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Questions on Upgrading an Alienware Aurora R3 refurb.
This is my current setup per PC Wizard
Mainboard : Alienware 046MHW micro-atx
Chipset : Intel P67
Processor : Intel Core i7 2600 @ 3400 MHz (max : 3400)
Physical Memory : 6144 MB (3 x 2048 DDR3-SDRAM )
Video Card : NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580
Hard Disk : SAMSUNG HD103SJ ATA Device (1000GB)
Hard Disk : WD Ext HDD 1021 (1000GB)
DVD-Rom Drive : PLDS DVD+-RW DH-24ABS
Monitor Type : HannsStar HE245DPB - 23 inches
Network Card : Realtek Semiconductor RTL8168/8111 PCIe Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium Home Edition Media Center 6.01.7601 Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
DirectX : Version 11.00
..the only inaccurate thing is I have 8GB ram which pc wizard, and only pc wizard , seems to intermittently recognize.
I know..I know..Alienware...ugh. I like it b/c it was cheaper than putting it together myself at the time. It was a refurbished setup that has done me well for nearly 3 yrs or so.
I was going to upgrade to 16 or 32 GB RAM. The Dell site says this model is only 2 slots with 8GB max but it is likely different as a refurb b/c mine has 4 slots. Other sources indicate it can take up to 16GB DDR3 1333 or 1600 and PC wizard says it can go to 32GB:
Memory Controller Information :
Memory Controller : System Memory
Location : Mainboard
Error Correction Capability : No
Number of connectors : 4
Max. Module Size : 32768 MB
.....Unless I'm reading it wrong.
I also want to use an i7 3770k cpu in the 1155 socket but I can't find if it is supported..or has been updated for support. The Dell support could tell me nothing useful. I've found one site where it says only up to i7 2600k...another site says up to i7 2700k. So i'm at a loss.
Finally , I want to get an AMD Sapphire R9 290 4gb DDR5 GPU.( I have check dimensions and there is plenty of room for the added length and depth w/o risk of poor air flow) My first intended foray back to AMD since changing from x1300 series (If I remember correctly) to a GTX 275 about 6 or so years ago. I could not see any bottleneck issues based on specs..unless, of course, if the CPU won't work...then that would be a serious bottleneck..lol.
I have an 850 watt PSU.
Not long after I intend to add an SSD and a larger or additional HDD. This chassis has no shortage of drive bays that's for sure and Newegg's been sending out some great discounts to me via email.
I know more about pc's than the average person but some particulars in light of mixed and contradicting info have left me a bit befuddled.
If anyone knows or has experience trying to mess around with an Alienware or any specifics info/feedback on anything I've gone over please reply.
Comments
Why do you want to upgrade the memory? 8 GB is plenty.
And why do you want to upgrade the CPU? What you'd get is barely any faster than what you have now--and that's assuming it would even work, which it won't without a BIOS upgrade that probably doesn't exist for a custom Dell motherboard.
A video card upgrade probably isn't that hard to do. And an SSD is definitely a worthy upgrade.
Was thinking about it while i was watching Game of Thrones. I guess anything past 8GB is pointless right now I agree. I don't think the 3770 will work and the only other possible upgrade to the cpu is a 2700 which is also pointless for the reason you mention. I might get a fraction of an advantage but hardly worth the expense. Think I'll will just go with a new GPU & SSD which I know will be fine. Last time I even updated the BIos I had to go and fidget with the M3 board to get the lights to work again.lol.
What do you think of the R9 290 series...seems like most people are pretty happy with them?
Then again I've been happy with the GTX 580 but it's getting a little long in the tooth. Some of the new MMOs are taxing it a bit.
Thanks for the reply. Your knowledge and input are appreciated.
Sounds good. Thank you again.
I would say hold off. The longer you wait the better your eventual upgrade will be. I know newshiny is tempting but there are some things you can do to hold off the inevitable.
See how far you can OC on default voltage.
Also see if you can push your ram timings in the bios. Takes some patience and resets but might be worth it.
Trim start up programs, windows services, Windows 7 tweaks, Defrag & boot defrag(use IObit)
Get a 2nd internet browser for gaming and only have gaming related things open. Close daily browser while gaming. Use Adblock/flashblock/ghostery to help save more memory.
Consider switching to Windows 8 and tweak it also. Turn off all unnecessary services.
Look into lightweight antivirus/firewall. Personally I use Avast free with only the file shield on, and windows firewall control.
With 6gb of ram that shouldn't be the bottleneck on a tweaked system. Your video card and processor are still pretty good.
Thanks for the input. All good ideas. Some I already do..some I do not. At the least ...I may get a new gpu. Leave the SSD or anything else for a new rebuild down the line. Prices have already dropped pretty well on SSDs compared to the last time I looked. Unless I get a really sweet deal somewhere. Then again..like I mentioned earlier...my machine has no lack of bays. Plus they're basically plug-ins. No screws.Couldn't be easier. The biggest pain..sort of...is the relocation of the OS. lol.
Thanks again all.
I would put in another newer GPU and call it a day. Start saving for a new build now and when the time comes you can use the new GPU in the new system.
Personally I would build or buy anything other than a refurbished Dell when the time comes.
Yes..the next full setup I plan on building myself. The last PC i built myself was in 1992 ..give or take a year. I thought the awesome 512 Meg HDD would never get filled and the Soundblaster Pro was THE shite.. lol. But I tell you....it really was a bargain for that Dell and I've only had one issue with it and that was purely user error.