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XPS 420 Upgrade Questions???
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.
shdbcamping1
475 Posts
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October 3rd, 2008 14:00
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
PumpkinPie86
35 Posts
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October 3rd, 2008 14:00
Hey,
I have fitted 4GB of Corsair XMS2 PC6400 to my XPS 420, it isn't that expensive and it's decent.
Rawjinks
21 Posts
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October 3rd, 2008 18:00
ronss
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October 3rd, 2008 20:00
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
PumpkinPie86
35 Posts
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October 3rd, 2008 20:00
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.
shdbcamping1
475 Posts
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October 4th, 2008 03:00
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
475 Posts
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October 4th, 2008 03:00
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
35 Posts
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October 4th, 2008 12:00
mysonic
13 Posts
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October 5th, 2008 06:00
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.
shdbcamping1
475 Posts
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October 5th, 2008 07:00
Rafael Polit
175 Posts
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October 5th, 2008 19:00
Pumpkin,
I am looking into adding that extra fan too, how did temps really changed before/after the FAN? It would be great if you could tell us that to see the real effect the extra fan got to the system.
Thanks!
Rafa.
PumpkinPie86
35 Posts
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October 5th, 2008 19:00
Hey,
It would be impossible for me to say, when I added the fan I also upgraded the CPU and video card so the system would be running hotter than usual anyhow. Given the layout of the 420 chassis, I don't doubt that it had an effect on the system temperature and I'm surprised Dell hasn't chosen to fit fans like this itself.
mysonic
13 Posts
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October 5th, 2008 20:00
Shdbcamping1
am getting from Dell back. Since i have contact those spare part guy that able to provide me the part number.. just bought to try out. From the way i look , precision t3400 having the same BTX casing. I need to check with some other friend that in Tech support for workstations. I will try out and let u all knows. I'm pretty fond to 9800 GX2 compare to GTX260 .. There few alternative that i haven't venture into.
My GTX running 70C constant ....
Here my spec current.
XPS420 with 8800gtx and ageia physx card (Useless card) sigh.
750 MB HDD, 4gb , a DVD drive.
About the Fan stufff, i might add up 1 or 2 fan.. 8800 GTX is running hot.
BTW . Silencer 500W PSU doesn't available in the place where i live now. But nothing is impossible .
shdbcamping1
475 Posts
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October 5th, 2008 21:00
mysonic,
That's odd for the GPU, at least where MY GTX+ goes. I can get the temps to 61C with only the on-card fan. My Prob was more the CPU/Heatsink temps. I seem to have that under control with reinstall of thermal paste. I'd Love to get the PSU part # if it works as it's 25W more and one less upgrade. Keep us informed and good luck!
Sean