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Alienware X51 R2 CPU update
Hi everyone,
I have an Alienware X51 R2 with an i5-4460 (3.2 GHz) and I would like to change the CPU.
I heard some time ago that the best option for this would be the i7-4790K (4.0GHz), is it still the case ? (would this one work for example ? https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/ndv/Intel-Core-4790K-1150-Haswell-Refresh-Processor/B00KPRWAX8 )
It would also be the first time I would do such an operation, apart of replacement of the CPU itself, would I need to do some software update/verification before/after ?
Thank you in advance for your answers, don't hesitate to ask me if you need more details
Alienware - Rodrigo
7 Technologist
7 Technologist
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4.4K Posts
2
May 24th, 2017 15:00
Hi,
Yes, the i7-4790K is a validated CPU upgrade option for this system. You shouldn't have to do any type of software procedures or verification. The recommended PSU is 330W.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
8 Wizard
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17K Posts
1
May 24th, 2017 16:00
If you don't mind, a few questions ...
What wattage AC-Adapter do you have?
What video card to do have?
What do you hope to accomplish by doing this?
Blade_Runner
3 Posts
0
May 25th, 2017 00:00
Hi Tesla,
If it can help to advise me
I have a AC/DC external Adapter, I'm quite sure it is 330 watts, I would need to check that to confirm (not at home before this week-end)
I have a GeForce GTX 960.
Very recent games have difficulties to run on my current computer, for example Deus Ex Mankind Divided or Mass Effect Andromeda. For the last one I'm below the recommended requirements and the i7 4790K apparently fits perfectly according to the requirements.
I'm hoping to run the games better, in general, but not necessarily for the graphics : for example for Deux Ex : I can display very good textures... but when it comes to the number of fps, it is a nightmare. Sometimes it is 30fps... sometimes 15... sometimes even less.
I'm afraid to see the "i7 4790K" (or equivalent of course) be recommended for a lot of future games and I'm looking to do this update.
A last "detail" I'm playing on a 1080p monitor, no 4K for me (not before a while, I'm fine with full HD)
Do you think the cpu upgrade would be a good idea ? Would I see an improvement ?
Thank you in advance for your answer.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
8 Wizard
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17K Posts
2
May 25th, 2017 09:00
Yeah, about what I expected.
For a new processor to help, you would currently have to be maxing-out all the cores on your current i5. I really doubt that is the case. It's smart to stay at 1080p.
What you need is a better/newer Nvidia video card, a current Intel-i7 with liquid-cooler, a larger power-supply to run it all (and stay cool around 50% utilization even at max), a SSD for OS boot and main games, better motherboard and chipset, and a larger case to keep it all cool.
Basically, you can do very little of that now (really, just the SSD). You have reached the end already while still tied to that system. Keeping that motherboard and case (and using just a 330w PS) will always hold you back. Don't waste money trying to make it something it's not.
I suggest you save your money and put in saving account for new system. Turn your graphics settings in games down to Medium for now. Eventually, sell that system and put more money into saving account. Get yourself a real desktop (with current tech) ... around $1200 this Christmas or sooner ... pre-built or custom-build.
The space foot-print of a real mini-tower desktop (like an Aurora-R5/R6 for example) is only slightly larger than a x51.
Blade_Runner
3 Posts
0
May 25th, 2017 10:00
Thank you for your answer !