Computer upgrade help with Dell xps 435t/9000

[Harbingerbk]

So i have 3 year old Dell xps 435t/9000 and have been thinking of adding some upgrades to it to improve its lifespan. Here's a look at what i have rite now.

I'm running win7 home edition. I have two (2) hard drives installed. The PSU is 475watt.

CPU
Intel Core i7 920 @ 2.67GHz
Bloomfield 45nm Technology
RAM
8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 531MHz (7-7-7-20)
Motherboard
DELL Inc. 0X501H (CPU 1)
Graphics
ATI Radeon HD 5770

Nothing is off limits if anyone has any suggestions that I can looking it would help. I also want to replace the fans if i can.Please help.

 

[Kisianik]

if you still interested, please state your budget, or what video card you would place in, I mean approximate model like 660 or 7850, something like this, because otherwise we can offer you parts way over your money....

 

[Harbingerbk]

My budget to upgrade this PC is around 500. I'm thinking of getting a new PC in a year or 2 so just need it to last until then. As far as model goes i just need a card that current, fast, reliable and maybe doesn't cause me to buy a new PSU.

 

[Kisianik]

First I want to show everyone your XPS 435 MT or T PSU specs, so it would be easier to look for parts

This is a Genuine Dell 475w Power Supply PSU for Studio XPS 435mt and XPS 9000 Full Tower Systems. Compatible Parts F217J, vp-09500073-000.

Features / Specifications:

• 475 Watt Max Output
• 100-240V Input
• Compatible Parts: VP-09500073-000
• Compatible Models: F217J

Connectors:

• 1 x 24pin ATX Motherboard Power (P1)
• 5 x Sata Connectors (P3, P4, P5, P6, P7)
• 1 x 8 Pin Connector (P2)
• 1 x PCI-E Connector (P8)
• 1 x PCI-E + 2Pin Connector (P9, P10)

Based on information above, you can upgrade your PSU if necessary.
However, I found this statement here

This power supply does not fit in standard ATX chasises, it will only fit in the TOWER version of the Studio XPS 435 and Studio XPS 9000. It will not fit the mini tower form factor

So a little more investigation needed.
Until then you can get any card with about 450 watt minimum requirement!
I use in such instances MSI Power requirements for graphics cards:

NVIDIA

Geforce GTX 660ti - 24A and a 450W PSU minimum
Geforce GTX 660 - 24A and a 450W PSU minimum
Geforce GTX 650ti Boost - 24A and a 450W PSU minimum
Geforce GTX 650ti - 20A and a 400W PSU minimum
Geforce GTX 650 - 20A and a 400W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 560 - 24A and a 450W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 550 Ti - 24A and a 400W PSU minimum

ATI/AMD

Pay attention to the wattage in quote, looks suspicious

Radeon HD 7970 - 30A and a 500W psu minimum
Radeon HD 7950 - 25A and a 500W psu minimum
Radeon HD 7870 - 23A and a 500W psu minimum
Radeon HD 7850 - 21A and a 500W psu minimum
Radeon HD 7790 - 21A and a 500W psu minimum

So based on above I am questioning that 7770 actually need 500W minimum

Radeon HD 7770 - 19A and a 500W psu minimum
Radeon HD 7750 - 16A and a 400W psu minimum
Radeon HD 6850 - 25A and a 450W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 6790 - 25A and a 450W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 6770 - 25A and a 450W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 6670 - 17A and a 400W PSU minimum

Check this review and decide, do you want just stick 7770 in (I will check if your PSU can support it) and wait, or you may consider upgrading your PSU and get something more serious?

 

[Harbingerbk]

I have also read when I was doing some research on upgrades that the power supply in my PC is not really a standard one. I was hoping to bypass this by getting a graphics card the would allow me to play current games without overloading like my current one does when I start to play Tera with my current PSU.

I did speak to a dell rep once a year or 2 back and they recommended this PSU E Power ZUMAX ZU-750W to me for a upgrade. If upgrading the PSU will get me better results I am willing to look into changing it.

Also would adding more ram be a good choice for my set up and I'm looking to also replace the chassis fan for something quieter. Thank you for your advice so far.

 

[Kisianik]

check this review http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107.html and see what is most desirable to you, and we proceed from there.
Regarding power supply, look at this post, specifically the lists of power supplies, it is old but still can show you good brands http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx I don't remember seen your choice there. Read the first page, it is enough.

 

[Harbingerbk]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130915

Figured I would update this post. This is the graphics card I chose. If anyone is interested. It worked just fine in my PC.

Just a sidebar, my power supply has recently died and I'm working on building a new Gaming PC.

Would like to thank Kisianik for the help provided to me when I posted this problem.