XPS 420 Upgrade Questions???

[Rawjinks]

I am wanting to spoil myself for Christmas and I thought I would ask the all knowing members of this forum for some suggestions and/or ideas. First, I currently have 2GB of 667Mhz RAM that I would like to either max out  to 4GB or increase to 800Mhz RAM. What are some good everyday/gaming ram's?

Second, I would like to install a new GPU to replace my old HD 2600 XT. I have the 375W PSU. I am willing to change the PSU if necessary. I was thinking of either the 9800 GTX+ since they are so cheap or the 4870. I know this is a lot to ask in one post, but I have been pondering these purchases for awhile and I would liek to just get them done by Christmas.

[PumpkinPie86]

Hey,

I have fitted 4GB of Corsair XMS2 PC6400 to my XPS 420, it isn't that expensive and it's decent. 

[shdbcamping1]

Rawjinks,

The hd4870 is a good card, but a bit of a power hog for the performance gained. See this link: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-4870,1964-15.html .

A Silencer 500W PSU will let you be wide open to all the current video card options out there if you really wish to spoil yourself. I'm trying a 9800GX2 in my 420 with a Dell 425W PSU. The Silencer will go in if there are any power issues. Also, remember that with High end cards come a need for increased System cooling so keep that in mind as well. The 420 is difficult as a BTX board to find that fix for airflow and increased component cooling Retail options. My GTX+ plays well for power in my current system (minus a Heat problem that is probably a component issue unique to my box). I'm working with Dell for a correct hardware solution. Dealing with it now with increased fan support and that is something I was adding anyway. More Fans are never a bad idea for a computer.

Sean

[Rawjinks]

Thanks for the info.  The heat and power issues are the most worrisome to me. What kind of additional cooling have you added to your case? Pictures would be great if you have them. There's not much reference material on the net about 420's.

[PumpkinPie86]

I added a fan (I think it's 90mm) to the rear of my case to pull out the warm air from ther CPU and graphics card. I did this by getting very small cable ties and threading them through the mesh at the back and then through the 4 screw holes of the fan. The fan can then be plugged straight into the PSU from there and is very effective at maintaining a constant cool air flow through the system.

Message Edited by PumpkinPie86 on 10-03-2008 10:02 PM

[ronss]

agree, the 9800gtx+ or 4870 would be nice upgrades for your rig...

as for the ram, personally, i would not go 800mhz,,,,sure, its a bit faster,,,but not night and day...i would just get another 2 gb of 667mgz ram,,and spend the extra money on something eles. like a new mouse.

i usually go crucial or corsiar, and they both should work great on your rig without any compatibility problems.

http://www.crucial.com/

http://www.corsair.com/configurator/default.aspx

[shdbcamping1]

Rawjinks,

For now I've got a thermaltake PCI cage fan coming (~30Ccfm air movement). It mounts to a PCI case slot and works muck like a High end GPU card fan and routes the hot air out the back of the case. I will later Add a case fan to the rear grill as well. I'm waiting to see what my HW fix is going to be for my CPU temp problem.

Sean

[shdbcamping1]

PumpkinPie86,

Great Picture. Did the Fan cable reach the Rear Fan plug on the MOBO? If so you can get control easier of the Fan speeds based on system temps reported.

Sean

[PumpkinPie86]

I didn't realise that there was a spare connector on the MOBO for a fan, I just used a 4-pin to molex connector to the PSU. How will fan speeds differ when plugged into the MOBO and how can it be controlled?

[mysonic]

PumpkinPie86 , nice card u having. is it 4870 x2 ? I believe you installed a standard fan that run 1 Speed. Nice posting.. i will get myself install those FAN. is hot inside. How bout the Noise ? is it noisy when the computer running ?

shdbcamping1,

I'm thinking to upgrade my PSU using Dell t3400 which supply me 525W . I think if that..  i have most of the card able to use.

Message Edited by mysonic on 10-05-2008 02:50 AM

Message Edited by mysonic on 10-05-2008 02:52 AM