Upgrading my Dell Studio XPS 435MT

[tk005x]

Hi,

I'm interesting in upgrading my graphics card and my power supply. I wanted to know if the card will work ok and fit properly. I attached some pics of my case below.
Here are my current specs:

Intel i7 at 2.67GHZ
6 gigs of RAM
ATI 4850.

I want to upgrade to this power supply:
http://www.amazon.com/Cooling-PPCS500D-Silencer-Certified-Supply/dp/B0017XEGCM

With this video card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150520&cm_re=ati_6870-_-14-150-520-_-Product

Or if anyone has any better recommendations they could give at the same price range that would be great. I don't plan on doing dual cards or multiple monitors. I also want to keep the card stock and not worry about having to OC with warranty problems.

Room seems a little tight in my case so I attached some pics of my case, really hope everything will fit.

Thanks for the help

 

[g00se216]

Hey,

I have the exact same computer and I upgraded my graphics card to an EVGA GTX 260 core 216 a while ago but it was a tight fit and I started to experience some overheating issues. I later upgraded my case to a Coolermaster Scout and now everything runs perfect. The dimensions are correct for all the components to fit into the case but the graphics card you selected relies heavily on good airflow in and out of the case. I would recommend you upgrade to a better case.

 

[tk005x]

How difficult was it to transfer all the components over to the new case?

 

[g00se216]

It was pretty easy considering it was my first semi computer build. The only problem I had was I couldn't find which two pins were the on switch because our computer didnt come with a motherboard manual. It was a lot of fun though. If you need any help with moving the components over just let me know.

 

[Kari]

the HD6870 is a pci-e 2.1 and not a 2.0 so please look into possible compatibility issues and maybe a BIOS update.

There shouldn't be any, since different pci-e versions are backwards compatible. hell you could put a 2.1 card in a 1.0 slot and it would work just fine...

 

[Kari]

that's what most people think...
not always the case tho, just search threads on Tom's and see for your self, I know.

maybe i've just been lucky...

 

[tk005x]

Ok looks like I'm going to get the same case as g00se.

As for the video card I'm thinking then to shell out a little extra and get this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125362&cm_re=geforce_gtx_560_ti-_-14-125-362-_-Product.

Is it worth it or should I consider something else around the $200 range.

Also will a 500w power supply be enough?

http://www.amazon.com/SilverStone-Strider-Active-Supply-ST50F-ES/dp/B0034XRDUU

 

[g00se216]

You'll really like that case. It has a sick look and the performance is great. I even added two intake fans on the side and it lowered my gpu temps by 7C.

 

[g00se216]

^
80mm or 120mm fans.?

2 120mm blue led fans. They really make a difference and they make for a wicked looking setup

 

[g00se216]

I did the same, that's why I asked, I used 80mm fans tho, got about -5 drop in temp..
good stuff bro.

Nice. High five across the Internet for thinking alike.

 

[tk005x]

Got a few more questions.

Ok so im trying to swap the mobo into the scout but as u said the pins dont have labels on them and the dell tech guide for the mobo is no help. Could list where you placed the pins? Tried to follow the colors from dell case but wanna be sure.

Also what did u do about the i/o backplate on the mobo?

One last thing is i got a modular xfx 650watt psu, should the fan be facing down or up? Manual doesnt say.

Thanks Again

 

[tk005x]

Well there is a vent at the bottom with a filter but I'm reading different things on what's better.

 

[g00se216]

Well I put my psu with the fan facing the bottom because there is a vent that keeps out all of the dust and hair. As for the pins on the mobo, I will send you a diagram of where to put in the power switch. I'm at school at the moment so I will send it today when I get out at 5.

 

[g00se216]

Oh and for the I/O plate I just used the little foam piece that was nailed to the I/O plate on the Dell. It has a little gap but no dust gets in because the rear fan is an exhaust.

 

[g00se216]

The fan is facing the bottom of the desk, blows cool air into the psu and out the back of the unit.

 

[tk005x]

Well I put my psu with the fan facing the bottom because there is a vent that keeps out all of the dust and hair. As for the pins on the mobo, I will send you a diagram of where to put in the power switch. I'm at school at the moment so I will send it today when I get out at 5.

Awesome that would help alot. Sent you a pm with my email address.

Thanks again

 

[tk005x]

Best answer selected by tk005x.

 

[rishisen]

hey guys im new to tomshardware ( came here by friends recommendation)

i have the same computer and was looking into this graphics card
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/2gb-asus-hd-6950-directcu-ii-pci-e-21(x16)-5000mhz-gddr5-gpu-810mhz-1408-cores-dvi-displayport?utm_source=google+shopping&utm_medium=google+shopping

its the asus dc2 6950
is this card actually too wide/ deep, dunno which measurement to use for my pc case? it looks like it will not fit vertiacally if you get what im saying

 

[pfilias]

Well I put my psu with the fan facing the bottom because there is a vent that keeps out all of the dust and hair. As for the pins on the mobo, I will send you a diagram of where to put in the power switch. I'm at school at the moment so I will send it today when I get out at 5.

Do you have the pinouts available for the case connectors? I'm move my 435MT into a Cooler Master HAF 912. Thanks.

 

[g00se216]

Do you have the pinouts available for the case connectors? I'm move my 435MT into a Cooler Master HAF 912. Thanks.

I have a couple of diagrams for the motherboard pin connectors. I'll send them to you if you want them. What's your email?

 

[Mousemonkey]

Take it to PM's.