Tech Help New Graphics Card

Jeff7890110

Jeff7890110

Captain Jeff
=(eGO)=
Joined
May 13, 2018
Messages
2,452
Hey Y'all I/m looking for an new graphics card, I am thinking of the GTX 1060/1070/1080, but I am unsure if my computer could fit, run, or have the best power supply. My computer is https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/04/sln300864/alienware-x51-r3-system-specifications?lang=enWith the GTX 745 currently in it. I believe I have the 240 wat power supply, but I can check after I get done with classe. I currently have the i5-6400 CPU @ 2.70Ghz, I do need some help! Please @ me if you have an opinion and or reply with helpful feedback!

Thanks guys!
 
Let me do some digging Jeff... it looks like you have to find a very specific card for this. There is not much space in that model and the exhaust needs to blow out the back - you'll run into some heat issues otherwise. I do have some small concerns about putting in a decently beefy GPU with the proprietary power supply. But it appears it has been done.

Looks like this 1060 does fit, according to a video someone did up:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K1JTMD0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_LE2uBb48BQYH8

The card technically calls for a 400W power supply though.. hence my reluctance to really put much in there. They don't pull those numbers out of thin air for no reason. Seems like people do it and pray nothing goes wrong. Not exactly advice I'd be endorsing.
 
Last edited:
Tyron said:
That^ upgrade your PSU and GPU otherwise your not gonna be putting any GPU in that sucker
Click to expand...

Won't be possible. It's all proprietary stuff - the power supply isn't even internal. He's basically unable to upgrade anything.
 
Jeff7890110 said:
So I can't even upgrade to anything?
Click to expand...

In terms of performance graphics cards, I'm going to say no. Your graphics card that came with your machine was made to fit specific OEM specs for power and size. That small a PSU is risky to run much else with, unfortunately. Since all of the hardware inside your machine is specific to Alienware, it's very difficult.

Best bet would be to start saving for a rig, if anything. As unfortunate and annoying as this may sound.
 
Okay, from what I have seen in videos they have been putting a 1060TI founders edition in it
 
Jeff7890110 said:
Okay, from what I have seen in videos they have been putting a 1060TI founders edition in it
Click to expand...

While it totally will fit, the card requires you have a minimum of 400W power supply - it can pull 120W on its own. The one I linked above would be the same model and would fit. You're just running a decent risk. That's the biggest issue with OEM (dell, hp, etc) prebuilt machines.
 
Simon said:
While it totally will fit, the card requires you have a minimum of 400W power supply - it can pull 120W on its own. The one I linked above would be the same model and would fit. You're just running a decent risk. That's the biggest issue with OEM (dell, hp, etc) prebuilt machines.
Click to expand...

So If I added a new power supply, then I could get a better graphics card?
 
Jeff7890110 said:
So If I added a new power supply, then I could get a better graphics card?
Click to expand...

You cannot change the power supply on your machine. It's partially external (hence the giant brick you have connected to it. Similar to how a laptop is set up. There's no room for changing it to anything else and would be a massive cooling issue too. Sorry, there is little to nothing you can change out on this particular model.
 
Well, there's another possible option that I don't think that has been explored. The one important question is: are the components inside welded to the case or similar? In other words, is it possible to remove all the components within the case? Barring the PSU, which would need to be replaced regardless, it may be possible to get a new case for the components, put in a better PSU and then you have both the airflow, power, and space to put in a new GPU.

A few threads in tomshardware has the same suggestions, though they never did follow-up on saying that they were able to move the components to a new case or not.
 
Snipeye said:
Well, there's another possible option that I don't think that has been explored. The one important question is: are the components inside welded to the case or similar? In other words, is it possible to remove all the components within the case? Barring the PSU, which would need to be replaced regardless, it may be possible to get a new case for the components, put in a better PSU and then you have both the airflow, power, and space to put in a new GPU.

A few threads in tomshardware has the same suggestions, though they never did follow-up on saying that they were able to move the components to a new case or not.
Click to expand...

I’ve found most Dell based hardware, particularly the motherboards do not size up properly not have the same sitting position and screws as regular ATX/iTX. It’s unfortunate. Guess you could do some sort of custom case for yourself... but the power supply would be interesting to sort out since it’s external, like a laptop - not sure how it’s all connected within.
 
When I purchased my computer from a buddy, I dropped it and my graphics card now sites slightly crooked from the motherboard. It still functions although has a slight overheating problem. Eventually gonna have to replace it. Would need something that can fit in 6 prong.
 
That's the main question, I believe. Typically, these kinds of computers may have the parts soldered on, if not customized like you said. Some of the threads I read, however, hinted that it's a mATX design mobo, so I was wondering.
 
redchance said:
When I purchased my computer from a buddy, I dropped it and my graphics card now sites slightly crooked from the motherboard. It still functions although has a slight overheating problem. Eventually gonna have to replace it. Would need something that can fit in 6 prong.
Click to expand...

Why is it sitting crooked? Did you damage the PCI-E connector? Did you ever re-align and rescrew the GPU securely?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top