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Advice on how best to upgrade my PC

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algy

PCHF Member
Oct 13, 2020
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#1
I need some advice on how best to upgrade my PC.
The specification is below.

I need it to be able to run an Oculus Rift 2 (Christmas present for the kid).
From what research I have done the issue is that I need to upgrade my Graphics Card.
But I have a small form case and would need to move everything to a different case as currently, it can only take a blower graphics cards.
I've had a look around and I can't see any that look to be blower and they all seem to be fan graphics cards.

Can I simply move everything to a new bigger case and install a slightly better graphics card (suggestions greatly appreciated for what types are compatible) or would I need to upgrade a few components also?




System information
Model Alienware X51
Processor • Intel Core i7 Quad-Core
L2 cache 256 KB per core
L3 cache • Intel Core i7 — 8 MB
System chipset Intel H61 Express chipset
DMI speed 20 Gbps
Processor data width 64 bits

Graphics card
GeForce GTX 750 Ti



Memory
Connectors two internally-accessible DDR3 DIMM sockets
Capacities 2 GB and 4 GB
Memory type DDR3 SDRAM (Non-ECC)
Memory speed 1333 MHz
Memory configurations
supported		8 GB
 
#2
What graphics card are you looking at?

Dell is also famous for putting in cheap power supply's so you may need to look at upgrading that as well. Display cards require a minimal amount of Watts to run and some require them to have power plugged into them.

What is the make and model of the current power supply in the system.

From what I have been able to find it appears that there is an adapter board on the display card.
hothardware.com

Alienware X51 R3 Review: Console-Sized Gaming PC Gets Skylake Infusion - Page 3

Alienware has been relatively quiet for the past 18 - 24 months or so with respect to their X51 small form factor gaming rigs, but Intel's recent - Page 3
hothardware.com hothardware.com
 
#3
I've tried opening the case and following the socket to where it led but I had a panic attack as when I removed the graphics card there were two loose wires there.
I think they were the wires for the graphics card but I couldn't see anywhere to plug them in; also where the link shows a geforce gtx I have nothing like that. Just a red card with a fan on it (guessing its a basic graphics card and these two wires could be where I'd attach it to).

But I'm thinking you mean the external brick and I didn't have to do any of that.

Dell Documentation when I look for my PC states:
450-AARK : 240W AC Adaptor PArt Number: FWCRC

The brick has
dell p/n FWCRC
ref no: adp-240ab d

and at the bottom
cn-0fwcrc-48661
54f-1q27-a03
dp/n 0fwcc
 
#4
Apparently due to the compact case they system has an external power supply like a laptop has.

You are also limited to the display card that can be use since you only have a 240W power supply brick @Bruce @Bastet thoughts and opinions.
algy said:
450-AARK : 240W AC Adaptor PArt Number: FWCRC
Click to expand...
algy said:
Just a red card with a fan on it (guessing its a basic graphics card and these two wires could be where I'd attach it to).
Click to expand...
Could you post an image of that you are seeing.

Here is a decent youtube video that may help as well.

 
#5
If it does have basic graphics then that may prevent you from running high spec games, oculus rift is VR so you’d require a card which will run this.
Also what’s the maximum RAM the pc will take?
Is it a R1, R2 or R3?
 
#6
I think in short, that case just isn't designed with future, major upgrades in mind.
storage mediums, memory - yes, but that's it.
graphics and power are beyond it.

and being Dell, everything is specific for that motherboard, eg: the power supply.
it would almost be too hard to just change cases.
getting all the components to marry in to the new case, like CD unit, power, USB ports and back I/O ports, will be a bridge too far.

if you are getting into VR, I'd be leaving the current PC as is and spending the money on a decent gaming/VR rig.
 
#7
Thank you for your help with this.
Thought upgrading my system was a long shot.
Would you have any advice regarding either a prebuilt/build your own mid-range system?
 
#8
my two cents worth, for a VR rig.....
at least;
  • Intel Core i7
  • 32GB RAM
  • 512GB SSD, 4TB HDD
  • $500 GPU
  • 750w PSU
and that's what I would call bare-minimum specs. the odd clunky graphics in games is bad enough but to be honest, liveable - but for VR you want reality as much as possible, so silky smooth, no lags.
 
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