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Inspiron 3847 - GPU and PSU questions
With my kids finally starting school and becoming (moderately!) independent, I suddenly have something I haven't had in ages: time to play games on my PC!
But I haven't played any in years, so I could really use some advice...!
I've been looking at the GTX 1060 3GB and the RX 480. Both look like they would work despite the space limitations inside the 3847. But I had a few questions:
1) The RX 480 seems inferior in terms of performance, and yet I’ve read it has better longevity. If I plan to use my new card for about 5 years before upgrading, will I see a drop in performance over time?
2) I confess a great deal of ignorance on this subject, but I've read something about compatibility concerns with these cards and my PC's motherboard (and the number of pins/slots on the board?). Would either of these cards not work with my motherboard?
3) Could anyone be so kind as to recommend a PSU? I don't have any accessories or peripherals installed (and don't plan on adding any), so the power draw I think would be pretty minimal (aside from the GPU). I am happy to spend the money to get a quality PSU, but would prefer to avoid spending money on an unnecessarily powerful PSU.
4) Lastly, newegg has tons of vendors who make the GTX 1060 3GB but I know nothing about any of them. I have heard that some vendors sell 'watered down' versions of the cards, but I don't know how accurate that is. Between EVGA, ZOTAC, GIGABYTE, MSI, PNY and ASUS, any you would recommend or oppose?
Many many thanks in advance for your help!!
speedstep
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October 25th, 2016 07:00
No idea what you mean by watered down. Power supply will need to be replaced with EVGA 750 B1 or equivalent. The B2 and G2 versions of the supply do not work. Only MINI ITX SHORT CARDS physically fit into the 3847. 9 inch and longer cards DO NOT GO INTO the case EVER. The Picture below is a Short GTX970 with 1 fan.
I have used ASUS and EVGA cards without any issues in many different model dells. Sapphire on the other hand doesnt always work and they are very unsupported when it comes to DOS VESA mode 103 and bios.
Just ask anyone trying to use a Higher end card in precision 690 with 1000W power supply only to find that not only does the card not work it wont EVER work.
The various models seem to be VERY VERY VERY Picky about which ones work or not.
Thats why I wanted to nail that down.
In older dells like Precision T3400 BIOS A09 I've used an EVGA GeForce GTX 960 SuperSC ACX 2.0+ 4GB GDDR5 128bit, 04G-P4-3962-KR
http://www.evga.com/Products/Product.aspx?pn=04G-P4-3962-KR
If you want to use a 1060 it MUST be the SHORT mini itx version.
https://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-GeForce-GDDR5-Graphics-GV-N1060IXOC-6GD/dp/B01KQUDCQW
https://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-Support-Graphics-03G-P4-6162-KR/dp/B01KU2CIIY/
Power supplies need 150W or more on the 3.3v/5v Rails. The B2 and G2 versions of the 750w evga only have 120W. Which is why only 1 of the 3 models of 750W unit work.
EVGA Super nova 700B1 or 750B1 works fine.
B2 and G2 series do not.
The issue with working or not has to do with the 3.3v power supply on the X16 slots and 150W max combined power on the 3.3v and 5v rails.
https://www.amazon.com/EVGA-SuperNOVA-Modular-Warranty-110-B1-0750-VR/dp/B00K85X23O
https://www.amazon.com/EVGA-BRONZE-Warranty-Tester-100-B1-0700-K1/dp/B018JYHBE6/
more_than_conqu
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October 25th, 2016 11:00
Wow, this is amazing, thank you so much for such a thorough, helpful answer!
I have a couple follow-up questions, if that's ok. (But I'll go one at a time!)
I'm now leaning towards the Rx 480, so about the GPU length:
You mention that cards 9" and longer won't physically fit into the case. The one I had my eye on is unfortunately 9.53". Bummer.
Yet the person in this post en.community.dell.com/.../19609790 seemed to make a 9.72" one fit.
Any idea how he managed that? Does it require some specialized knowledge or tools?
speedstep
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October 26th, 2016 10:00
If you take a ruler and measure inside the case you will see why.
So specific Single FAN RX480 will fit and others wont at all.
This RX480 likely will not go in.
You don't have to take my word for it. Where the power cables go in is part of this issue. Look at the 560TI. 9.72 is not physically going in without hacking or bending metal IMHO.
Longer than 8 inches will be an issue. 560TI Barely fits for a specific EVGA model. Specs on those cards say 10" x 4.38" which is too Long.The card in the picture is EVGA 01G-P3-1561-AR GeForce GTX 560 Ti FPB (Fermi) 1GB 256 Card Dimensions 9" x 4.38"
more_than_conqu
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October 26th, 2016 11:00
Ok scratch that last question, I'll play it safe and get this GTX 1060 3GB card which is under 9":
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125906&cm_re=gtx_1060_3gb-_-14-125-906-_-Product
And I will pair it with this PSU you suggested:
https://www.amazon.com/EVGA-BRONZE-Warranty-Tester-100-B1-0700-K1/dp/B018JYHBE6/
So to confirm (I'm quite cautious since I know so little!), if this is my PC, you don't foresee any issues installing the above hardware?
Many thanks SpeedStep!
P.S. You should set up Amazon affiliate links for yourself, I would be happy to purchase from you and get you a commission as a way of thanking you for your kind help!
more_than_conqu
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October 26th, 2016 16:00
Ok, duly noted! In that case I will indeed play it safe and go with the GTX 1060 3GB which is under 9".
So just to confirm (I want to be very cautious as I am very out of my element here!), going by your helpful recommendations...
This GPU: www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125906&cm_re=gtx_1060_3gb-_-14-125-906-_-Product
With this PSU: www.amazon.com/EVGA-BRONZE-Warranty-Tester-100-B1-0700-K1/dp/B018JYHBE6/
On this PC: www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA9SK4TJ9904&cm_re=dell_inspiron_3847-_-9SIA9SK4TJ9904-_-Product
Should have no problems?
Many thanks again SpeedStep!
more_than_conqu
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October 26th, 2016 20:00
Ok, duly noted! In that case I will indeed play it safe and go with the GTX 1060 3GB which is under 9".
So just to confirm (I want to be very cautious as I am very out of my element here!), going by your helpful recommendations...
This GPU: www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125906&cm_re=gtx_1060_3gb-_-14-125-906-_-Product
With this PSU: www.amazon.com/EVGA-BRONZE-Warranty-Tester-100-B1-0700-K1/dp/B018JYHBE6/
On this PC: www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA9SK4TJ9904&cm_re=dell_inspiron_3847-_-9SIA9SK4TJ9904-_-Product
Should have no problems?
Many thanks again SpeedStep!
more_than_conqu
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October 26th, 2016 22:00
(So sorry for the multiple posts! It hadn't appeared after many hours so I figured it got discarded and so I posted it again.)
speedstep
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November 3rd, 2016 09:00
MINI ITX Versions of 1060 and 1070 fit fine.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125905
These cards would require replacement of the STOCK EPS12v power supply.