Upgrade Compatibility Questions

Clockwork Catz · Apr 16, 2017

So I am looking to upgrade my pre-built computer https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Inspiron-i3656-3355BLK-Desktop-Radeon/dp/B015XK1XN4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492384601&sr=8-1&keywords=inspiron%2B3656%2Br9%2B360&th=1 and I want to get a new graphics card, right now I'm looking at the GTX 1070. I know I need a new power supply and right now I'm looking at an EVGA 550w http://www.evga.com/products/product.aspx?pn=100-N1-0550-L1 how do I know if the PSU I want will be compatible with my motherboard and how do I know if I will need a bigger case to fit the GPU or PSU? Thanks.

The Paladin · Apr 16, 2017

looking at the case on a web page provided some details about it., by the dimensions alone it looks like a slim tower,

my Mid ATX tower is 20.2 x 9 x 21.5, yours is 10.8 x 6.1 x 13.9 inches so half the size. which means the size of video cards inside it will be limited not only to length by height restrictions, which is not surprising for a Dell system, which in turn means it is not using a standard ATX power supply but more than likely a TFX/SFF model of psu, and those can be hard to upgrade in some cases.

at this point open the case, spot the power supply and give us make and model of it. it will help to maybe find an upgrade for you.

assuming we can find a replacement power supply, the video card will have to be a "low profile" new egg has a number of those on hand designed for HP/Dell machine just for this purpose.

Clockwork Catz · Apr 17, 2017

The Paladin :

Yea its a mini tower, I don't mind upgrading the case to accommodate a larger graphics card or PSU, here some pics of the PSU's label https://gyazo.com/4c297a562837c22e331655c468fa38ad https://gyazo.com/dfb9b94127dcb7bd1ed8db0c231dc0d7 I didn't know they made low profile graphics cards but I've kind of had my heart set on this one GPU so I would like to try and purchase that one if possible. Thanks for the speedy reply.

The Paladin · Apr 17, 2017

Q. can you transfer the dell into another case...?
A: yes, as long as you remember most Dell boards are not standardized, so identify what wires for power.reset,speaker led etc go to (trace the manually there is not standard) as you will have to manually pin those out in the new case.

Q: can I buy a case and power supply as per my link above?
A": sure, I would not buy that 650w n1 white EVGA power supply but buy this evga certified 80+ Bronze 550w instead
http://www.evga.com/products/product.aspx?pn=220-B3-0550-V1 its better quality and all you need

Q: what's the PSU in my minitower dell now...
A: crappy OEM 180w., insufficient to upgrade video cards
PSu Dell HU180AS-00 H180NS-00 Computer Power Supply 180W

Q: can I not get the video card I want ?
A: if you stay with the dell case, the answer is no, if you get anew case and transfer everything over then the answer is yes.

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Upgrade Compatibility Questions

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