Upgrades to my new PC?

P1 · 03-16-2016, 03:33 PM

Treated myself to a new PC after having had my trust Dell OptiPlex for close to a decade. Thing was solid; ran 24/7 for ten year and never skipped a beat, apart from having to replace the power supply once.

Fast forward to last week, when I took delivery of a new XPS 8900. Dell had a good deal on it, and it came with most of the stuff I was after, including the new i7-6700 processor. It also came with 8GB of memory, and the GeForce GT 730. Few questions:

1) Would it make sense to bump up the memory to 16GB, or even 32GB? I don't play any games, or at least not much. It's more for my SightHound software, along with photo and video editing software.

2) If I don't play games, is putting in an SSD drive worth it?

3) How about bumping up the video card to a GT 960? I think I can run it without upgrading my power supply. Ultimately, I'd like to use an HDMI out to replicate my security cameras on all TVs in my house, using an HDMI extended over Cat 6e.

Thanks!

FType22 · 03-16-2016, 03:42 PM

Hey, I'm a PC enthusiast myself, build my own computers and have been for probably 10-11 years at this point. I'm also in the video field as my occupation.

I'd say upgrading ram is a for sure thing if your doing photo/video editing on a program that will make use of multiple cores. Any rendering will be greatly aided by more ram and a GPU that can be utilized by the processing hardware. I'm thinking specifically of Adobe products which use hardware acceleration with certain Nvidia based cards. An SSD is always worth it. The speed difference is ridiculous and the prices are so low these days it's a no brainer. I'd double check to make sure you can run the new GPU without upgrading the PSU because that could get costly.

P1 · 03-16-2016, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJP86

Hey, I'm a PC enthusiast myself, build my own computers and have been for probably 10-11 years at this point. I'm also in the video field as my occupation.

I'd say upgrading ram is a for sure thing if your doing photo/video editing on a program that will make use of multiple cores. Any rendering will be greatly aided by more ram and a GPU that can be utilized by the processing hardware. I'm thinking specifically of Adobe products which use hardware acceleration with certain Nvidia based cards. An SSD is always worth it. The speed difference is ridiculous and the prices are so low these days it's a no brainer. I'd double check to make sure you can run the new GPU without upgrading the PSU because that could get costly.

Appreciate the feedback. I checked on the GPU, and the 960 is the best I can run safely without having to upgrade the power supply. Looks like there is a 2GB and a 4GB variant.

The memory seems like an easy thing to do. Is 16GB enough these days? I have four slots in this machine, so 4x 4GB is an option, or I can buy 2x 8GB and leave room for the future.

As far as SSD drives are concerned, what do you recommend for a desktop? I've seen SSDs that look like a memory card and others that look like a really skinny HD. Is one for desktops and the other for notebooks?

FType22 · 03-16-2016, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P1et

Appreciate the feedback. I checked on the GPU, and the 960 is the best I can run safely without having to upgrade the power supply. Looks like there is a 2GB and a 4GB variant.

The memory seems like an easy thing to do. Is 16GB enough these days? I have four slots in this machine, so 4x 4GB is an option, or I can buy 2x 8GB and leave room for the future.

As far as SSD drives are concerned, what do you recommend for a desktop? I've seen SSDs that look like a memory card and others that look like a really skinny HD. Is one for desktops and the other for notebooks?

I literally just finished setting up a 64GB Mac Pro for work about 10 minutes ago, this is really overkill, I would feel comfortable with 16-32 gigs for video, I always err on the side of more is better, though this is pretty debatable according to the articles I've read. I would do 4x8 just because, but that ram could get expensive depending on if you have DDR4 or DDR3.

So an SSD is the same size as a laptop drive, but don't let that confuse you. Look at brands like Samsung (I have an older model 830 pro and it still kicks ass) Scandisk, Intel, and Mushkin. Not being familiar with your computer, I'm not sure if it will come with an SSD tray, which compensates for the smaller size of the SSD. If you do have to buy one I can't imagine they are very expensive.

Dang3r · 03-17-2016, 04:03 AM

From a gamers view I would recommend you at least 16GB RAM and choose a Kit, that you avoid mixing lots or different builds into your machine.
A 256GB 2,5" SSD from OCZ or Samsung are big enough for storing just the OS and Office or AutoCAD or whatever primary working programs and saving time at boot up. All other games and applications on a standard SATA HDD
Graphics acceralators are everytime a wide discussion field...if you could find a very good and not necessarily too expensive GTX970 you are more than prepared for the next years.

P1 · 04-01-2016, 09:23 AM

The memory my computer came with is 2133Mhz. Can I purchase 2400Mhz memory, and will it work just fine? It's all DDR4.

Dang3r · 04-01-2016, 10:43 AM

You have to look if your mainbord supports this kind of RAM the sort (thats DDR4). The Mhz should not cause problems, but the sort. Consult your manual before buying.

P1 · 04-01-2016, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dang3r

You have to look if your mainbord supports this kind of RAM the sort (thats DDR4). The Mhz should not cause problems, but the sort. Consult your manual before buying.

I know for a fact that I have DDR4 RAM. However, what's in there now is 2133Mhz. The RAM that I'm seeing for sale online is no longer 2133Mhz, but more along the lines of 2400Mhz and up.

Dang3r · 04-01-2016, 03:24 PM

You can surely use it, but I dunno if your system supports this Mhz. But anyway, wont cause any failures.

P1 · 04-06-2016, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dang3r

You can surely use it, but I dunno if your system supports this Mhz. But anyway, wont cause any failures.

Thanks. Bought a 2TB WD Black drive, along with 16GB of memory at 2133Mhz.

Dang3r · 04-07-2016, 03:23 AM

install and report if mod was successful

P1 · 04-22-2016, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dang3r

install and report if mod was successful

Memory install went without a hitch. Have not installed the new HD yet, as I just bought Win 10 Pro and will install the new HD along with a fresh OS install at the same time.

Eternal_SIR · 04-22-2016, 12:40 PM

anyone have a water cooling setup? This was my first setup, was definitely fun tinkering and building it.

my current setup

R3dliner · 04-22-2016, 01:13 PM

If you're looking to play games on high-ultra the 730 won't cut it. There's a huge sale going on for the 980Ti right now since the Pascal chipset will be coming out shortly.

As far as the SSD you need to see what your mobo has. The newest slot's are the PCI-M2 slots which have a read speed of 2500 and write 1500. My Samsung 950 pro 512 GB is a great investment.

Dang3r · 04-22-2016, 01:53 PM

Actually my opinion for bigger SSD's are, that they are too expensive above from 512GB. I got my OS and the important working programs on a 256GB SSD from Samsung and thats it. Ok, BF3 is loading faster during playing, but that was not my intention at buying it.
Im also not a big friend of W10 but W7, but thats surely your decision.

RedlinePSI · 04-22-2016, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eternal_SIR

anyone have a water cooling setup? This was my first setup, was definitely fun tinkering and building it.

my current setup

Nice. Is that a Corsair case? I think I have the same one. Thing is heavy as fuck but great for cooling options.

Eternal_SIR · 04-22-2016, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedlinePSI

Nice. Is that a Corsair case? I think I have the same one. Thing is heavy as fuck but great for cooling options.

yeah it is, in OD green. Looks like an ammo box. The thing does weight alot just on its own, with it fully loaded, it weighs alot. Going to be draining the system and flushing it in the near future, not really looking forward to that..

AIRPOWER · 04-22-2016, 05:13 PM

Upgrade to a Mac

P1 · 04-22-2016, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AIRPOWER

Upgrade to a Mac

Why would I buy a Mac?

RedlinePSI · 04-24-2016, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AIRPOWER

Upgrade to a Mac

He said "upgrade". hahahaha

pikkagtr · 04-24-2016, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AIRPOWER

Upgrade to a Mac

all the support for those ultra high end games !!!

Dang3r · 04-24-2016, 09:01 AM

If you want lifestyle, choose a Mac and if you really want to work and play, geht yourself a real PC

03-16-2016, 03:33 PM	#1
P1 Lieutenant General 11720 Rep 11,185 Posts Drives: 2004 3/4 ton Duramax Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: United States iTrader: (1)	Upgrades to my new PC? Treated myself to a new PC after having had my trust Dell OptiPlex for close to a decade. Thing was solid; ran 24/7 for ten year and never skipped a beat, apart from having to replace the power supply once. Fast forward to last week, when I took delivery of a new XPS 8900. Dell had a good deal on it, and it came with most of the stuff I was after, including the new i7-6700 processor. It also came with 8GB of memory, and the GeForce GT 730. Few questions: 1) Would it make sense to bump up the memory to 16GB, or even 32GB? I don't play any games, or at least not much. It's more for my SightHound software, along with photo and video editing software. 2) If I don't play games, is putting in an SSD drive worth it? 3) How about bumping up the video card to a GT 960? I think I can run it without upgrading my power supply. Ultimately, I'd like to use an HDMI out to replicate my security cameras on all TVs in my house, using an HDMI extended over Cat 6e. Thanks!
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03-16-2016, 03:42 PM	#2
FType22 First Lieutenant 143 Rep 300 Posts Drives: 2011 e92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: NY iTrader: (1)	Hey, I'm a PC enthusiast myself, build my own computers and have been for probably 10-11 years at this point. I'm also in the video field as my occupation. I'd say upgrading ram is a for sure thing if your doing photo/video editing on a program that will make use of multiple cores. Any rendering will be greatly aided by more ram and a GPU that can be utilized by the processing hardware. I'm thinking specifically of Adobe products which use hardware acceleration with certain Nvidia based cards. An SSD is always worth it. The speed difference is ridiculous and the prices are so low these days it's a no brainer. I'd double check to make sure you can run the new GPU without upgrading the PSU because that could get costly.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-17-2016, 04:03 AM	#5
Dang3r Schmollbraten 12482 Rep 1,985 Posts Drives: M4CPC // HP4 Comp. Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Liandri Central Core iTrader: (0)	From a gamers view I would recommend you at least 16GB RAM and choose a Kit, that you avoid mixing lots or different builds into your machine. A 256GB 2,5" SSD from OCZ or Samsung are big enough for storing just the OS and Office or AutoCAD or whatever primary working programs and saving time at boot up. All other games and applications on a standard SATA HDD Graphics acceralators are everytime a wide discussion field...if you could find a very good and not necessarily too expensive GTX970 you are more than prepared for the next years. __________________ Citizen of ///M - Town, where too much is just right Some say, that my scrotum has its own small gravity field and when Im slowing down that brake lights come on at my buttox
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04-01-2016, 09:23 AM	#6
P1 Lieutenant General 11720 Rep 11,185 Posts Drives: 2004 3/4 ton Duramax Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: United States iTrader: (1)	The memory my computer came with is 2133Mhz. Can I purchase 2400Mhz memory, and will it work just fine? It's all DDR4.
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04-01-2016, 10:43 AM	#7
Dang3r Schmollbraten 12482 Rep 1,985 Posts Drives: M4CPC // HP4 Comp. Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Liandri Central Core iTrader: (0)	You have to look if your mainbord supports this kind of RAM the sort (thats DDR4). The Mhz should not cause problems, but the sort. Consult your manual before buying. __________________ Citizen of ///M - Town, where too much is just right Some say, that my scrotum has its own small gravity field and when Im slowing down that brake lights come on at my buttox
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04-01-2016, 03:24 PM	#9
Dang3r Schmollbraten 12482 Rep 1,985 Posts Drives: M4CPC // HP4 Comp. Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Liandri Central Core iTrader: (0)	You can surely use it, but I dunno if your system supports this Mhz. But anyway, wont cause any failures. __________________ Citizen of ///M - Town, where too much is just right Some say, that my scrotum has its own small gravity field and when Im slowing down that brake lights come on at my buttox
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04-07-2016, 03:23 AM	#11
Dang3r Schmollbraten 12482 Rep 1,985 Posts Drives: M4CPC // HP4 Comp. Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Liandri Central Core iTrader: (0)	install and report if mod was successful __________________ Citizen of ///M - Town, where too much is just right Some say, that my scrotum has its own small gravity field and when Im slowing down that brake lights come on at my buttox
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04-22-2016, 12:40 PM	#13
Eternal_SIR Private First Class 49 Rep 162 Posts Drives: 2007 335I RWD Coupe Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Surrey, BC iTrader: (1)	anyone have a water cooling setup? This was my first setup, was definitely fun tinkering and building it. my current setup __________________ 2007 335i E92 = Injen DCI, ER CP + Tial BOV, BMS OCC, BMS Cowel Filters, Borla Exhaust, Stoptech Sport Brake Kit, VRSF DP, VRSF 5" step IC, custom 25Row oil cooler, MHD Stg 1+ 91 V7.1
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04-22-2016, 01:13 PM	#14
R3dliner Lieutenant Colonel 939 Rep 1,929 Posts Drives: 18 M3 6MT Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: NYC iTrader: (5)	If you're looking to play games on high-ultra the 730 won't cut it. There's a huge sale going on for the 980Ti right now since the Pascal chipset will be coming out shortly. As far as the SSD you need to see what your mobo has. The newest slot's are the PCI-M2 slots which have a read speed of 2500 and write 1500. My Samsung 950 pro 512 GB is a great investment.
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04-22-2016, 01:53 PM	#15
Dang3r Schmollbraten 12482 Rep 1,985 Posts Drives: M4CPC // HP4 Comp. Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Liandri Central Core iTrader: (0)	Actually my opinion for bigger SSD's are, that they are too expensive above from 512GB. I got my OS and the important working programs on a 256GB SSD from Samsung and thats it. Ok, BF3 is loading faster during playing, but that was not my intention at buying it. Im also not a big friend of W10 but W7, but thats surely your decision. __________________ Citizen of ///M - Town, where too much is just right Some say, that my scrotum has its own small gravity field and when Im slowing down that brake lights come on at my buttox
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04-22-2016, 05:13 PM	#18
AIRPOWER Lieutenant Colonel 1682 Rep 1,812 Posts Drives: 2015 6MT YMB M3, 1974 Corvette Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: NW Florida iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW M3 [9.67]	Upgrade to a Mac __________________ AIRPOWER
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04-24-2016, 09:01 AM	#22
Dang3r Schmollbraten 12482 Rep 1,985 Posts Drives: M4CPC // HP4 Comp. Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Liandri Central Core iTrader: (0)	If you want lifestyle, choose a Mac and if you really want to work and play, geht yourself a real PC __________________ Citizen of ///M - Town, where too much is just right Some say, that my scrotum has its own small gravity field and when Im slowing down that brake lights come on at my buttox
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