Alienware Graphics Amplifier - NEED HELP!

LucAlvim · Jul 5, 2016

Hello everyone.

I'm looking forward to buy a Graphics Amplifier by Alienware so my PC can handle the HTC Vive. I have a GTX 960, and the Vive requires a GTX 970 (by the way, I have an Alienware X51 R3).

The point is: If I get a GPU for the Graphics Amplifier, will my GTX 960 and the new GPU work together or one at a time? Can I make them work together? If so, can my 2Gb and a 4Gb GPU make 6Gb of VRAM? If not, will they work together if I pick another GTX 960 2Gb?

I have seen the Graphics Amplifier video by Alienware and the guy who was explaining the thing said something like "there are 2 GPUs running now".

Here's the link:
http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/alienware-graphics-amplifier?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19

Help me.

RobCrezz · Jul 5, 2016

Does the X51 R3 have a thunderbolt USB type C connector?

LucAlvim · Jul 5, 2016

RobCrezz :

No, but it has a Graphics Amplifier port

RobCrezz · Jul 5, 2016

I wouldnt try and SLI between the card you have and the other in the amplifier. Better off selling the gtx 960, and buying a 1070 to go in the amplifier.

LucAlvim · Jul 5, 2016

RobCrezz :

Okay, but is there any way they can work together?

RobCrezz · Jul 5, 2016

Only through non standard means. Theres software called HyperSLI/Different SLI that some people use to try and get this working, but no gaurentees.

For a standard setup you need to use a SLI bridge across the two cards, using a SLI compatible motherboard, this is obviously not possible use the Graphics amp.

LucAlvim · Jul 5, 2016

RobCrezz :

Right, but the X51 is a small form factor, so, will I have overheating issues with the 1070 in there, or do I have to remove the 960, sell it and put the 1070 in the amp?

I just realized how easy it is to swap out a GPU on the X51, so buying just the GPU is waaay easier then the amp, weaker GPU and SLI software, if it works.

RobCrezz · Jul 5, 2016

LucAlvim :

Theres a new 1060 coming out, should fit fine in your X51 with no power issues. People have fit 970s in there too, so no reason why a 1070 wouldnt work IMO.

maxalge · Jul 5, 2016

RobCrezz :

people that have put gtx 970's into them have throttling / power issues

you cannot use sli with that amplifier at all

only the specific card you put into it

the best thing to do is to buy a proper pc case and transfer the guts of the alienware into it, and buy a proper power supply for whatever videocard you get

RobCrezz · Jul 5, 2016

Really? Dell sell them new with a gtx 970.

LucAlvim · Jul 5, 2016

What do I have to do? Transfer the X51 to a new case or swap the GPU?

maxalge · Jul 5, 2016

RobCrezz :

with the r3?

RobCrezz · Jul 5, 2016

maxalge :

Yep
http://www.dell.com/uk/p/alienware-x51-r3/pd

Top end model comes with a gtx 970.

LucAlvim · Jul 5, 2016

RobCrezz :

So, what should I do? New case or new GPU?

maxalge · Jul 5, 2016

RobCrezz :

wonder what changes they have done under the hood

RobCrezz · Jul 5, 2016

Higher wattage power brick I reckon.

LucAlvim · Jul 5, 2016

maxalge :

RobCrezz :

wonder what changes they have done under the hood

Please respond! Should I get the new case and PSU or just the new GPU (1070) to upgrade my PC? Will the GPU overheat?

maxalge · Jul 6, 2016

LucAlvim :

the 1070 is beyond the capabilities of the stock case

if you want that, then you need to get the amplifier for it

or get a proper full sized case and swap everything into it + psu for the 1070

either choice works, the best though is the case route

RobCrezz · Jul 6, 2016

I disagree. There are versions of 1070 that would fit no problem. I have opened up a x51, and the graphics card is on a riser, there surprising amount of space.

The 1070 itx would easily fit so could be a good option
http://www.anandtech.com/show/10464/gigabyte-announces-geforce-gtx-1070-mini-itx-oc-

maxalge · Jul 6, 2016

RobCrezz :

would need a reference style cooler

airflow sucks in that case

from what i remember there are people that did indeed install small itx versions of cards like the 970 and such

and they had to mod the case and underclock the card because of it, due to thermal issues

RobCrezz · Jul 6, 2016

maxalge :

No, not really that bad. Its got air holes in the side panel right where the graphics card can draw in air. a blower cooler would be the better option though.

LucAlvim · Jul 6, 2016

RobCrezz :

maxalge :

No, not really that bad. Its got air holes in the side panel right where the graphics card can draw in air. a blower cooler would be the better option though.

What about the 1060?

RobCrezz · Jul 6, 2016

1060 would be my choice, as its lower power usage (and therefore less heat). Performance should be between gtx 970-980.

LucAlvim · Jul 6, 2016

Hey I found a mini ITX case that has got way better cooling than the X51 to transfer it's parts. They advertise it fits even the most consuming cards.

http://www.silverstonetek.com/raven/products/index.php?model=RVZ01-E

RobCrezz · Jul 6, 2016

The config of that case is pretty much the same as the X51...

Alienware Graphics Amplifier - NEED HELP!

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