Bottleneck risk?

[aberboy0]

am in process of upgrading my vostro 200, am planning to add either a hd 6700 or a 6790 gpu, but some ppl have suggected it could bottle neck

specs atm are:
core 2 duo E6550
6gb ddr2 3x2gb
foxconn gm3302(dell mobo)
coolermaster gx550w

will i be ok using any of those cards

 

[purple stain]

Although anything over a 6790 will get bottlenecked.
You should be fine with a 6790 but you could see dramatic improvements if you O.C. your processor.

 

[aberboy0]

Although anything over a 6790 will get bottlenecked.
You should be fine with a 6790 but you could see dramatic improvements if you O.C. your processor.

sadly the cpu cant be o/c'ed due to being dell, so pretty much screwed, cant even upgrade to a quadcore. so pretty limited, havent the cash for new mobo/cpu, so stuck with what ive got

 

[cats_Paw]

You cant access the bios? 😀
Well, you do not mention what GPU your vostro has... lets search....

if its a X1350, id say save money and get a new system.

 

[purple stain]

If you intend to keep this CPU for a while then upgrading to a cheap mobo just to unlock the BIOS features might be a good idea.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007627%20600007879&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=100

$40 ain't to bad.

 

[skyway211]

If you intend to keep this CPU for a while then upgrading to a cheap mobo just to unlock the BIOS features might be a good idea.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007627%20600007879&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=100

$40 ain't to bad.

Since its a Dell its most likely a BTX mobo. He would also need a new case as well. Also does your Dell have the 6pin power connector for a new graphics card? If not you may also need a new power supply. at this point you might as well save up to get a new system.

 

[purple stain]

Why would he need a new case?

Dell and many other manufactuers almost always use Micro-ATX boards so it should be fine unless he has a slimline.

Dell is one of the few PC makers that include reliable PSU's.As long as it's a 300+watt he should be fine.

 

[aberboy0]

i have a coolermaster gx550w psu. and it has plenty of plugs needed,fitted it 2day

Connector 20+4 Pin MB x 1
4+4 Pin CPU 12V x 1
6+2 Pin PCI x 2
SATA x 6
4 Pin Peripherial x 3
4 Pin Floppy x 1

dont want to change mobo atm as means redoing windows again, running win 7 64bit. its not a slim vostro as wouldnt have been able to fit the new psu

 

[purple stain]

You don't have to reinstall Windows if you get a new mobo.No componet that you upgrade will ever require you to reinstall Windows.Everything is plug and play,Windows will adjust itself accordingly.

Forgot you had a 550watt.

As I said before it's not necessary to O.C. but it will give you a nice performance boost with the new GPU.

 

[aberboy0]

ah, i installed new mobos in past and had 2 reinstall windows, granted a few yrs back now. i will be upgrading in few months anyway, waiting to see what bulldozer can do 1st,when it finally arrives. was just hoping i cud put decent card in now and it wouldnt bottleneck and then by xmas redone the whole system

 

[purple stain]

That's odd.I've flashed my BIOS numerous times and I've never had to reinstall Windows.And my mobo is 2 years old.

Anyway that sounds good.Best to save up as much money as you can.