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    Need Help Upgrading GPU

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by alienwarex51zach, Feb 5, 2014.

  1. alienwarex51zach

    alienwarex51zach Newbie

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    Hello, I've been searching all day and can't seem to find a straight forward answer. I would like to upgrade my GPU from a GTX 555 to a new graphics card. I have a 330 watt psu and my specs will be posted below. I want something that I can take out of the box and pop in without any modifications or overloading my pc. Can someone please give me some links of my options?

    Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3770 CPU @ 3.40GHz
    Video Card 1 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 555
    Video Card 2 Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000
    Memory 16 GB
    Operating System Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition Service Pack 1 (build 7601), 64-bit
     
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  2. patonb

    patonb Notebook Enthusiast

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    Don't think you can get any better gpu with a 330W psu.

    You're best to upgrade both if you want a more powerful gpu.
     
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  3. alienwarex51zach

    alienwarex51zach Newbie

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    I've contacted Alienware Support and they told be I could upgrade up to a GTX660 but I'm not sure what to chose from because when you search for them some are overclocked etc.
     
  4. destinationsky

    destinationsky Notebook Evangelist

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    Do you mean that the cpu is a i7-3630QM? What model do you have? The only one that came from factory with a 555m is the m14x. Or do you have a desktop? If this is the case this is the wrong forum. Check out the desktop review forum. They could help you better.
    (P.S.: I'd get a 670 gtx or 770 gtx. Just make sure the dimensions work.)
     
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  5. J.Dre

    J.Dre Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    What system do you have? That CPU looks like a desktop CPU, lol.
     
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  6. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

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    Probably an X51. Judging from the user name (alienware x51zach) that is probably what Zach has.

    Zach, there are a couple of threads in Dell Community Forum that should be helpful. While we may have X51 owners in our Community, this is primarily a laptop forum.

    Here are some links that may be helpful:

    Alienware X51 Mods & Graphics Card Upgrade BF Case Discussion - Alienware Forum - Alienware Club - Dell Community

    Upgrading Alienware X51 - Alienware Forum - Alienware Club - Dell Community

    And, I believe this same mod could work for your X51 if you need to power a more potent GPU than a GTX 660... [Tutorial] Dual 330W AC Adapter Mod

    I don't have an X51, so I am not following that topic closely. From what I understand the GTX 660 is not a problem and if memory serves me correctly some have even upgraded to GTX 760.
     
  7. patonb

    patonb Notebook Enthusiast

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    Very nice mod
     
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  8. Meaker@Sager

    Meaker@Sager Company Representative

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    There are some short cards around that should go in pretty easily I would have thought.
     
  9. TBoneSan

    TBoneSan Laptop Fiend

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    EVGA GTX 670 is probably the best mod. The EVGA unit has a rear blower and will fit. I might also post up some pics of my mates watercooled x51 750 PSU mod he's almost finished.
     
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  10. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

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    Please do. I would like to see that.
     
  11. TBoneSan

    TBoneSan Laptop Fiend

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    I will as soon as he's done. The PSU is external. Unfortunately he couldnt fit the radiator in so its looking like abit of a Frankenstein at the moment. I would have loved to known if your dual PSU mod would have worked on it.