Aurora R8, GPU upgrade options? #2

Question

I have been dreading it but it is finally time to get a new graphics card. I have the stack standard model, 1TB extra storage 16gb RAM etc and a Nvidia GTX 1650.

So, I am going to require an installation video regardless of what I get, but from what I've read up online it seems I am quite restricted to some of the older GPU models if I want to upgrade.

It seems I'd be ok with an RTX 2060, but what about a 3060?

Also, could someone please possibly explain the major difference between the 2060 and this 2080?

Amazon.com: GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 2080 Super Turbo 8G Graphics Card, Turbo Style Fan, 8GB 256-Bit GDDR6, GV-N208STURBO-8GC Video Card : Electronics

Because that is so ridiculously cheap, is it worse or better than the RTX 2060? Would I have much trouble with installation?

Please know that I am SO grateful for any help or input. I am so so so embarrassingly bad when it comes to tech and am reliant on the help of others (clearly). So any time you take out of your day to help provide some info on this, please just know I'm incredibly appreciative!

redxps630 · Answer

yes you can install 3060 or 3060 ti in R8.

user benchmark

UserBenchmark: PC Build Comparisons

Re: the major difference between the 2060 and 2080 Super

GeForce RTX 2060 vs RTX 2080 Super [in 12 benchmarks] (technical.city)

this 2080S is 272 mm long. 280mm is maximum length of graphics card for R8.

tommymcd91 · Answer

Thank you so much for the reply. Isn't the PSU only like 430 watts or something? Wouldn't 3060 or 3060 ti be outside this? Again I am so bad with tech which makes me even more bloody grateful for the response - thank you!!

redxps630 · Answer

stock psu is either 460w or 850w.  there is also 1000 w upgrade option. Load Wattage:460 WRecommended PSU Wattage:510 W estimate based on i7-9700k, 2080 Super

tommymcd91 · Answer

It's 430w and my CPU is Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-9400 CPU @ 2.90GHz 2.90 GHz still. I'm worried about how difficult it is/would be to install a PSU, especially when I'm already going to struggle with installing a graphics card...

ProfessorW00d · Answer

In the Aurora R8 both a PSU install and a graphics card install are super simple. Consider getting an 850 watt (or more) fully modular PSU that is 140 mm (L) x 150 mm (W) x 86 mm (H). Any longer than 140mm will eat into your cable management space. This is what a Seasonic Focus 850 watt fully modular PSU looks like installed in the Dell infamous swing-out contraption (get zip ties)

redxps630 · Answer

460w psu is good enough for the following config i5-9400, 4x8gb ddr4, rtx 3060-ti, sata ssd +7.2k hdd, dvd Load Wattage: 381 WRecommended PSU Wattage: 431 W

ProfessorW00d · Answer

I was just speaking to the issue of how easy a PSU is to install, and if you are going to do it . . . there is no point in getting a new PSU with just barely enough wattage for your current dreams.

Tesla1856 · Answer

Like @ProfessorW00d says, you either leave it as is, or ... since this is going to be the last upgrade for this machine ...

you upgrade the Power-Supply and the Video card concurrently.

Then, you get a RTX-2070/2080 or a RTX-3070/3080. No more baby-cards.

The video card can't be "tall" or the power-supply's metal-brace-triangle will hit it.

And your C-Drive should be upgraded to a 480gb (or larger) M.2/NVMe SSD (if not already). The 16gb RAM is already fine. That will be a nice machine (I would use it). Clean-Install Windows-11.

Blaze_ · Answer

if the width is 1.61 inches is that fine ?

stiring · Answer

@redxps630​ do you know what cpu fan cooler comes with a alienware aurora r8 i5 9400? also if its rated for 65watt tdp cpu?

ProfessorW00d · Answer

@stiring​ probably going to be the dinky pancake fan, which in a case with good air flow might be adequate for a 65 watt CPU . . . but that is not the Aurora R8, with the air flow stifling PSU swing-out contraption. Liquid cooling is recommended, even for the lower end processors.

redxps630 · Answer

Cooling FAN, TOP, with BRKT, R5THRM, AC, 65W CPU, RYZEN 78JPW Cooling Heatsink, CPU, 95W, L-COOLER, R6Thermal, Low Cost, 95W/65 W CPU, R7 MH0HN Cooling Heatsink, VR, CPU, 95W, R5Thermal, Low Cost, 95W/65 W CPU, R7 J46J2 Heatsink, Mainstream, Medium Tower, D9THRM, AC, 65W CPU, RYZEN F1M53 F1M53 (professor is correct)   (note this is the mainstream Dell hs, there is another performance grade 95W heatsink which is thicker, but due to its increased height not sure if that is compatible with R8/R7 case which has limited height tolerance between heatsink fan and clamshell psu)

Timefortimer · Answer

I'm pretty sure you finally installed a new GPU as this is an old thread. However, one thing you have to understand about the R8 case is that it is not very (front to back) and a normal 3-fan GTX 30 series or 40 series will NOT fit into an R8 as those cards are about 2" too long for the case. You would have to remove the fan in back and do some creative cutting to fit a full length card.

Your only options are to find 2-fan version of 30 series.

If you're thinking of a 20series - those do fit (my R8 came from the factory with a 2080)

Alienware Desktops

Aurora R8, GPU upgrade options? #2

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Cooling	FAN, TOP, with BRKT, R5 THRM, AC, 65W CPU, RYZEN	78JPW
Cooling	Heatsink, CPU, 95W, L-COOLER, R6 Thermal, Low Cost, 95W/65 W CPU, R7	MH0HN
Cooling	Heatsink, VR, CPU, 95W, R5 Thermal, Low Cost, 95W/65 W CPU, R7	J46J2