t0k3nNZ

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t0k3nNZ

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April 28th, 2014 04:00

X51 R1 Graphics Card Upgrades

Read through lots of post here are about options for the X51, but haven't seen anyone mentioned the R270 as replacement for the 555. The R270 has 150 TDP so should be ok (http://hexus.net/tech/reviews/graphics/62321-sapphire-amd-radeon-r9-270-graphics-card/?page=2). The card also looks like it runs pretty cool. Anyone had a go? Any catches anyone can think of before I give it a go? Using the 330 power supply. Did see this post (http://en.community.dell.com/owners-club/alienware/f/3746/t/19579742.aspx) but it does relate to the R2. I have the i7 R1 so believe I might be over the 330W.
  • t0k3nNZ

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    Posted May 5th, 2014 04:00

    For anyone else looking for a card that fits etc. I went with the SAPPHIRE Dual-X R9 270. So far so good. Better price that GTX660 and very slightly better performance. Big step up from GTX555. Thanks for your help Naomi, I was look for brands as in ASUS, SAPPHIRE, cards that had been tested with X51.
  • Alienware-Naomi

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    Posted April 29th, 2014 09:00

    Hi!

    The AMD Radeon R9 270 is fully compatible with the X51 R1 as long as you have the 330W power supply. The replacement should be rather simple, you can check the disassembly video here. 

    Just in case, here are the other validated video cards for the X51 R1:

    NVIDIA   AMD
    GeForce GT 545, 1GB   Radeon R9 270, 2GB
    GeForce GTX 555, 1GB
    GeForce GT 640, 1GB
    GeForce GTX 645, 1GB
    GeForce GTX 660, 1.5GB

    Hope this information helps!

  • t0k3nNZ

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    Posted April 30th, 2014 00:00

    Thanks for the information. Any brand cards recommended. I saw you reference part numbers in another thread (http://en.community.dell.com/owners-club/alienware/f/3746/t/19579742.aspx) , but couldn't find the parts on the dell/alienware website.
  • Alienware-Naomi

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    Posted April 30th, 2014 09:00

    These video cards are not for sale through the website. I recommend you check with the Sales department on the phone instead. 

  • t0k3nNZ

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    Posted May 1st, 2014 00:00

    Spoke via Chat today with Sales. They couldn't find any details. Are you able to let me know a model and brand.
  • Alienware-Naomi

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    Posted May 1st, 2014 12:00

    Any of the models I posted above are compatible with the X51 R1. The brands are NVIDIA or AMD.


    To help you choose, you can compare video cards through this website. 

  • deafwolf

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    Posted May 8th, 2014 22:00

    Hey, I'm actually looking at the same card in pretty much the same machine. I have the 330W power supply and the older i7 processor with a gtx555 in there currently. Did you have any issues getting the drivers sorted etc? How quiet does it stay?
  • t0k3nNZ

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    Posted May 9th, 2014 01:00

    I have the i7 2600, so probably the same CPU. Drivers not an issue. I just downloaded the latest from ATI, haven't uninstalled the NVidia ones just in case it didn't work very well. I have been playing mainly World Of Tanks on max which taxes the card a bit, but still get 40+ fps and warms up a bit (82c). Can't believe the difference it makes to Battlefield 4, graphics are awesome since the change. Don't think its on Ultra, I will have a look at the settings and post. The fans on the R9 270 are quite a bit louder when under load than the 555.
  • deafwolf

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    Posted May 9th, 2014 22:00

    Hmm, shame about the fan noise. I can't remember which it is, but from what I've read, orientating the case a certain way can help the cooling. Are you finding it to be a worthwhile upgrade?
  • Falconxx

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    Posted May 30th, 2014 12:00

    Anyone have any info on using the GTX 750 TI cards, reference design in a x51 R1 with Ivy Bridge I7 chip. I do have the 330 watt power supply. TDP is well under 150, however the problem I see is I can't find a card that has a 6pin power plug and reference design. They mention is runs off of the PCIe power but that might not be enough "juice" from the x51. Any thoughts? Ideally I would like to see the new Maxwell GTX 860 card (hoping it will be under 150 watts)