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Upgrading Studio XPS 8000 parts - $500 or less for Gaming

Tags:
  • Dell Studio Xps
  • Games
  • Processors
  • Graphics Cards
  • Systems
Last response: in Systems
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June 21, 2014 12:24:35 AM

Hi there! I'm not really an expert on building pcs, so I'm having a little trouble with picking parts to buy and picking a specific route to follow. I will mostly be gaming, and I'm really hoping to improve fps in my games, be able to play smoothly with High settings, and keep up with the upcoming games.

As of now, I seem to be able to run most games decently. Med to High settings on Skyrim. I am able to play games like Warframe, TERA, Elder Scroll Online fine (Med to High settings too I believe). Although, I have trouble getting good fps and actually being able to play games like Risen 2, Witcher 2, and Metro 2033. Additionally, in games like FFXIV : A Realm Reborn, I get about 10-20 fps, Guild Wars 2, around 20-25 fps.

I am willing to spend around $500, and will consider spending a little more if need be.

I am currently using Dell Studio XPS 8000. Most components are stock components and I haven't made any adjustments, besides changing the graphics card and putting a 2 GB RAM in it. I have a total of 6 GB RAM.
- Running on 1980x1080 res
- My current graphics card is a Radeon HIS HD 4670 1 GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

- Current Processor is a i5 750 @ 2.67 Ghz 2.66 Ghz
- Power Supply should be 350 W, I am not exactly sure.
- The rest of the computer specs are from here (motherboard, etc..):
ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/...

That being said, I am looking to change the following parts: Processor, Power Supply, and Graphics Card.
So far, I only have a graphics card in mind, which is this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Other than graphics card, I have no idea what Processor to choose, and I'm conflicted about getting a new motherboard.

I am trying to avoid changing the motherboard, since I do not know what exactly will happen if I do change or risk losing anything specific. Also don't want to go through the hassle of reinstalling OS and encounter the possible OS reactivation, or having to rebuy Win 7.

Thanks in advance!







More about : upgrading studio xps 8000 parts 500 gaming

a b U Graphics card
June 21, 2014 2:42:25 AM

Honestly, before doing all that, how about just pick up a new and better power supply that can handle the GPU you want, but and install the new PSU and GPU, and see how well the system works. Even though your current processor is a bit on the older and slower side, it is still decent for most games. You might be able to save some money and time by trying that and seeing how it works out for you in the games that you care about playing.

Then save your money and see what upgrades you can make in the future.
June 21, 2014 9:42:16 AM

Thank you, it seems like I have no choice but to just try things out with a new PSU and GPU. Do you have any suggestions with which PSU I should buy that will work with my mobo?

The card I linked in my original post says the system requirements are "500W (or greater) power supply with two 75W 6-pin PCI Express power connector recommended" and Power Connector is "2 x 6 pin". Can someone please clarify a little what the bolded part is?

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a b U Graphics card
June 21, 2014 11:00:15 AM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

is a power supply that should work well for you. Thank you for posting all of those links, because I had to check out all the power connections for your motherboard and GPU usage to find a power supply that would work good enough. The whole point of that bit in bold, " power supply with two 75W 6-pin PCI Express power connector recommended" is because the GPU you are looking at requires extra power from the power supply itself. There are some GPUs that only receive power and transfer data through the PCIE slot. The more powerful GPUs require additional power from the PSU, such as the GPU you picked out. It helps the card not only run better by having direct connections to the power supply that provide a minimum wattage, but it keeps the card running cooler and lasting longer by having more ideal wattage of its manufacturer recommendations.
June 21, 2014 11:50:17 AM

Thank you so much, you have no idea how much I appreciate the help!! I will give that PSU a try along with the new GPU and hope everything works out. Thank you thank you!!
a b U Graphics card
June 21, 2014 12:30:18 PM

Good luck.
!