new GPU in alienware X51?

[Fgtfv567]

I have an X51 with an i7-3770, 8gb ram, GTX 660, dunno power supply (Edit: PSU should be 330w), I'm wondering what GPU I can switch out as I'd like to put in something like a 970 (I'll worry about which GPU later), I'm worried about clearance, air flow, and if the PSU can deliver enough juice, thanks guys

[79wjd]

I have an X51 with an i7-3770, 8gb ram, GTX 660, dunno power supply, I'm wondering what GPU I can switch out as I'd like to put in something like a 970 (I'll worry about which GPU later), I'm worried about clearance, air flow, and if the PSU can deliver enough juice, thanks guys

The 970 would probably be a safe bet; since its a low power draw low heat output gpu (so it should work no matter what the psu is). 

 

Anyway, you can just measure the space; the 970 mini will certainly fit. 

[connorpiper]

It will be fine, Dell usually uses high quality PSUs. 

 

Also read @djdwosk97's post. 

[vern021]

the gigabyte itx or maybe the low end zotac non-reference card can fit in that PC.

[Fgtfv567]

The 970 would probably be a safe bet; since its a low power draw low heat output gpu (so it should work no matter what the psu is). 

 

Anyway, you can just measure the space; the 970 mini will certainly fit. 

Great but what about airflow? Does it have to pull air from inside the case into the GPU and the vent it out the back with all the IO?

[79wjd]

Great but what about airflow? Does it have to pull air from inside the case into the GPU and the vent it out the back with all the IO?

I'd assume so since its such a small form factor case; but considering the heat output (or lack thereof) of the 970, I wouldn't worry about it too much. 

 

The x51 has a side intake and reat exhaust for the gpu I believe, correct? In which case you would ideally want a blower card; but there are no blower 970s that short. But if theres any form of cross ventilation in the case, then you should be able to get away with an open-air cooler. 

[Fgtfv567]

alright which 970 specifically would you guys recommend for me? 

[79wjd]

alright which 970 specifically would you guys recommend for me? 

How long is the 660 compared to the space? 

 

Can you take a picture of the gpu in the case 

[Fgtfv567]

How long is the 660 compared to the space?

Can you take a picture of the gpu in the case

OK I've been thinking about it and I think I should get the EVGA 970 reference NON-OC 4 GB (2 if possible). I saw a guy on YouTube upgrade his x51 from 670 to the card I want, except it's SC. It's pricey and I hope it'll work! (haven't bought it yet)

Edit: I read somewhere that the ACX cooler that blow into the case has idle temps of 65C! Way too high, have to get a reference. I saw it fit, just have to worry about power. Contacted alienware, still nothing

[Immortality]

The 970 would probably be a safe bet; since its a low power draw low heat output gpu (so it should work no matter what the psu is). 

 

Anyway, you can just measure the space; the 970 mini will certainly fit. 

Wot.

 

So I can run 970 off a 300w with 12V+ rated at 10A?

 

Plus I doubt that PSU will be able to ouput its rated spefications or will have low amount of amps on its 12V+ rail.

[79wjd]

Wot.

 

So I can run 970 off a 300w with 12V+ rated at 10A?

 

Plus I doubt that PSU will be able to ouput its rated spefications or will have low amount of amps on its 12V+ rail.

Dell uses pretty solid PSUs; and if its capable of driving a 660, it will be able to drive a 970.

[Immortality]

Dell uses pretty solid PSUs; and if its capable of driving a 660, it will be able to drive a 970.

Expect it uses a AC adapter, not a full fledge desktop PSU

[79wjd]

Expect it uses a AC adapter, not a full fledge desktop PSU

A 660 isn't any easier to drive than a 970. 

 

So assuming the cabling is all there, then it will still work

[D2ultima]

Dell sold an i5 with a GTX 660 and a 330W laptop PSU? WHAT?

 

WHY?

[Fgtfv567]

Hey guys I'll let you derail this thread as much as you guys like, but I need to know if the EVGA reference 970 non-oc card will work in my system first!

[79wjd]

Hey guys I'll let you derail this thread as much as you guys like, but I need to know if the EVGA reference 970 non-oc card will work in my system first!

Open up your computer, look at the gpu thats currently in there. 

 

What power connectors does it have? Are there any extra wires inside the case? How long is the 660 thats currently in your computer? How much more space is there for a larger card? 

[Fgtfv567]

HAHA!! I don't think clearance will be a problem!

http://www.evga.com/Products/Product.aspx?pn=04G-P4-1970-KR

http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-660/specifications

[Fgtfv567]

Dell uses pretty solid PSUs; and if its capable of driving a 660, it will be able to drive a 970.

If you check the second latest post, the 970 I want draws an extra 5 watts... That shouldn't be too much to ask... Right?! 5 watts!!

[D2ultima]

If you check the second latest post, the 970 I want draws an extra 5 watts... That shouldn't be too much to ask... Right?! 5 watts!!

5 watts will be fine. Those dell PSUs can draw quite a bit more than 330W as far as I know.

[79wjd]

If you check the second latest post, the 970 I want draws an extra 5 watts... That shouldn't be too much to ask... Right?! 5 watts!!

again, 

 

open up the case and tell me what you see (or take a picture). 

 

I'd worry about the 660 maybe being a special card (smaller one, or lower power draw one/ one with different connectors).

[Fgtfv567]

5 watts will be fine. Those dell PSUs can draw quite a bit more than 330W as far as I know.

I saw in a video that the max tdp of my R1 x51 is 150, and the card I want is 145 while the 660 is 140

[Fgtfv567]

again,

open up the case and tell me what you see (or take a picture).

I'd worry about the 660 maybe being a special card (smaller one, or lower power draw one/ one with different connectors).

Have to do that tomorrow, coming home from a road trip, but thanks for the help

[D2ultima]

I saw in a video that the max tdp of my R1 x51 is 150, and the card I want is 145 while the 660 is 140

5 watts is not a killer. It will work. Only question is if it'll fit and cool itself correctly.

 

Also, there is no way the max TDP if your x51 is 150W, unless you're talking about max GPU TDP allowed or something.... in which case 145 will of course work.

 

That CPU you have is what, 85W? And the GPU + the extras in the system... no way you're on 150W.

[LinusTech]

I love seeing helpful threads like this. Thanks so much to everyone who helped out the OP.

[D2ultima]

I love seeing helpful threads like this. Thanks so much to everyone who helped out the OP.

Shameless to ask for myself, but... you MIGHT wanna sticky the SLI and vRAM guides I have in this forum. It'll help a ridiculous amount of people who keep asking questions about them, haha. I also know no other people with moderator powers to do so.