Dell XPS 8300 PSU and GPU upgrade

[bigglesworth1]

Hello all,

I want to upgrade the PSU and GPU for my new XPS 8300. I am interested in getting the:

- SAPPHIRE FleX 100314FLEX Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102948

- Cooler Master - eXtreme Power Plus 500-Watt ATX CPU Power Supply

link: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Cooler+Master+-+eXtreme+Power+Plus+500-Watt+ATX+CPU+Power+Supply/1510585.p?skuId=1510585&id=1218265778423#tabbed-customerreviews



Are these upgrades compatible with the XPS 8300? I am aware that my XPS came with a 460w PSU, but I want to get one that matches the minimum requirements for the Radeon 6870 (just to be on the safe side).


Note: I have also read that the 460w Dell PSU will provide more than enough power for the Radeon 6870, even though 500 watts are recommended. I'm still not sure about this, and want your opinions: Do I really need to upgrade my PSU in order for the Radeon 6870 to work properly?

My specs are:

- Intel Core i7-2600 CPU @3.40 GHz

-12.0 GB RAM

- Windows 7 Professional 64bit

- 2 TB hard drive

- GeForce GT 530

- Dell 24 Inch HD Monitor

Thanks for your help.

 

[Novuake]

Yes its compatible, but... Going for minimum spec of a graphics card is not recommended.

THats not being on the safe side at all. Look at a 550w, where I live they are fractunally more expensive.

Also, that PSU is the entry range PSU series Coolermaster has, look at a GX series for higher quality, reliability and efficiency.

http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6641

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Cooler+Master+-+GX+650-Watt+ATX/EPS+CPU+Power+Supply/2193348.p?id=1218313320643&skuId=2193348

EDIT : Best buy link I posted is just an example.

 

[Silvune]

I have read someone, who does seem to know what he is talking about, say that Dell PSUs can provide more than they claim (much like branded high quality units do).

It is also possible to run a system with a 6870 on a high quality ~450W PSU.

A 6870 needs two 6pin PEG PCIe connectors. So if the Dell unit doesn't have those (and it doesn't have enough 4pin peripheral connectors to use adapters, which would probably not be a good idea with a unit of unknown quality) then you will have to buy a new PSU.

Neither the eXtreme Power Plus nor the GX (original 80Plus - the newer 80Plus Bronze series is more acceptable) series are worth buying if it can be avoided.

These would be my suggestions:
XFX Pro 450W Core Edition 80Plus Bronze $55 ($20 rebate)
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=63238&vpn=P1450SX2B9&manufacture=XFX
As well as the 550W version if at a good price.

Antec Earthwatts Green EA-650 80Plus Bronze
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=59339&vpn=EA650Green&manufacture=Antec
As well as the 500W version.

 

[bigglesworth1]

Thanks for your reply, and I will go ahead and get it and see what happens.

 

[bigglesworth1]

Best answer selected by bigglesworth1.

 

[Sylin]

Out of curiosity, what PSU did you end up choosing, and did it fit OK? Does it perform well?

I also have an XPS 8300 and noticed my PSU runs hot, so I was considering replacing it with one that has adjustable fan speeds.

Thx.

 

[Outlander_04]

the dell psu is a better quality than that coolermaster you linked . Its not good at all .

Only ever buy 80+ bronze rated psu's or better