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Aurora R10, upgrade possibilities?
Hi there, can you help me identify what parts of my R10 it makes most sense to upgrade? Here are the detailed specs from CPU-Z:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (6-Core - 65 W)
Mainboard: Alienware 0TYR0X (PCI-Express 4.0 16 GT/s)
Memory: 16 GB DDR4 (1 x 64-bit - 1729 MHz freq)
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti (Dell, 8GB GDDR6)
Thoughts and additional questions.
For the RAM - under memory slot selection - I only see the DDR4 under Slot 2 and Slot 1, 3, 4 are empty. Does that mean it's fairly easy to get another 16 GB DDR4 and make it a 32 GB total? I've seen the parts and upgrades available on Dell website for my machine and has a bunch of memory upgrades with Dell brand that should be easily compatible, right?
I haven't opened the case in a while but I will this week for my routine dusting. From old photos I took I can see my RAM is HyperX brand (if that matters). I can look and provide more context for anyone who is willing to help.
Is it preferred to get this HyperX 16GB 1xR8 one or the this other one that's 2xR8 but not HyperX? Can you mix both? I'd lean the 1xR8 one to be consistent even though it's more expensive. Apparently the difference is their data block arrangement. The 1Rx8 has only one data block with 64 bits, whereas 2Rx8 has two data blocks, and each row contains 64 bits. Therefore, the faster memory-module is 2Rx8. What do you recommend?
For the Graphics card - Its a bit more intimidating since that Dell website doesn't have any parts under my PC model. I read the RTX 4000s are too large to fit. I'm not looking for very advanced work (rearranging the case), especially if the motherboard / CPU won't be able to support it.
I've seen that the RTX 3070 Founders Edition will fit same size as my existing 3060 Ti. But is that too small of an upgrade / is it worth it? Benchmark shows a 7% improvement. For 3080 they say I'll have to move the fans which is too much for me. Will upgrading only the RAM help with PC performance, and specifically, FPS in AAA games?
For the CPU - the Dell website also doesn't show any parts available to upgrade but this page lists processors that are compatible with R10. Which one would you recommend? The same thread I referenced for GPU says my motherboard TYR0X is supported by Dell with these - R7 5800X, R9 5900. The R7 shows 4% improvement even though its 8 Core, 16 threads, 65W. The R9 5900X with 12 cores, 24 threads shows also 4% improvement only and 105 W (which is more than my 65 W)... so would that cause problems? ANd same question as the GPU - is it worth it for only 4% improvement?
Anything else? - power supply for me shows 550 watt. From this DELL Alienware R10 FAQ it lists a few other power supplies that can be compatible but I don't know too much about this. Is it a complex process with the pins? I also live in an old building and I've had circuit board issues (breakers tripping and frying) so I don't know if I'm brave enough to go 1000W. For SSD I think I'm OK, I'm not dying to add more to the 1TB but if it's easy and under $200 I'll consider it.
I think I have a liquid cooler on the processors. I know the fans aren't great with these and overall upgrading the Dell proprietary parts is confusing... that's why I ask for help.
Sorry for the long post. I am a mega noob and appreciate if you can advise me. I'm very scared of ruining my PC and I've done research for a few hours and know even the slightest model, pin difference can be catastrophic.
I got this as my first PC two years ago so I'm not ready to get a brand new one completely, but I'm looking to improve the experience a bit and have it last a couple more years, if that makes sense.
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Posted June 13th, 2023 06:00
What's the reason for wanting to upgrade, as in what is the goal?
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Posted June 13th, 2023 07:00
@ProfessorW00d wrote:
The two 16GB RAM modules must be exactly the same, so if you can't get a perfect match to your current RAM you will need to buy two perfectly matched RAM modules.
I ordered a brand new pair - Crucial 32GB Kit (2 x 16GB) DDR4-3200. Too anxious matching up the exact same factory stick with a new one. Would rather not risk it, plus I read the HyperX they sell to consumers isn't the same.
Saw another thread that said these Crucial sticks are compatible. The price was right and the Crucial website said it's appropriate for R10. If it crashes I can always plug the old one back in, return them and get a new model. Maybe the ones on Dell website even though they are more than double the price.
@ProfessorW00d wrote:
If your operating system (boot drive) is a SATA SSD, you could see some improvement going to an M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD . . . much faster.
In the product description it says PCIe NVMe M.2.. so I suppose I already have it? I will confirm when I open the case tonight.
Is it fairly easy to replace the fans? I'm seeing people install Corsair ML120 Pros instead of the factory one. Seems like another fairly inexpensive upgrade. What about replacing the thermal tape on the CPU? Also read the Dell one is very bad so does that hurt performance?
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Posted June 13th, 2023 07:00
@Vanadiel wrote:
What's the reason for wanting to upgrade, as in what is the goal?
Goal is to improve FPS performance in AAA games and arm the PC to last / be competitive with the increasing software spec demands. I got this as my first PC two years ago so I'm not ready to get a brand new one but want to enhance it slightly.
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Posted June 13th, 2023 09:00
I had an R10 with a 3080, worked fine. The issue is that it's OEM, so 267 mm is the maximum card length.
The other issue is that purchasing a 3000 series card right now new, will cost more than a better 4000 card because 3000 is obsolete.
And a 4000 card will likely not fit inside the case, unless you can find one that is 267 mm or less long.
Upgrading will pose a problem for you. Even a second hand 3080 is going to be more than a 4000 that has equal or better performance new.
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Posted June 13th, 2023 10:00
Good move on the RAM upgrade to dual channel. If you have the M.2 SSD you are set there, unless you need more storage space.
Corsair has discontinued the ML 120 PRO series. Which fans throw the startup error and which do not is always a moving target, but historically for the Aurora R10, Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM fans have worked. They are a little bit fugly, but very quiet and top quality. Consider 3 new fans . . . lower front intake, upper front intake, and one for your radiator.
New thermal paste on your CPU might keep it cooler . . . if that it the processor you are going to keep. If you are going to upgrade, might as well wait.
The nVidia RTX 4070 Founders Edition is currently $600 at Best Buy and at 244mm long should fit in your case easily. You would have to upgrade your power supply for this graphics card.
While you are getting your graphics card at Best Buy you could order this EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GT 850 watt fully modular PSU that is 150mm long (good fit).
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Posted June 13th, 2023 18:00
@Vanadiel wrote:
I had an R10 with a 3080, worked fine. The issue is that it's OEM, so 267 mm is the maximum card length.
The other issue is that purchasing a 3000 series card right now new, will cost more than a better 4000 card because 3000 is obsolete.
And a 4000 card will likely not fit inside the case, unless you can find one that is 267 mm or less long.
Upgrading will pose a problem for you. Even a second hand 3080 is going to be more than a 4000 that has equal or better performance new.
Yeap, it's less than ideal situation with this case, models available and their prices.
For now, I ordered 2 x 16 GB Crucial DDR4-3200 RAM sticks. R10 is compatible per their website and I've seen this model mentioned here with good reviews for this PC.
I'm considering getting EVGA SuperNOVA 850W for power upgrade from 550W. And replace both existing fans with the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM 120mm fans. Maybe try to get a third one in. And replace the thermal paste on CPU. Cheap, seemingly easy upgrades.
That should help for a bit and set me up for future bigger upgrades right? Satisfy my need to start tinkering/learning. And keep monitoring the prices for GPU/CPU. Apparently RTX 4070 Founders edition is 244m long so it should fit but outside my budget right now.
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Posted June 14th, 2023 05:00
The RAM will add a small performance gain. The remainder will not.
It all depends on the budget you have for upgrades. A 3060Ti is not a bad card, just might to have to play a bit with the quality settings of the games you play. And if I am not mistaken it supports DLSS for those games that have support for DLSS.
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Posted June 14th, 2023 07:00
PSU and cooling fans will not directly provide a performance gain, but will facilitate performance gains when the processor and/or graphics card are upgraded. If OP is not moving down the upgrade path, then there is no reason for the 850 watt PSU. Quiet fans can always be appreciated.
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Posted June 14th, 2023 09:00
I am thinking by the next upgrade cycle, it might have been surpassed by other options that offer more performance or the same, for less.
Always ask if spending money now on a PSU and fans, is worth it in the long run?
ProfessorW00d
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Posted June 12th, 2023 21:00
If you upgrade to 32GB (2 x 16GB) of RAM then you will be able to run dual channel, which will be a big improvement. The two 16GB RAM modules must be exactly the same, so if you can't get a perfect match to your current RAM you will need to buy two perfectly matched RAM modules.
If your operating system (boot drive) is a SATA SSD, you could see some improvement going to an M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD . . . much faster.
Regarding you CPU and graphics card . . . it really depends on your particular usage regime. If the games you play are running to your satisfaction, at frame rates you are happy with, then there is no sense in upgrading those components. If you use your rig for other tasks, are you satisfied with the performance? If you were to upgrade your processor to R9 5900X then you would probably need an new PSU, and liquid cooling would be a must. Your Ryzen PSU is standard ATX format, so an upgrade would not necessarily have to be Dell OEM, leaving you more optionality.
The graphics card again depends on what you are using it for, and how satisfied you are with the performance.