 760.
Yes, a 32 OS will limit you to 4GB RAM.
If you don't know what kind of slots you have to install a wireless adapter in, I suggest a USB adapter like this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704045&cm_re=usb_wireless_adapter-_-33-704-045-_-Product
I have used these on other builds and they work well. It comes with an 8 foot extension so you can position the antenna in the best location for signal strength.

TauSigmaNova · Dec 8, 2014

About video cards - should I go for a R9 280 with 3GB while I'm at it? I see some for 199 on Newegg and if I'm gonna upgrade I'd rather spend a bit more and not have to upgrade again soon. Would something like this work? PowerColor TurboDuo AXR9 280 3GBD5-T2DHE/OC Radeon R9 280 3GB 384-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 CrossFireX Support Video Card Would this be better or would it be overkill?

E: From what little I know this looks to be even better. SAPPHIRE DUAL-X 100373L Radeon R9 280 3GB 384-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 CrossFireX Support Video Card

TauSigmaNova · Dec 8, 2014

Best I can do picwise right now.

This right for what my shopping cart should look like? I wanna make sure everything will go in right and I'd love some advice and guides on transferring HD content quickly and getting everything in there and installed.

TauSigmaNova · Dec 8, 2014

Bump. Anyone?

TauSigmaNova · Dec 8, 2014

Went on different power supply calculators and got radically diff numbers on all of them. Anywhere from 300-500 with my 6670 and 600-1000 with a 270X... Newegg's calc made it go from 375 to 922 with a 270X as the only change. Should I really be worried about my PSU's size?

clutchc · Dec 9, 2014

A 250W R9-280 will be pushing the (3) +12V rails on that PSU. They are rated at 500W total. Doable, but not much headroom left with the 130W CPU. Better check to be sure you have 2 x 6 pin PCIe connectors available. If you have to use Molex adapters, chances are the PSU isn't intended for that kind of load. The R9-280 is about the max gfx card that the aging i7 can keep up with w/o showing some bottleneck. If it were me, I'd stick with the R9-270X. But your choice.

I have the Sapphire DualX R9-280 in my other rig (PhII X4 965BE). The Powercolor has a tiny core clock increase, but it doesn't amount to enough to make any difference. I feel the Sapphire is better.

I ran your i7-930 and R9-280 thru a PSU calc along with the normal std. stuff; LGA 1366 MB, 3 sticks RAM, HDD, couple 120mm fans, DVD drive, 4 USB devices, 25% capacitor aging for the old PSU, and got...
Min: 503W
Recommended: 553W.
http://www.extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine

TauSigmaNova · Dec 9, 2014

So pretty much I'm better off with the 270X? That's fine. I'm wondering right now if I should upgrade at all because either I can upgrade for 300 right now and keep this running for another 2-3 years or I can wait till next year and built/get a new one for around 750. The only thing is that there's games that are coming out I'd like to play and this thing is definitely slowing down compared to when I got it.

Math Geek · Dec 9, 2014

the 270x will give you the boost you need now and can be used next year in the new build as well. or you can sell it and use the cash toward a new gpu. your psu should run it fine. i got an older xps 420 running a r9-270 with the stock 375 watt psu and the 270x isn't that much higher power wise. just be sure (as others have said) you have 2 pcie power connectors. it may or may not. if you can't figure it out, post the psu model and we'll look it up.

you do this by opening the case up and looking at the label on the power supply. it'll have a brand/model number as well as all the voltage/amp rating for it. take a pic if you want of the label and we'll go form there. i'm not sure what kind of connections that one has but it'll be at least 1 6 pin and more than likely 2 (my 375 watt had 1 6 pin).

TauSigmaNova · Dec 9, 2014

Math Geek :

I know what the PSU looks like but it's a pain in the ass to unplug and open everything. if you scroll up theres some pictures of similar/same (i think) psu's from the same computer as mine. Might open it up in an hour and check when i have time.

Math Geek · Dec 9, 2014

oooooohhhhhh my bad, did not see the label was already posted

that makes it easy.

it has 2 6-pin connectors so you'll be good to go with a 270x. just uninstall the old one completely from windows, switch out the cards, reboot and install the new drivers for it and you're on your way.

TauSigmaNova · Dec 9, 2014

Math Geek :

That's probably what I'll do. I guess I'll go with a 270X and a new HDD then. Just hope I don't regret not waiting and getting a new PC then.

TauSigmaNova · Dec 9, 2014

Math Geek :

That's probably what I'll do. I guess I'll go with a 270X and a new HDD then. Just hope I don't regret not waiting and getting a new PC then.

Math Geek · Dec 9, 2014

just remember you have these parts already when working on the new build and it's money you won't have to spend then. been reusing the same hdd's, dvd drives and such for years now. just keep moving em to the new case.....

TauSigmaNova · Dec 9, 2014

Math Geek :

That should work too. There's even a local store I can sell this PC to to help fund later. Could probably reuse an item or two from it.

TauSigmaNova · Dec 9, 2014

Got some pics.

clutchc · Dec 9, 2014

Being a top mount PSU, the nameplate probably ended up on the other side; the side you can't see.
I got a feeling that yellow and black set hanging at the bottom of the case is your PCIe 6+2 pin. The other 6+2 connector might be just barely visible behind/below the horz. brace in the pic.

TauSigmaNova · Dec 9, 2014

http://www.impactcomputers.com/m1j3h.html

So do I upgrade or wait?

Math Geek · Dec 9, 2014

You don't need to get a new psu for a 270x. You have the right connectors and enough power. Worry about a new psu when new build.

clutchc · Dec 9, 2014

Did you find the 2nd PCIe 6+2 connector? The cards you are considering require two. That link you provided above to the PSU only says it has one. I would not use a 270X or 280 until I saw the nameplate. You'd have to use a Molex adapter for the other 6 pin connector.

Oh, and clean the dust out of that PC.

TauSigmaNova · Dec 9, 2014

Is it connected to the 6670? I didn't see 2. This upgrade seems to be a worse idea every hour.

Looking to Upgrade my 2010 Dell XPS Studio 9100

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