I just bought a XPS 8300 desktop refurbished from Dell. I think I got an OK deal on an i-7 2600, 1TB HD, 12GB DDR3 memory, and a blu-ray drive for about $620. The drawback is that it has integrated graphics.

I'm not a huge gamer but I'd like a decent video card. I've done some research and I think I'm going to end up with a HD 6750/6790/6850 somewhere in that price range of $100-$150. What I'm not sure of is how to determine if my Dell power supply is good enough to run a card like this? I believe my current power supply is 460 watts. Is that good enough or should I look into upgrading my power supply too?

Thanks

12GB of memory is a weird amount for a non X58 build...is it 2 x 2GB + 2 x 4GB?

The 6750 needs a minimum of 450W with 1 x 6 pin PCIe connector, the 6790, 6850, and 6870 need a minimum of 500W with 2 x 6 pin PCIe connectors.

12GB of memory is a weird amount for a non X58 build...is it 2 x 2GB + 2 x 4GB?

The 6750 needs a minimum of 450W with 1 x 6 pin PCIe connector, the 6790, 6850, and 6870 need a minimum of 500W with 2 x 6 pin PCIe connectors.

Yeah, I agree that the amount of memory is a bit odd but it's refurbished so I think whoever owned it before me must of added the extra memory sticks.

Is there website that lists out these power requirements? When I look on Newegg and Amazon at specific cards I don't see anything that says what kind of wattage I need.

Thanks!

http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/graphics/amd-radeon-hd-6000/hd-6850/pages/amd-radeon-hd-6850-overview.aspx#3

I know someone who is running a 6870 on the 375W PSU that came stock in a Dell XPS 420.

Most important thing to look at would be the amps on the +12v rails.

Just about every OEM power supply has an inflated wattage number, I really wouldn't even pay much attention to whatever Dell is telling you.

Personally I wouldn't use that graphics card with a stock PSU. IMO that's way too close. Just my preference though, I'm sure there will be people who'll tell you it's fine.

Sure, the stock PSU might work. But in terms of stability under heavy load; that's another story.

I just bought a XPS 8300 desktop refurbished from Dell. I think I got an OK deal on an i-7 2600, 1TB HD, 12GB DDR3 memory, and a blu-ray drive for about $620. The drawback is that it has integrated graphics.

I'm not a huge gamer but I'd like a decent video card. I've done some research and I think I'm going to end up with a HD 6750/6790/6850 somewhere in that price range of $100-$150. What I'm not sure of is how to determine if my Dell power supply is good enough to run a card like this? I believe my current power supply is 460 watts. Is that good enough or should I look into upgrading my power supply too?

Thanks

I have an XPS 8300. I took out the stock psu and put in a a 750W PSU in it. But the problem i had was the USB ports on top of the computer is in the way of the PSU. I ended up having to force it in, and able to screw 3 of 4 screws in the back of the PC. So be careful on upgrading the PSU for that case.

I calculated that you need 28 amps on the 12v rails with a 6850.
If your Dell power supply has these amps on the label, you are good to go, no matter what the overall wattage is.
Look at the combined amps on the 12v rails or report back here.

12GB of memory is a weird amount for a non X58 build...is it 2 x 2GB + 2 x 4GB?

The 6750 needs a minimum of 450W with 1 x 6 pin PCIe connector, the 6790, 6850, and 6870 need a minimum of 500W with 2 x 6 pin PCIe connectors.


nope, Ive seen awkward amounts like 3GB of DDR2 (2 X 1GB and 2 X 512MB) and 12GB before...

In general the OEM power supply is only good for OEM components, not saying its bad or underpowered but if you plan to add a few aftermarket parts then I suggest you get a better quality aftermarket PSU to compliment your new graphic card.

Also regards to your usage:

If light use (light gaming or work) the 460 Watt is okay. If however you planning to play intensive games or do graphic work expect the graphic card to spike the system wattage used and cause a system crash.

*Forgot to mention you need to check if the OEM PSU have the necessary plug for your Graphic Card. Some OEM PSU only have the general bare minimum plugs and nothing more.

triple channel ram?