Dell Xps 8700 Gpu upgrade

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bryceb

Commendable
Jun 19, 2016
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Hello community! since tom's hardware is a frequent result in my searches, i figured I'd make an account in it and ask a question.

Trying to figure something out to upgrade my gpu as it's starting to give me limits on my games.
I have a Dell Xps 8700
Os -running Windows 8.1 x64 on a single 1TB HDD
Ram-12gb ram (2x2,2x4) not sure if it's ddr3 or ddr3L, either way it's the stock Ram
CPU-4th gen Intel- i74790 @3.6GHz
GPU- NVidia GTX 745
PSU-Dell stock 460w

I've looked this up a fair bit, to upgrade my gpu to something like a GTX 960, or so, i would need 100w more power, using the NewEgg power consumption calculator, it showed me a recommended psu of 492w. now, that's above 460w. so I'm not sure. using another source, said source yielded something like 280w. a Friend form work suggested i just get an 800w and be done with it, also mentioning that it would only be about an 80$ upgrade, which i do intend to do. Any recommendations on brands?
looking on another forum i see this:
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/mWphP6/antec-power-supply-hcg620m
it does look like my PCIx16 slot is 3.0, and once again, that the gtx 960 is compatible with my system.
I do have plans to add a SSD, maybe 500gb. this website shows 5 x 3.0 sata slots
http://www.findlaptopdriver.com/dell-xps-8700-mainboard-specifications/

I have been thinking about installing windows 10 on the SSD, but i want to hit up best buy and try out the new os. seeing as upgrading to win 10. doesn't let you restore to an earlier version.

Thanks
 
Solution
Rogue Leader


There is no accurate way to measure aside form using a plug in power draw meter. Its not worth spending the money, trust me when I tell you your PSU has enough power. SSD's use the same SATA power cords as HDDs.

Your system will have not problem with the GTX...
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Rogue Leader

Rogue Leader

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Dec 22, 2014
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Actually your stock Dell PSU is not a bad one (they generally use Delta and a couple other decent OEM builders) the GTX 960 should run fine with your current PSU and the plugs that are likely running your current GPU, or even adaptors (although I don't like them, they do work).

You by far do not and never will need an 800w PSU, and if you do want to upgrade the PSU anyway that Antec you found is the best deal on a really good PSU right now, overkill, but at $60 worth it.

And SSD's are low power so even if you don't do a PSU upgrade adding an SSD is no problem.
 
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B

bryceb

Commendable
Jun 19, 2016
11
0
1,510
Thanks for the Replies guys.
sorry for the long reply time.
I will likely stick to Nvidia as I am more familiar with it.
is there a way i can measure how much wattage I am using or an accurate calculator?
I do Still plan on getting a Gtx 960 ( or something similar) but if I need more wattage I can get a psu
Do SDD use the Sata power cord ( the same power connector into a HDD?) or something different?
Going to town tomorrow to a few computer shops to dig up more info.


 
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Rogue Leader

Rogue Leader

It's a trap!
Moderator
Dec 22, 2014
32,733
2,814
113,640


There is no accurate way to measure aside form using a plug in power draw meter. Its not worth spending the money, trust me when I tell you your PSU has enough power. SSD's use the same SATA power cords as HDDs.

Your system will have not problem with the GTX 960 as is. Make sure you get the newest BIOS update as Junkeymonkey said above, to ensure compatibility.
 
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bryceb

Commendable
Jun 19, 2016
11
0
1,510
Makes Sense, I have not done a bios update yet on this computer, but i did on a diff computer a long time ago.
I did find the actual card name: GTX 745 (OEM)
along with the specifications of both cards... makes me realize just how pathetic my current one is.
745: http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-745-oem/specifications
960: http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-960/specifications

Comparing wattage, it is a 65 watt increase, but the 960 recommend a 400w psu. looks like I'm ok and you were right!
now i just need to order/buy the thing
only prob is, it is 170$....usd, I live in Canada so it's about 220 for me.
Tomorrow when I go to these stores if I can get it right away for 250 probably will. a lot easier than mucking around with online purchasing.
On the Side note, I guess this is solved, but I will keep it as unsolved until I get the card.
 
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bryceb

Commendable
Jun 19, 2016
11
0
1,510
Well to update,
I got a Zotac GTX 950 from best buy for 230$ cad. fair price.
Got it installed, Bios and the driver updated.
Today I launched Overwatch to test it out.
It's very quiet.
I'm going through other forums and learning about bottlenecking.
it appears my gpu is bottlenecking in Overwatch.
I can run the ultra high settings, but my fps goes down to like 45-50
I bumped some settings down and have the fps display limited so it's 70 frames.
Is this due to it being a 2Gb card?
No issue with power at all.
Been trying to find a good gpu/cpu monitoring program.
there sure is a lot.
I prefer msi AB because of the overlay. (Really just want to know temps x2, load x2, fps and gpu fan speed)
I'm not going to overclock any of my hardware.

Either way I can run games now and not have them looking shitty as hell
 
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