Help! upgrading dell xps

[petelupo]

Sorry if this question is obvious to most but im quite new to pc upgrades.


I'm currently upgrading my Dell xps 420.

The spec is as follows.

Intel® Core™ 2 Quad-Core™ Processor Q6600 2.40GHz

Windows vista - 32 bit

Nvidia geforce 9800 GT


http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/SYSTEMS/xps420/en/OM/HTML/appendix.htm

The only thing i have upgraded so far is my ram from 4gb to 8gb which has worked fine as far as i can tell.

I have just bought a new graphics card the Asus, Geforce gtx 560 ti , 1gb .

The problem which i have come across is my psu (a 375w) is not power full enough to support my new graphics card (the box says at least 550w), im sure plugging in a new 750 is fairly easy but i have two problems with this.

My new graphics card looks to be powered by two of the 6 pin slots and as far as i can see most psu's have one of these. (could be the pci slot im refering to ?)

Also I have see elsewhere online my case is a btx? will this make a difference to the psu i can buy?
For example would this one work?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/quiet-Straight-Power-BQT-E6-700W/dp/B000ION42O/ref=sr_1_6?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1319739422&sr=1-6

Any help would be great

Thanks

Peter

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... One thing you should know is that any 32-bit operating system can only access 4 gb of memory... you need 64-bit for full software use of your 8 gb.

You can get molex adaptors for your 6-pin video connectors... I use 2 of them just fine with my older COOLMASTER 375 watt powersupply... and a GTX460.

Depending on the Power Supply/MFG'r/ and other installed hardware you could be trying/using that VIDEO CARD right now with your current system... Depending on what settings you are using in games, will determine how much power your card will use.

I'm a SC2 gamer at 1080P... and was worried about the Minimum power requirements... and a power supply upgrade... So far after one year I have had no problems... Keep in mind too, be sure you never let your Case/power supply temps get too high... Cooling is important to the life all electrical components.

To be sure about a Power Supply fit... measure the mounting holes locations in mm and total clearance you have for new... outside dimensions of the powersupply... and you can find all CAD/data sheets on websites of Main MFG'r of Power supplys.

Also Wikipedia Powersupply types and you find other important information there about connector types and dimensions.

 

[GreenDutchAlien]

I wouldn't try the 560 ti on the 375W though, even not on a Dell one.

 

[petelupo]

Ok thanks for your help!
How do I get 64 bit is it a free download or do you have to buy it? Im not sure if I have. All my original windows setup discs and stuff.
Should I get vista 64 bit or windows 7 64 bit?

Thanks

 

[WindowsDOS]

go with windows 7. No offence, but, vista sucks. lol

 

[GreenDutchAlien]

Don't know much about that but i don't think it's for free.
Windows 7 would be best but maybe you can get a cheaper upgrade for Vista, really don't know how that works actually.
Someone else maybe ?

 

[GreenDutchAlien]

go with windows 7. No offence, but, vista sucks. lol

Ah, oke :lol:

 

[WindowsDOS]

You'll have to pay for win 7, but Microsoft offers an upgrade package, Dunno how it works, but you can try.