GPU Advise for old Dell Precision T3500?

[gryffinwings]

It's definitely a question of safe long term plans and deciding between the possible options. The 960 uses far less power than a 79xx/280/290, so I'd feel totally comfortable using a 6 to 8 pin adapter.

Example deal :

https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/sop/d/msi-gtx-960-4gb-armor-2x/6707523752.html

Cable needed :

https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-2-Pack-6-Pin-Adapter/dp/B01DV1Z32Y

Power consumption test :

https://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/msi-geforce-gtx-960-gaming-oc-review,7.html

Notice that an SLI Pair of 960 OC editions STILL used less power than a single 280x / 290 / 780!! A single one was in the ~120 range, and subtracting the power fed by the pcie slot itself, you're well within safe range from a 6 pin source and 18A 12V+ rail

The question now is, would the T3500 even support dual GPUs, I know it has 2 slots, but I'm not sure it supports SLI or whatever it is they use these days.

 

[Shmee]

Well, I would not bother with SLI or CF for your rig anyway. I do not know about RX series being UEFI only, though that would be an issue if true. I agree that it would be likely worthwhile to upgrade the PSU, due to age and capacity. Also, I rather frown on using adapter cables.

If upgrading the PSU to a decent quality one ~500W, you could then run any single GPU you wanted in your price range. Again, $50 is not much, but you might get a tri X 290 for close to $110 + the cost of PSU upgrade.

 

[Arkaign]

The question now is, would the T3500 even support dual GPUs, I know it has 2 slots, but I'm not sure it supports SLI or whatever it is they use these days.

Ah yeah, I don't believe that the T3500 does support SLI. CF I think can be modded in, but in any case it's better to avoid the headaches IMHO.



The reason I mentioned the SLI consumption was to show those other cards using literally more than double the power of a single 960 at load

Shmee has a point on the PSU upgrade.

Your stock PSU with the split rails should be ok for a 960/1050/1060. Anything beyond that, like a 770/780/970/980/280/290/etc, definitely get a different PSU.

Rule of thumb on adapter cables, never run primary off of SATA/Molex, avoid 175w+ cards using any adapter period. They *can* work, but it brings unnecessary risk imho.

Also, obviously forget about rated wattage in regards to power supplies. Plenty of "600w" junk out there or similar that are risky even if you're using onboard video. Look for well reviewed units from quality brands. I'd take a "400w" Antec 100 times out of 100 over a "650w" no name special like Deer or Bestec.

 

[gryffinwings]

I’ve seen a bunch of GPUs requiring the 6 pin have 24 amps or something like that, anyone know if my stock PSU will be enough?

 

[gryffinwings]

Well good news, I realized that I had a nice power supply buried over here, a not too old Corsair TX650W, more than enough power for any graphics card I want to actually use, unfortunately it's not modular, but it will work.

 

[Shmee]

Great news! In that case I would recommend a used GTX 970 or Sapphire 290 Tri X.

 

[gryffinwings]

Great news! In that case I would recommend a used GTX 970 or Sapphire 290 Tri X.

Indeed, I like the prices so far for used GTX 970s so I will likely get one of those, also less problems with compatibility from what I've heard.

 

[gryffinwings]

So, while I would love to get a newer card, I can't quite afford it until I can get some things sold. So for now I picked up a Gigabyte HD6950 for 30 USD. I believe this will be fine for most of the games I want to play from Steam.

 

[MrTeal]

So, while I would love to get a newer card, I can't quite afford it until I can get some things sold. So for now I picked up a Gigabyte HD6950 for 30 USD. I believe this will be fine for most of the games I want to play from Steam.

I played Fallout 4 on a 1GB 6950 (that may have had unlocked shaders, I can't recall) and it was an acceptable experience. For $30 you can't really go wrong.