Dell XPS 8300: Hassle-free GPU upgrade w/o replacing PSU

[joe1682]

Hello,

I recently purchased a pre-built Dell XPS 8300 from Microcenter ( http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0373551 ). It came with a Radeon 6450 which I'd like to replace. Although the stock power supply includes two spare 6-pin connectors, the overall output is only 460w! I do not want to replace the power supply, so I'm looking for a card that will run with the stock PSU.

Searching on Amazon reviews, I've found that some people reported success with the Sapphire 6870 card with the stock Dell power supply. While this is a fine card, I'd like to specifically know if there is a newer alternative that provides comparable or better performance.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: This week.
BUDGET: under $230 US before rebates.
USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming: Skyrim, Portal 2, Fallout: New Vegas, Mass Effect 3
CURRENT GPU AND POWER SUPPLY: Radeon 6450 460w
OTHER RELEVANT SYSTEM SPECS: Dell XPS 8300-5006
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg.com USA
PARTS PREFERENCES: None
OVERCLOCKING: Maybe
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I do not have a particular preference for AMD cards. I've only been able to find information about those.

Thanks in advance!

 

[chicofehr]

I think the 7750 doesn't use any PCI-E power and the 7770 uses only 1 and I'm sure they are about the same performance.

 

[jaguarskx]

The power supply is not listed so I assume it's a standard 300w PSU used by Dell. Therefore, I recommend the HD 7750.

Generally speaking the Radeon HD 7750 is a little faster than the Radeon HD 5770 / HD 6770 (both are actually the same GPU). The HD 7770 is some where in between a HD 5830 and HD 5850.

It all depends on the game and the resolution. In Crysis 2 the HD 7750 and HD 7770 does extremely well. At 1920x1200 resolution, the HD 7750 outperforms the HD 5850 and the HD 7770 is faster than the HD 6870.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AMD/HD_7770/13.html

 

[delluser1]

DPS-460DB
460 watts / 32 amps combined on 3x rails / dual ( pigtailed ) 6 pin connectors

 

[deadjon]

You could run an OC'd 6870 on that!

Get one, they are awesome.

 

[joe1682]

Best answer selected by joe1682.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey