Should i upgrade the GPU on my 4yr old alienware x51 R2?

[mmakoto]

the 760 ti card just recently died out of nowhere, never really game on this system either, just used it for movies on the weekends. so my 6yr old wants to play Bendy and the Ink Machine, and the 760 ti card was fine for the few times that he played. so my question is, should i get a new card, 960, 1050ti or even the 1060? would my i7 4770 cpu still be fine for another few more years? i really like the small form factor of this pc, so building a new one is not really what i'm looking for right now. any inputs are appreciated.

specs of pc:
i7 4770
16gb ram
256gb ssd + 3tb hd
330w psu

 

[bmockeg]

1. The CPU is sufficient for any level GPU and high level gaming if needed.
2. If You aren't using the computer for much gaming, why buy a mid level GPU? I would get a 1030GTX and call it a day.
3. Your PSU is low wattage, you may not be able to buy much more than that without needing a higher wattage PSU.

 

[King_V]

The GTX 760Ti is listed as having a 170W TDP.

Even a standard GTX 1070 draws less power than that. Assuming there's no BIOS limitations, I'd say upgrade to the latest BIOS, and fitment isn't an issue, you CAN go with a far more capable GPU than the GTX 760Ti.

However, if you're not doing much gaming, or not using a high res monitor, then I'd agree with bmockeg - go with a low-end card. I am guessing that a GTX 1050Ti performs around on par, perhaps slightly better, than the 760Ti.

 

[mgallo848]

I agree with bmockeg.

A GTX 1030, 1050 or 1050ti will be plenty. Personally, I would go with a 1050 or 1050ti.

Just for reference: A GTX 760ti was an OEM card. It was basically a rebranded GTX 670.

It's also possible it was a typo and he meant a GTX 750ti ?

 

[mmakoto]

thanks bmockeg and King_V for the responses. my concern of upgrading to a new card, 1060 founders edition, was perhaps the cpu might be a bottleneck in the next 2-4yrs, but since you guys say it won't, then maybe i'll get a new card instead. maybe when the rumored 11xx cards come out next month the 1060 will drop in price.

as for gaming, i personally don't play much, but my 6yr old might want to, and the onboard graphics will not work smoothly.

if i do happen to get the 1060 founders edition (blower style) card, and in the future if i wanna build my own pc or get another branded pc, would i still be able to use this card or i'll need a single/dual fan style to avoid excessive heat?

 

[King_V]

Push the word "bottleneck" out of your mind. No improvement in one component can EVER make another component perform less than it used to. It is absolutely impossible for a more capable video card to make the CPU perform less than it used to.

You would be able to transfer your new video card (say the 1060 Founders Edition) over to the new machine, assuming the new one is not some kind of compact form factor.

Also, while I'm not particularly familiar with it, I know the layout of the x51 Alienware machines is internally a little unusual. Check out the physical dimensions of whatever new video card you buy, and ensure that it will fit in your case, before purchasing.

 

[mmakoto]

@mgallo848 i did have the 760 ti, it came with the build of my x51 r2.

 

[mgallo848]

@mgallo848 i did have the 760 ti, it came with the build of my x51 r2.

Ok, A GTX 1030, 1050 or 1050ti will be plenty. Your CPU still has more than enough horsepower.

 

[mmakoto]

@mgallo848, as i've mentioned above, i'll need a blower style card, and i don't really see the 1050 series having that for sale on nvidia or other etailers. the 1060 founders edition @ nvidia for $300 will be more likely what i'm eyeing on.