Solved GTX1060 vs 1080

[sorcerer]

Hi, I wonder if you can help. I've got to get a new PC soon and I'm wondering whether the GTX1060 will be future-proof enough or whether to spend the extra cash on a 1080?

Thanks

 

[phillpower2]

Hello sorcerer,

What would be best would depend on the other hardware in your computer.

Please provide information about your computer, is it a custom build or brand name such as Dell or HP, if a brand name, provide the model name or series number (not serial) if a custom build post the brand and model name or number for the MB, the RAM (including the amount) and the PSU (power supply unit) providing these details will enable us to better assist you.

 

[sorcerer]

It's a Dell XPS 8930 with intel core i7, 16Gb, 256gb SSD + 2Tb and a 27" monitor.

Btw, I'd appreciate any other advice on the system.

 

[phillpower2]

I had to go here to find the specs that you mention in your OP.

Two concerns, the RAM, it does not say if it is a single 16GB stick or two xs 8GB sticks, this is important because a single stick will only work in single channel mode 1333MHz which is 50% of the performance that is being advertised and that the RAM is capable, two 8GB sticks = dual channel mode which = 2666MHz, the second worry is the 460W PSU, using such a PSU is done to keep build costs down (as is using single sticks of RAM ) this just about covers a GTX 1060 at stock settings but means that a GPU upgrade will also require a PSU upgrade and sorry to say if a single 16GB stick of RAM were to be used you would have a bottleneck, see Dell PSU thread here and here regarding upgrading.

You are welcome btw

 

[sorcerer]

Well, well.

I contacted Dell help and this is what I got:

15:53:49		John Blatch	Initial Question/Comment: re the XPS 8930, is the 16gb RAM one stick or 2 x 8GB?​
15:53:54		System	You are now being connected to an agent. Thank you for using Dell Chat​
15:53:54		System	Connected with Anuva_Gupta​
15:54:09		Anuva_Gupta	Welcome to Dell Sales Chat, this is Anuva , your Online Chat Sales Advisor. Hope you are doing well. If we get disconnected due to any reason please send an email to anuva_gupta@dell.com or call me on 01344 378 887 ext: 3406213 with your query.​
15:54:19		Anuva_Gupta	Hello John​
15:54:44		John Blatch	hello​
15:55:09		Anuva_Gupta	Hello John I am afraid the information is not available​
15:55:14		Anuva_Gupta	As it can be 2x8​
15:55:24		Anuva_Gupta	or 1*16 as well​
15:55:44		Anuva_Gupta	However there would be 2 Dimm slots present in the machine.​
15:55:49		Anuva_Gupta	4**​
15:55:54		Anuva_Gupta	4 dimm​
15:56:33		John Blatch	Can I specify 2*8?​
15:56:44		Anuva_Gupta	No John​
15:57:05		Anuva_Gupta	I am afraid that is pre built from the warehouse depending on stock and availaility​
15:57:20		John Blatch	this is what I got from a help forum:​
15:57:27		John Blatch	Two concerns, the RAM, it does not say if it is a single 16GB stick or two xs 8GB sticks, this is important because a single stick will only work in single channel mode 1333MHz which is 50% of the performance that is being advertised and that the RAM is capable, two 8GB sticks = dual channel mode which = 2666MHz,​
15:58:05		Anuva_Gupta	This woudl be 2666MHz​
15:58:40		John Blatch	1µ16 works at 2666?​
15:59:10		Anuva_Gupta	yes we do have it available as well​
15:59:45		John Blatch	Sorry, what does that mean? Does 1*16 work at 2666?​
16:01:05		Anuva_Gupta	yes it would work as well​
16:01:25		Anuva_Gupta	I recommend purchasing the model and then when you recieve the RAM to upgrade it later​
16:02:01		John Blatch	I don't want to do that. I want it to work properly.​
16:03:00		Anuva_Gupta	Allow me a minute please​
16:03:05		Anuva_Gupta	to get a confirmation on this​
16:03:10		Anuva_Gupta	with our techincal team​
16:06:15		Anuva_Gupta	John this would be 1*16 GB ram​
16:06:25		Anuva_Gupta	I have confirmed it with my techincal team​
16:06:53		John Blatch	so it runs at 1333?​
16:08:05		Anuva_Gupta	No​
16:08:39		John Blatch	That's not what the expert said​
16:09:57		John Blatch	you there?​
16:10:10		Anuva_Gupta	jOHN​
16:10:15		Anuva_Gupta	John​
16:10:20		Anuva_Gupta	allow me a minute please​
16:10:30		Anuva_Gupta	I am checking if we can get this done as 2*8​
16:11:40		Anuva_Gupta	I have rechecked this​
16:11:50		Anuva_Gupta	it would be a single slot​
16:12:00		Anuva_Gupta	6GB,DDR4,2666MHz up to 64GB​
16:12:00		Anuva_Gupta	16*​
16:12:15		Anuva_Gupta	Technical Support on 08000282660 (Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm)​
16:12:25		Anuva_Gupta	You can confirm this with oue team​
16:13:00		John Blatch	Thanks, bb​
16:13:10		Anuva_Gupta	Thank you for contacting Dell Sales have good day ahead. Requesting you to Kindly Exit the Chat

Send

 

[sorcerer]

So it's 1*16, and does it run at 2666? Probably not.

Also, you've answered the question about the GPU, 1060 max obviously.

Thanks a lot for your time and trouble.

 

[phillpower2]

So it's 1*16, and does it run at 2666? Probably not.

Definitely not as that would mean that adding a second stick would get you 5332MHz which does not exist, DDR4 4800MHz is the max available (two Xs 2400MHz sticks minimum).

What Dual Channel is and what it needs to work explained here

You are welcome and no trouble whatsoever, we are here to help

 

[sorcerer]

Does anyone have any advice on where to buy a turnkey system something like this? I know you guys are wizzes who can build a system in 10 mins with a screwdriver and a hammer, but I just want to turn it on.

 

[phillpower2]

Truth is that I wouldn't recommend such a system, large system builder companies will if they can try and penny pinch somewhere, you would do better purchasing your own parts and then having a local tech or tech store assemble them for you, you get the exact parts that you want and they all come with their own individual warranty.

 

[sorcerer]

Truth is that I wouldn't recommend such a system, large system builder companies will if they can try and penny pinch somewhere, you would do better purchasing your own parts and then having a local tech or tech store assemble them for you, you get the exact parts that you want and they all come with their own individual warranty.

The trouble is, where I live that's not going to be possible.
Suppose I bought the system with 8Gb, and then added another chip myself? I could probably do that. I suppose that would invalidate the warranty.
I checked the specs, though, and the version with 8Gb doesn't come with an SSD.
If I bought the 16Gb version with the SSD, I could replace the memory with 2*8 gb at some point if the performance was poor.
What do you think?

 

[phillpower2]

If I bought the 16Gb version with the SSD, I could replace the memory with 2*8 gb at some point if the performance was poor.

You can add more RAM yourself and without voiding your warranty and based on your options that would be the way to go, don`t forget that the PSU would need to be upgraded if you upgrade the GPU.

 

[sorcerer]

Thanks for your help, I think you can close this thread now.

 

[phillpower2]

You are welcome and thank you for the follow up