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X51 R3 Graphics Card Upgrade
Hi all, I've had my X51 R3 for over a year now and I currently have an Intel i5-6400 @ 2.70 GHz and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 745. I also have the 330w PSU. I've done some research but I am still a little lost because of how many different models of the GTX 960 there are and which ones can fit in the X51 R3. The main purpose for this PC is for gaming and I feel like I can't play some of the games I want to because of the GTX 745.
I am looking to upgrade the GTX 745 to a GTX 960 or maybe something better depending on how much I decide on spending. I know next to nothing when it comes to the inner workings of a PC so I need a little help on what cards I should be looking at.
My other question is, is the i5 I currently have good enough, will it work with an upgraded graphics card or will I need to upgrade that as well?
Thanks for reading, and I appreciate any help you can provide.
89fordprobee
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March 10th, 2017 19:00
1070? I'm running one in mine , wasn't bad upgraded from the stock 970.. 10 fold difference.. if you search forums you will find people have even 1080's .. but reference or founders edition is best with the blower type exhaust out the rear fan for heat removal...
your I5 is more then adequate unless cpu hungry games etc.. I got my old 970 on 4460 i5 and nothing noticeable real world..
StephenH21
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March 11th, 2017 06:00
Thanks for your reply. I am now trying to decide on a 1060 or 1070. I've looked at the reference and founders editions, but they are bigger than the 9.5 inches Alienware says will fit in the X51 R3. Can I fit a 10.5 inch GPU. The link below is a 1060 I've read will work in the X51 R3. My concern is whether or not is is a blower type fan that is recommended. I don't want to take a chance on a card working, I want to buy something I know will work.
www.amazon.com/.../B01IPVSLTC
Thanks again for the help, I appreciate it.
89fordprobee
1.2K Posts
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March 11th, 2017 09:00
No that isn't a blower type fan if you remove the front case fan from were video fits you can fit a larger card that's what I had to do for the 1070 I also had to get a dual 6 pin to 8 pin cable for power cause some reason didn't come with it lol it's tight. It I got no issues and doubles as space heater while gaming look at founders edition vs the link you posted and you can see the difference although I heard the 1060 does run really cool compared to previous generations and is roughly about the same as an old 980 for performance
StephenH21
4 Posts
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March 11th, 2017 12:00
What effect does removing that fan have? I'm not sure I want to remove necessary parts to force a GPU in. There's got to be a card that will work since Alienware ships these systems with the cards in them already.
89fordprobee
1.2K Posts
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March 11th, 2017 13:00
Actually the biggest they shipped was the 970 which mine came with then the x51 was discontinued the fan has no effect I have noticed..
89fordprobee
1.2K Posts
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March 11th, 2017 14:00
oh god yes it will be like a turbo charged civic vs a your old wheel barrel
StephenH21
4 Posts
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March 11th, 2017 14:00
Thanks for all your input! I think I've decided on the GTX 1060 Founder's Edition. It'll be a great upgrade from the GTX 745 OEM.
VancouverGreek
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November 13th, 2017 19:00
Hey Stephen,
I have the exact same problem as you. I have the 745 in this computer and it sucks at running any new age games in 2017. I want to upgrade to the 1060. Did GTX 1060 Founder's Edition work for you? Was this the one you purchased? Amazon.com: EVGA GeForce GTX 1060 SC GAMING, ACX 2.0 (Single Fan), 6GB GDDR5, DX12 OSD Support (PXOC), Only 6.8 Inches G…
Also, did you install it your self? Did it fit in perfectly?
Please let me know as soon as possible
Thanks