Finally time to replace my AMD HD 5870

[akpaul89]

I am considering replacing my AMD HD 5870 after 2.5 years and was wondering how to upgrade my card. I currently own a Dell Studio XPS 7100, which has a mATX case. Would I have to purchase a new motherboard if I wanted to go with something like a GTX 670 or a 7970? Just wondering how to start this entire process. Never done anything like this before!

 

[Skurge]

You probably want to look for a card with similar TDP and a blower design so it blows hot air outside the case.

Something like this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130782

Also, what is the rest of your system like?

 

[Tweak155]

Need more specs. How large is the PSU? What PCIe version is it?

Likely if it can hold the 5870, your only concern is the speed of the PCIe slot and whether or not you need to upgrade your PSU.

But, the 670 isn't a power hog and recommends a 500w PSU just like the 5870 did. But the spikes might be higher on the 670, I'm not sure.

 

[akpaul89]

PCI Express Gen2 x1 slot bi‑directional
speed — 1 GB/s
Gen2 x16 slot bi‑directional
speed — 16 GB/s


DC Power Supply (460 W)
Maximum heat
dissipation
2413 BTU/hr
NOTE: Heat dissipation is calculated by using
the power supply wattage rating.
Input voltage 115/230 VAC
Input frequency 50/60 Hz
Rated output current 8 A/4 A

 

[akpaul89]

Also, the CPU I have is an AMD Phenom II X6 1090T and 8 gb DDR3 ram.

 

[redrider4life4]

I'm in the same boat except i have a 5850 with a 600w power supply. I feel like I should wait though, my buddy got his 670 for 330 last summer, there hasn't been any good video card deals in a while. Same card now is 320-360ish

 

[Tweak155]

PCI Express Gen2 x1 slot bi‑directional
speed — 1 GB/s
Gen2 x16 slot bi‑directional
speed — 16 GB/s


DC Power Supply (460 W)
Maximum heat
dissipation
2413 BTU/hr
NOTE: Heat dissipation is calculated by using
the power supply wattage rating.
Input voltage 115/230 VAC
Input frequency 50/60 Hz
Rated output current 8 A/4 A

The gen2 x16 should be plenty for any card you want. Also you should be able to get away with that PSU until it dies.

 

[Termie]

Go for an HD7950. It's significantly faster than an HD5870 and uses the same amount of power at stock. I wouldn't mess with overclocking it, though, given your PSU.

Also, if your system is like the one pictures, you'll need to remove the VGA shipping bracket to install a new card, and you won't be able to reuse it, most likely.

 

[SPBHM]

5870-6970-7970, basically the same size
but the fastest card under the same TDP is the GTX 670.