Thread: Upgrading graphics card?

I'm looking to upgrade my gfx card on my Dell Studio XPS 8100. I was wondering if I would be able to upgrade to a 550w power supply, with no problems, and what one you recommend (need good price). I would also like to know if the GeForce GTX 550 Ti would be compatible on my computer (fitment etc.).

Here is my current setup:

Dell Studio XPS 8100
Windows 7
Intel Core i5 CPU @ 3.3GHz
350w Power Supply
8GB RAM
GeForce 310 (1/2GB video ram)
DirectX 11


Please help, I want to have HD and high quality games now and in the future!

What Matt said, you should be able to pickup a new PSU and throw it in. But Dell likes to be retarded sometimes. Corsair makes good PSUs.

any good graphics card will need more then a 350 watt powersupply, powersupply probably wont have the right connections either.

PSU should work, 24 pin EPS 12V, ATX compatible.

Dell - Support

Check out maybe something like this?

Newegg.com - CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power Supply

or you could probably get away with a 500W. Unless you plan on someday going crazy with modding.

Edit: Dell link doesn't work, just goodle XPS 8100 board specs

GTX 580 is way too high, the GTX 550 ti is good enough I believe, for only $110. If you have any reason I shouldn't get that, let me know.

So there shouldn't be any size issues?
Thanks for the replies.



Also for a ps I was thinking this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341047

I'm looking to keep it cheap

My current display mode is only 1600x900, if i get a 460 what would be a reasonable rez?

My current gpu G3D rating is 274, so upgrading to the GTX 460 would be a huge gain at 2369 G3D

Go AMD, screw nvidia its green... Red is much better.

The whole AMD drivers thing was actually true.. in like the 90s.

Originally Posted by matt5112

Yes.

Their drivers are so much better.

Sarcasm?

OCZ power supplies are crap don't get one. I had one randomly shut off on me once a month then it got to once a week. Buy that one Negative linked. Personally I would go no lower than a 600watt. I replaced it with a corsair similar to this one. Don't skimp on the PSU. $89.00 is a good price. Spend the extra 10 dollars to know you are getting a quality product.

Newegg.com - CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power Supply

I bought a new OCZ StealthXStream from a friend for cheap, it died in a month. I've had to send it off twice, and each time they just sent me a new refurb. Finally I *****ed enough and got a new one that still runs good. No issues, but the issues prior are not worth it. Stick with a Corsair and you should be good. And you don't want to skimp on a PSU like Ryan said, thats when you can start ****ing **** up.

I haven't had good luck with OCZ Ram...

msi twin frozr 460 768mb works great on sub 1080p resolutions.

im running it @ 1400x900 and get high on multi bf3 with AA and some options on ultra.
skyrim maxed out w/ some better texture mods and doesn't drop under 40 fps in bad spots.
yes, its overclocked about ~15%. card cost me 100 bucks.

there is still a pc graphics card market?