GPU upgrade question

[Apex Bad Game]

Currently I've playing on an Alienware X51 R1 which came with a 240W PSU, I7-2600 and a GT 545 GPU. I've been able to play some games on lower quality effectively, but want to upgrade my overall gaming experience. After doing some research I found that my GT 545 is relatively outdated and on the lower end. I was looking into getting a GTX 960's and found that I would need to upgrade my PSU to 330W for it to work in my X51. The GTX 960 plus a 330W PSU would run me about $300 in total. I was wondering if the upgrade would be a noticeable difference, or would I be better off taking apart my X51 and rebuilding in a new case; or even sell off the parts and start a whole new thing from scratch.

[Fluffy]

personally id keep the setup and update graphics as the i7 2600 is more than enough for a 960 but its all about what your happy with and what your budget says... with the update in graphics you would notice a substantial difference i would shoot for the gtx970 but if the 960 is in budget go for it. and yeah update the psu im surprised 240w is holding the current setup

[_I_]

yes, the gt card is very poor for gaming

gong to a 960 will make a huge difference

but a gtx 970 is the best gpu for the x51 with the 330w power brick

gtx960 would still need a larger psu, 120w vs 145w for the gtx970

or if you dont mind transplanting the build to an ata, m-atx or m-itx case you can fit a standard 650+w psu and any gpu you would like

the x51 cpu/board are not bad, just very difficutl to upgrade

[SundownKid]

Better to just upgrade PSU and GPU if youre only getting a 960.

[banzaigtv]

Don't run a GTX 960 with a 330w PSU. My PC with an i7-4790k and GTX 980 can go over 400w under load. A GTX 960 uses 45w less, so that's still over 330w.

[_I_]

Originally posted by banzaigtv:

Don't run a GTX 960 with a 330w PSU. My PC with an i7-4790k and GTX 980 can go over 400w under load. A GTX 960 uses 45w less, so that's still over 330w.

the x51 is a tiny gaming pc
it only has 200w and 330w power bricks not a psu

the 330w bick is fine with a gtx 970

[Methane]

No upgrade ur psu to a 500w then update your card so you have more room for upgrades down the line

[Damian]

GTX960 would be best option.

[Alexalmighty502 Sup Acc]

Originally posted by _I_:

Originally posted by banzaigtv:

Don't run a GTX 960 with a 330w PSU. My PC with an i7-4790k and GTX 980 can go over 400w under load. A GTX 960 uses 45w less, so that's still over 330w.

the x51 is a tiny gaming pc
it only has 200w and 330w power bricks not a psu

the 330w brick is fine with a gtx 970

thats still rather risky i wouldnt advise doing it but if its your only option the gtx 960 would be best (see if you can find a low power option

[Apex Bad Game]

I've heard of some instability with a GTX 970 in the R1 model of the X51, thats why I was leaning towards the GTX 960 instead. Is that even true, or could I get a GTX 970 with a 330W PSU?

[Alexalmighty502 Sup Acc]

Originally posted by SheSaidSheWas18:

I've heard of some instability with a GTX 970 in the R1 model of the X51, thats why I was leaning towards the GTX 960 instead. Is that even true, or could I get a GTX 970 with a 330W PSU?

id say dont risk it

[Bad 💀 Motha]

X51 "R1" had alot of issues that were addressed after the release of the R2 and R3 revisions of the X51.

Best bet is remove the parts from the Alienware Case and install into an ITX or mATX Case; then use a standard ATX PSU of at least quality brand/model of around 500W or better. Then GPUs like GTX 970 or high-end AMD GPU (depending on PSU you use) wouldn't be an issue.

Also go to the Dell.com/Support website > input your Service Code > go to Support/Download section and download & install the latest BIOS for your X51 too, which will address various feature/stability related issues.