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63288
Alienware X51 RT2 Nvidia GeForce GTX 960 video card upgrade
Hello,
I have Alienware X51 RT2 with 330 Watt Power Supply and 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz.
Currently, I have Nvidia GeForce 760 with 1.5G GDDR5 that came with my Alienware X51 RT2.
So, I want to upgrade my GPU to GTX 960 (4GB) if possible if not then 2GB.
I don't know whether this will fit and work fine with my desktop:
PNY GeForce GTX 960 XLR8 4GB Graphics Card VCGGTX9604XPB
Need your recommendation. Is it a good option or there is a better option?
Thank you in advance.
Game7a1
727 Posts
1
September 9th, 2015 11:00
Because Alienware hasn't tested it or given it the approval. The same happened with the GTX 670 and the X51 R1. The GTX 670 ended up being a supported GPU for the X51 R2 after testing. In theory, even a GTX 680 could have worked in the X51, but you needed a low-powered CPU (like an i3 or a T processor).
PNY has a GTX 970 you can use. As long as it looks like the PNY GTX 970, you're good to go. Before anything, I'd suggest looking at threads of the X51 + GTX 970 before making a decision. Not just those that have proved it works, but those of warning as well. Do that first before responding please.
Game7a1
727 Posts
1
September 9th, 2015 12:00
First one.
Game7a1
727 Posts
0
September 7th, 2015 10:00
It'll work (GTX 960 2 GB and 4 GB), but if you can spend a bit more money, the GTX 970 would be a better option.
SuperSuikoden
7 Posts
0
September 7th, 2015 11:00
I would prefer that but does GTX 970 fit in the case? Some people didn't recommend it.
Also, which card specifically? Honestly, I have no idea about card versions MSI, EVGA, PNY. etc and which is better. Could you provide me a direct link to the card (Amazon or Ebay are preferable).
SuperSuikoden
7 Posts
0
September 8th, 2015 09:00
Some people do not recommend GTX 970 because it consumes a lot of energy and 330 PSU is not enough. Could someone provide more details, I don't buy something is not suitable and later I face problems.
Game7a1
727 Posts
0
September 8th, 2015 16:00
Multiple people have fit a GTX 970 in the R2, and they don't seem to have much of a problem. It works fine for them. There are threads here and at AWA about the X51 + GTX 970. I'd suggest reading them. Usually, PNY is the recommended brand.
A GTX 980 is doable as well, but it requires some fan swapping and such. Not really recommended unless you know what to do. If you want to play safe, go with the GTX 960. If you want more power, go with the GTX 970. You'll notice more of a difference between a GTX 760 to a GTX 970 than you would between the GTX 760 to GTX 960.
SuperSuikoden
7 Posts
0
September 8th, 2015 22:00
Thanks. The problem is not only the size but also the energy use. Some people say it requires 440 PSU, I'm not sure.
Game7a1
727 Posts
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September 9th, 2015 09:00
The GPU won't know what PSU you are using. You don't need a 440w PSU. The 330w PSU is fine (it actually is. You can check be going to pcpartpicker, selecting parts or close enough parts that are in your computer sans the GPU, and add the GTX 970. Should come to around 300 to 310w).
That said and as I implied earlier, you do take a risk using the GTX 970 as it consumes more than the GTX 960 and is not a supported GPU from Alienware. If you don't like the risk, get the linked GTX 960.
SuperSuikoden
7 Posts
0
September 9th, 2015 11:00
Why is it not supported from Alienware?
Could you provide me a link of which card specifically to use because I'm not knowledgeable, there are many GTX 970 4GB cards, a link from amazon or ebay would be preferable because most sites don't ship to my country. Thank you.
SuperSuikoden
7 Posts
0
September 9th, 2015 12:00
This%20one" title="PNY XLR8 GeForce GTX 970 4GB GDDR5 Graphics Card VCGGTX9704XPB">This one. Thank you very much.
SuperSuikoden
7 Posts
0
September 9th, 2015 12:00
Sorry but there are many versions of PNY GTX 970: here
Which one?
nelsd
5 Posts
1
March 21st, 2016 19:00
X51 R2 i7-4770 CPU @ 3.40GHz GTX 670 2GB 330 PSU Purchased Jul 2013
Sorry to grave dig an old post but I have a question about the GTX 960 vs 970 size issue. I am considering replacing my GTX 670. The GTX 960 seemed a good choice because of size limits, length 9.5" x 4.376, but it has a memory interface of 128 bit. The GTX970 is the best choice with a memory interface of 256 bit (similar to the 670) but it's length is 10."
Will it fit?
As for the memory interface, does the 128 vs 256 memory interface make a noticeable difference?
Any input would help, thanks, Don
nikobit
11 Posts
0
March 22nd, 2016 04:00
Could you state GTX 670 dimentions as reference here?
nelsd
5 Posts
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March 22nd, 2016 21:00
Standard Dell parts, GTX670 L 9.5 x W 4.376. I ordered a PNY GTX970 L9.6 x W4.376. We'll see.