Nvidia Graphics Card Upgrade Options Alienware X51 R2

We have the same card when I bought my system 760ti for about a month now.. but I did a lot of research on GPU upgrade for the x51 r2 model. Currently all the newer Nvidia 960/970/980 card works with this rig. I am not familiar with AMD. But before you jump in there's some few things to consider when upgrading your card. Since the x51 is a compact system a lot of tech savvy guys are recommending a reference/blower type cards. Reason being is the air will blowsout of the x51 exhaust fan compare to a fan type card that air will go down to your system which make your temp go up. There's a youtube video referencing upgrading x51 gpu you might want to check that out first before buying. Also if you go to Dell website they are selling the GTX 970/980 which said that is compatible with x51. Second when upgrading you card make sure you have the same lenght. The 760ti is 9.5 in lenght it can fit up to 10 but you need to make some modification by removing one of the system fan and replacing it with a thinner specs. When I upgrade my rig I went with PNY XLR8 GTX 970 9.72 in lenght its a little bit longer but it will fit without doing any mod. The card runs very fast despite of the vram gate I can simply go for 980 but the price is a bit high for me. The only issues people were talking in getting a blower type card is the coil whine which you can hear when its running. And on my experience with the card after a week the noise went out compare to 760ti.the noise level is down. Third you must have the 330 PSU. Goodluck on your upgrade and let me know if it works out ...