Question Upgrading a Dell XPS 8300

[emilianojn]

Hi everyone, I have a Dell XPS 8300 (service Tag 2MMVHQ1 in case you want to check it). It has an Intel i7 2600, 8gb DDR3 1333mhz and since my old GPU is dead, I’m currently working with onboard video.
I intend to use the computer mostly with Adobe Photoshop, Premiere and After Effects.

I’m currently considering 2 possible upgrades:
1. Adding a GPU:
GeForce GTX 1050 3GB
You can check it here: https://www.mexx.com.ar/productos-r...o/34754-geforce-gtx-1050-3gb-gigabyte-oc.html

2. Adding a smaller GPU + some RAM
GeForce GT 1030 2gb
+
2 DDR3 4gb 1600mhz
You can check the GPU here:
https://www.mexx.com.ar/productos-rubro/placas-graficas-de-video/34311-geforce-gt-1030-2gb-evga.html

With the 2nd configuration I would end with 12gb of RAM (I currently have 4 2gb sims, and I would replace 2 of them)

So, in short, what would you recommend me?
3gb GPU and 8gb RAM
Or
2gb GPU and 12gb RAM?

Looking forward for your guidance!

 

[Alabalcho]

Your Dell uses DDR3 memory, you can't use DDR4.
Although the PSU is listed as 430W, it might be better to replace it. Anyway, check what power leads it has, and whether they're compatible with your choice of GPU.

I'd keep RAM at 8GB, and use the money for an SSD. I see no reason getting fancy GPU if you're not a gamer, and SSD will help much more your workload.

 

[emilianojn]

Oh I forgot to mention I already replaced the PSU, now I have an LNZ SX Series 750w which should be more than enough I think.

Yes my RAM is DDR3, and if I increase it I would buy DDR3 too. Or do you mean for the GPU? Does the vRAM need to be DDR3 too?

Do you think then it would be better to stick with my onboard video, keep my 8gb of RAM and just add a SSD disk?

Sorry not sure if I made myself clear, the options I was considering are:

1. GPU 3GB vRAM + 8GB RAM
2. GPU 2GB vRAM + 12GB RAM

And now, taking in consideration your suggestion, I would add a 3rd option with a smaller GPU + SSD: (within similar budget)
3. GeForce GT 710 2Gb vRAM + 12GB RAM + SSD 480 Gb Kingston A400
GPU: https://www.mexx.com.ar/productos-rubro/placas-graficas-de-video/35289-geforce-gt-710-2gb-asus.html
SSD: https://www.mexx.com.ar/productos-r.../34642-disco-solido-480-gb-kingston-a400.html


Thanks for your advice!

 

[delaro]

So, in short, what would you recommend me?
3gb GPU and 8gb RAM
Or
2gb GPU and 12gb RAM?

Looking forward for your guidance!

What are your budget and location? Adobe Photoshop, Premiere and After Effects all recommend 8Gb of RAM as a minimum and GPU upgrades are going to be based on how large a project you intend on working with.

 

[emilianojn]

What are your budget and location? Adobe Photoshop, Premiere and After Effects all recommend 8Gb of RAM as a minimum and GPU upgrades are going to be based on how large a project you intend on working with.

Hi, I´m in Argentina and my budget is pretty limitated;
Here are the 3 options I just posted with their values:

1. GPU 3GB vRAM + 8GB RAM ===================================> $172
2. GPU 2GB vRAM + 12GB RAM ==================================> $154
3. GeForce GT 710 2Gb vRAM + 12GB RAM + SSD 480 Gb Kingston A400 => $185

Let´s say medium projects, 1920x1080 @ 30fps. Sometimes simple After Effects animations, sometimes lots of layers..... it depends really. I know I´m trying to upgrade an old PC with some serious limitations, but that´s what I can do for now, so trying to figure out the best option.

Thanks!

 

[delaro]

GeForce GT 710 2Gb vRAM + 12GB RAM + SSD 480 Gb Kingston A400 => $185

* A 2GB 710 GT isn't by any means speedy but it's enough to handle 1080p 20mp images well enough. You should only need more VRAM for resolutions above 1080p.​

* An SSD greatly speeds up boot and just about everything else in Photoshop.​

* 12GB of RAM will give you enough headroom for multi-layer projects and a memory sucking browser like Chrome.​

* i7 2600 is still adequate provided you have decent airflow.​

 

[emilianojn]

Thank you very much for your advise; I´ll go with this option.