I know very little about computer technology so perhaps this is a dumb question. I have tried to find the answer by searching and reading articles, but I have not been able to do so. The question bears on upgrading ability and it is related for me to the upcoming use of virtual reality. I think I know that a GPU is the most important component for VR and that Pascal GPUs may be coming out soon and may be much more efficient in terms of power usage. Is that right? My question is: will Pascal cards likely fit into existing PCIe slots in today's motherboards, and work with PSUs as low as 460W, and will they likely give one the performance needed for VR evolution over the next 3-4 years? Dell is now offering two relatively cheap VR-ready computers with 460W PSUs, but with only GTX 970s. Will they accommodate a better performing Pascal card in the future?
Pascal GPUs Versus Existing PCIe slots and Relatively Low PSUs
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Gingerbread
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First, never get prebuilt. Second PCI-E is made to be backward compatible so they will run on current PCI-E. Third for sure there will be pascal gpus which will fit 460W psu but they are most likely to be lower-end ones. As it has been for example right now: gtx 950 min psu = 380W, gtx 960 min psu = 430W, gtx 970 min psu = 500W. Etc etc. Long story short, better get a skylake motherboard and a decent PSU, not the crappy ones they put in prebuilts.
- Dec 22, 2014
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The PCIe standard will not be changing for the forseeable future you have nothing to worry about there. In theory the power requirements should be as low as today or better, generally with every generation they seem to be becoming more efficient. That said should your new GPU need more power, a good new PSU can be had for well under $100.
- Dec 8, 2013
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Pascal GPU's will use todays PCIe slots, there is no question about that. Every graphics card out on the modern market fits into PCIE slots.
There is no answer if all Pascal GPU's will work with a 460 watts power supply. They're meant to be really efficient, just like AMD's next series of graphics cards so either they might all work on wattage below 500 watts, or atleast some of them should.
For example if we take a look at Nvidia's Maxwell 900 series graphics cards recommended power:
GTX 950 = 350-430 watts
GTX 960 = 430-500 watts
GTX 970 = 500-550 watts
GTX 980 = 550-600 watts
GTX 980 Ti = 600-650 watts
Will the complete line-up support a 460 watts? I don't know. They want as low as possible though so you never know.
Also, just build your own system. Don't buy a Dell imo.
There is no answer if all Pascal GPU's will work with a 460 watts power supply. They're meant to be really efficient, just like AMD's next series of graphics cards so either they might all work on wattage below 500 watts, or atleast some of them should.
For example if we take a look at Nvidia's Maxwell 900 series graphics cards recommended power:
GTX 950 = 350-430 watts
GTX 960 = 430-500 watts
GTX 970 = 500-550 watts
GTX 980 = 550-600 watts
GTX 980 Ti = 600-650 watts
Will the complete line-up support a 460 watts? I don't know. They want as low as possible though so you never know.
Also, just build your own system. Don't buy a Dell imo.
Thanks for a prompt answer. I have replaced hard disks, put in memory sticks, and replaced GPUs, but I suspect replacing the PSU is much more difficult. I have never tried to build a component system. I am an old guy and not that computer literate.
I probably don't have the knowledge to build my own. Dell is offering two, relatively cheap, supposedly Oculus-ready PCs, XPS 8900 Special Edition and an Alienware X51 R3, both with only 460W PSU (to the best of my knowledge) and both with GTX 970 cards. So, based on your numbers I suppose the GTX 970 is a little under-powered.
- Dec 22, 2014
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PSU replacement is actually extremely easy, every plug can only fit in the correct slots, so as long as you make sure you plug everything in again you're set. A PSU takes 4 screws on the back of the case to remove otherwise.
Gingerbread
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You do not need knowledge to build your own. You need to chose parts, go to a local retailer, tell him you want those parts and you want the store to assemble it for you. They will assemble it for $10 or something, will be better than any prebuilt you get and people in this forum will tell you the best components you can get for your budget.
shawnsum
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- Jul 22, 2012
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I usually don't comment when people say this but.....have you even tried? It's literally as easy as flipping through pages in manual and playing "connect the dots" so to speak.
You can hide un-wanted wires, or for that matter only use what you need (modular PSU). Building your own system is a Mod Edit, watch your language. fantastic experience, and it's easy.
Interesting. What about starting up after replacing the PSU? Are there not software issues involved? Is it literally as easy as getting the right size PSU, unplugging the computer, replacing the existing PSU and plugging in motherboard and other components? Will the hard drive still be accessible w/o new software, or drivers, or whatever? Will Windows 7 still work and all files still be there?
- Dec 8, 2013
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Installing the power supply and connecting the cables is the ''hard'' part of building a computer. So if It's for that, it would be highly logical to built your own system and It's really as easy as Lego with screws without the power supply part. Uninstalling a power supply and then replacing it with a new one is more hassle than actually building a computer!
It is something to consider. But I will be 74 years old in a few weeks. And my field was biology, not IT. If one tries to build ones own and runs into a problem, there is no warranty, is there? I just wish there were still customizable PCs available like Dell used to offer.
For the record you have more confidence that I could do this than my wife does. She once tried to replace a component in a work computer and fried it, even with a tech on the phone to supervise the work. She thinks I would be crazy to try it. We are just two old fogies who are fascinated by VR and want to be able to see it. We can afford to buy what we need prebuilt. It is just a question of value for ones money.
Gingerbread
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You should read what I told you, if you are afraid of doing it yourself, even if you are rich none of the people on the forums will ever recommend prebuilts because we all know it's a waste.
I'm not rich. If I win the lottery maybe I will stop worrying about value for my money. Probably not. But I am old. And I am lucky to be able to do any thing. Is it really as cheap as $10 to have techs put computer components together? If so, that is a very useful piece of information.
shawnsum
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Alright well that changes my opinion in your particular case. However I would NOT, absolutely NOT buy a pre built system from Dell, HP, and those such companies.
Maybe check out some pre-built systems from some of the companies with a more "gaming" background. Digitalstorm, Origin, something along those lines. Get whatever the best customer support service they have and have peace of mind knowing you can replace whatever u buy for years to come.
DasHotShot
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First of all I salute you, 74 soon and rocking the VR!
I think an educated person like yourself who has a lifetime of experience in a highly complex field won't find it very difficult to assemble a home computer. They've made them very straight forward to put together with plenty of detailed documentation. However as everyone else has mentioned, there are a number of respected and trustworthy retailers who will build, test and guarantee your PC at a slight price premium. It won't be $10, more like $100 but worth it if you are not interested in building it yourself.
I guess it buys you peace of mind and cuts out the stress and time to learn how to build a pc.
Again, depending on where you live, western Europe, Canada, the US and lare parts of Eastern Asia have the worlds leading custom PC builders. You just have to chose the one that suits your budget and requirements.
I think an educated person like yourself who has a lifetime of experience in a highly complex field won't find it very difficult to assemble a home computer. They've made them very straight forward to put together with plenty of detailed documentation. However as everyone else has mentioned, there are a number of respected and trustworthy retailers who will build, test and guarantee your PC at a slight price premium. It won't be $10, more like $100 but worth it if you are not interested in building it yourself.
I guess it buys you peace of mind and cuts out the stress and time to learn how to build a pc.
Again, depending on where you live, western Europe, Canada, the US and lare parts of Eastern Asia have the worlds leading custom PC builders. You just have to chose the one that suits your budget and requirements.
And that is interesting to me. I live in Saint Peters, MO, which is just across the Missouri River from Saint Louis. What is a ballpark figure for the cost of having a custom computer built? And how does one know to trust a "warranty" under these circumstances?
Gingerbread
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So lets say you go to store A. You tell them I want those parts assemble them. What they do is they sell you their parts (which they have in the store), assemble them for you for a small fee and give you warranty for each part. Same as if you buy the parts separately - they will give you warranty for each part and you will build it yourself. Only difference is that they do this. Nothing more.
I was not aware of this option. Does a retailer like Best Buy with its Geek Squad do this? Will Newegg put the components together? I was aware that Newegg sells component bundles and that they tend to have good prices.
And as far as VR goes I think it could very well become sort of "mainstream," not just for gamers. But I could be wrong. I want to see a "virtual grocery store" where I can virtually walk around and pick out food items. Then Amazon will deliver them to my door with drones in 10 minutes. I may never have to leave my house. But at my age I don't suppose I will ever see it.
DasHotShot
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I don't live in the states however you guys have by far the greatest options for custom built PCs at the best prices too. I am sure some stores offer this service, however I was thinking more along the lines of a company like falcon northwest or Origin PC etc. These are slightly flashy and high-end retailers, however it's just to explain what I mean.
Some of the US posters on here will know who provides best value for money for websites where you pick the components and they assemble it for you.
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