Adding a hard drive to my upgrated Dell Xps 8700

[Marble_()]

Hello everyone.

So lately, I realized I would need a fresh hard drive if I want to keep some of my larger data games (namely Tf2 and Gta5). The only thing I'm worrying about is if my power supply can handle the amount of electricity needed, considering my GTX 660 needs 450 watts, which is only the minimum of the 460 or so watts it can already pump out. And mind you, this model is old. Originally, it came with a less powerful card, when I bought it in 2013. So here is my thing:
I need a hard drive that has a bigger tb storage amount, namely 4 or 5 terabytes. But I need to make sure it can run with my power supply, be formated and readable by my motherboard, and won't burn the computer at the same time.
Here is my specs:

Computer Information:
Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
Model: XPS 8700
Form Factor: Desktop
No Touch Input Detected

Processor Information:
CPU Vendor: GenuineIntel
CPU Family: 0x6
CPU Model: 0x3c
CPU Stepping: 0x3
CPU Type: 0x0
Speed: 3392 Mhz
8 logical processors
4 physical processors
HyperThreading: Supported
FCMOV: Supported
SSE2: Supported
SSE3: Supported
SSSE3: Supported
SSE4a: Unsupported
SSE41: Supported
SSE42: Supported
AES: Supported
AVX: Supported
CMPXCHG16B: Supported
LAHF/SAHF: Supported
PrefetchW: Supported

Network Information:
Network Speed:

Operating System Version:
Windows 10 (64 bit)
NTFS: Supported
Crypto Provider Codes: Supported 311 0x0 0x0 0x0

Video Card:
Driver: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660

DirectX Driver Name: nvd3dum.dll
Driver Version: 10.18.13.6143
DirectX Driver Version: 10.18.13.6143
Driver Date: 16 Dec 2015
OpenGL Version: 4.5
Desktop Color Depth: 32 bits per pixel
Monitor Refresh Rate: 59 Hz
DirectX Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660
VendorID: 0x10de
DeviceID: 0x11c0
Number of Monitors: 1
Number of Logical Video Cards: 1
No SLI or Crossfire Detected
Primary Display Resolution: 1680 x 1050
Desktop Resolution: 1680 x 1050
Primary Display Size: 18.66" x 11.65" (21.97" diag)
47.4cm x 29.6cm (55.8cm diag)
Primary Bus: PCI Express 16x
Primary VRAM: 2047 MB
Supported MSAA Modes: 2x 4x 8x

Sound card:
Audio device: Speakers (Realtek High Definiti)

Memory:
RAM: 12237 Mb (About 394 gb)

Miscellaneous:
UI Language: English
Microphone: Not set
Media Type: DVD
Total Hard Disk Space Available: 939820 Mb
Largest Free Hard Disk Block: 404133 Mb
OS Install Date: Dec 31 1969
Game Controller: None detected
VR Headset: None detected

If you guys can help me on this/ recommend a hard drive, I'd greatly appreciate it.

[banzaigtv]

The most power-efficient way of doing this is to add an SSD, move Windows to it, then replace the old HDD with a WD Black 4 TB HDD. An SSD draws less power than an HDD.

Why not upgrade the PSU? I once upgraded an HP Pavilion with a 460w PSU by adding a GTX 660 and several months later, it fried the PSU. Get an XFX TS 550w unit. I did that and had no problems since.

[Marble_()]

Originally posted by banzaigtv:

The most power-efficient way of doing this is to add an SSD, move Windows to it, then replace the old HDD with a WD Black 4 TB HDD. An SSD draws less power than an HDD.

Why not upgrade the PSU? I once upgraded an HP Pavilion with a 460w PSU by adding a GTX 660 and several months later, it fried the PSU. Get an XFX TS 550w unit. I did that and had no problems since.

I don't really want to touch any other part. When I installed the graphics card, it was easy, but horrendus enough; it was my first time upgrading/installing a part to the computer.

I am flexible though. I just don't want to deal with upgrading/adding to my total cost unless I absolutely need to. My PSU is also fine enough, there hasn't been any complications after I installed the GTX 660.

A SSD sounds good enough. Any recomendations?

[banzaigtv]

You can use a Kill-a-Watts energy usage reader to determine power draw. Some APC and Cyberpower UPS battery backup units have wattage readers on LED screens.

A Samsung 850 EVO 250 GB SSD is currently the most popular hard drive. I have a 250 GB version on one computer and a 1 TB version on another computer.

[Marble_()]

Originally posted by banzaigtv:

You can use a Kill-a-Watts energy usage reader to determine power draw. Some APC and Cyberpower UPS battery backup units have wattage readers on LED screens.

Thanks for the headsup.

I did my research on SSDs. Seems like they cant hold extremely large files within large packets. That's my 2nd problem. If I'm gonna have data-holding intense games, I don't think a SSD could hold it well enough. That and duriblity.

If you used one/are using one, is it any good? If anything, I also want to have some "witnesses" tell me how good it is, if you know what I mean.

[banzaigtv]

You can use an SSD as a boot drive and an HDD to put games and other stuff on. I have one computer using an older and smaller SSD for Windows and a Samsung 850 EVO 1 TB SSD for games and media. My other computer uses a Samsung 850 EVO 250 GB for Windows / media files and a WD Black 4 TB HDD for games, music collections, and movies. SSDs are a lot faster than HDDs. My games install, load, and run faster on an SSD. Windows will boot and load everything faster on an SSD. It's the best upgrade you can get for any computer.

[Marble_()]

Thanks. Will try to see what I can do.

[changeable_fate]

Sounds like time to upgrade the power supply! To be honest, running windows from a SSD will vastly improve speed in any event. Improving your power supply will also give you the option to expand further should you need it... or add another drive purely for backup purposes.

Also, your power supply is at its most efficient under a 40 - 60% load (ish). By changing your current Power Supply which is running at near full capacity, you might actually save yourself some money on your electricity bills.

Links below will help you choose one more suited to your needs....

http://powersupplycalculator.net/

http://outervision.com/power-supply-calculator

[banzaigtv]

This PSU should work in any Dell or HP tower. Provides enough power for even a GTX 980. The cables can be cumbersome, but it is manufactured by Seasonic and marketed by XFX. It has Japanese capacitors and provides 45 amps on the 12v rail, so it's good for a single mid-range GPU. The price is also competitive.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207013

[_I_]

some dell cases have limited hdd bays, and can only hold 2 hdds
open the case and make sure it has a free bay to put a hdd before ordering it
a 2nd hdd will not need a bigger power supply

[SundownKid]

Why are people recommending a PSU replacement? It boggles the mind.

The GTX 660 recommends 450W for total system power. That means you have about 100W or more of wiggle room below that where it will be fine.

So no, you will not need a PSU replacement, add as many hard drives as you like.

Upgrading your PSU will be a waste of money and time unless you upgrade to a more demanding video card.

[Marble_()]

Originally posted by SundownKid:

Why are people recommending a PSU replacement? It boggles the mind.

The GTX 660 recommends 450W for total system power. That means you have about 100W or more of wiggle room below that where it will be fine.

So no, you will not need a PSU replacement, add as many hard drives as you like.

Upgrading your PSU will be a waste of money and time unless you upgrade to a more demanding video card.

Thanks for the tip. Do you mind telling me where you got the stats of the PSU for my model?

[rotNdude]

Open the case and look at the PSU label. That's where they are located.

[changeable_fate]

Think the Dell XPS has a 460 Watt PSU...
Your system (with new drives and toys) should draw about 350W, with a recommendation you have 400W+ power supply....