Geforce GT 530 vs. Radeon 6850 or 6770

[jarron_71]

GPU upgrade | Today , 07:27 PM

Hi all,

I just purchases a Dell XPS 8300 and am looking to upgrade the GPU. Here are the stats on the PC:

Intel Core i7 2600 3.4 gHz
8 GB DDR3 @ 1333 mHz
Geforce GT530

From what I read, this PC has a 460W PSU with one 6-pin connector. Can I run a Radeon 6850 (and will it fit the in the case)? Will I notice a significant increase in graphics performance? Is there a better option for a GPU upgrade within the limitations of the build?

I'm also thinking about the Radeon HD 6770. Would their be a noticible performance change from either the GT530 or the 8530 with this card?

I know I could have squeezed more performance out of a home-build system, but I get a sizable discount on Dell through work, so I couldn't touch the price. I got the whole system for about the cost of the processor itself. That also means no returns. The GPU is the only downfall, and I wanted to see about upgrading it at less than the cost that Dell offers upgrades at.

As far as usage goes, I'm looking to do mild gaming. Probably SWTOR when it releases. I don't have to be able to run it at Ultra, but would like solid performance at a decent framerate.

Thanks!

 

[ps3hacker12]

what country are you from and what resolutions do you play at?

 

[ubercake]

Of the three, the 6850 is the best choice.

 

[jarron_71]

I am in the US, and I play at 1920x1080.

Also, I notice this silver piece on the mobo right below the video card. It looks like it might interfere with installing a dual slot card. What is it, and can it safely be removed?

 

[ps3hacker12]

i dont know your budget, but i would reccommend replacing that generic 460W PSU with this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341022

and a 6770:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102937

or a 6850:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150516

not sure of your budget but i would reccommend a branded PSU.

 

[tacobravo]

If you want to go for and AMD 6850 here is a good one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150516

and that includes a lifetime warranty plus a $30 MIR.

The power supply that I think you have is:

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&sku=A1149312&~ck=baynoteSearch&baynote_bnrank=0&baynote_irrank=0

That psu should be just fine enough to use a 6850 since I think they don't require no more than 12 amps on the +12 volt rail (the 6 pin connector) and the psu you have is 16 amps

 

[jarron_71]

Thank you. Any idea about the ridged silver piece below the stock card?

 

[tacobravo]

It's a heatsink. Your card should be fine if you install a dual slot card

 

[frankthetank909]

I am in the US, and I play at 1920x1080.

Also, I notice this silver piece on the mobo right below the video card. It looks like it might interfere with installing a dual slot card. What is it, and can it safely be removed?

http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l541/jarron2/080211151213.jpg

Just a note, and quick help to the OP:

I personally ran a XFX Radeon HD6850 Black Edition for 6 months on a 430watt Coolmax power supply and hit a few BSOD's now and then but system was okay. I was just too broke to get a 500W power suppply at the time. So yes you can run a HD6850 off of a 430w + power supply.

Here is a quick tool to help you gauge how much power is recommended:

http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

I would recommend atleats a 500W power supply, a good one is the Antec Earthwatts 500W Power Supply seen here on newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371035

If you click the details button it has a 6+2 pin PCIE power connector, perfect for you HD6850.

Good Luck.

And that Silver Piece of metal is a heatsink for one of your chipsets, so don't remove it. Theoretically if you keep your system cool you'd be okay, but the Manufacturer posted a heatsink for a reason.