Will my PC work with the GTX 960?

[EthanFoxy]

I was wondering if everything is compatible and will work with no issues. I already know the card will FIT and I have the correct stuff to actually install it, just wondering if anything will be a problem.

Current GPU: GTX 660 (OEM)
CPU: Intel i5 3450
RAM: 8GB
PSU: 300w
CASE: Alienware x51
GPU I'm looking to get: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133589

What I'm most concerned about is if the 4gb VRAM will be a problem. I'm not extremely tech-savvy, but do I have to have a special motherboard or something to support anything over 2gb of VRAM?

 

[rascalov]

Hello. You should buy a GPU with more than 128-bit and also buy a new PSU with at least 500W.
Can you tell me the name of your motherboard?

 

[tfx1866]

Actually the 128 bit bus is not a problem... A GTX 960 performs a lot better than a OEM GTX 660.

If you buy it you must buy a new PSU, a good quality 500W one will be enough. XfX TS 550, for example, is a very good unit.

 

[EthanFoxy]

If you buy it you must buy a new PSU, a good quality 500W one will be enough. XfX TS 550, for example, is a very good unit.

I meant to say 330w. The Alienware x51 is very limited in upgrades and the PSU is not upgradable. There have been many users on the Alienware x51 forums saying that they have successfully installed 960's and 970's, but I'm still a bit skeptical. If they do have success with the 970, then I should have no problem with the 960. Also, on the actual Newegg page it says I need a minimum of 120w, so why do I need 500w?

 

[EthanFoxy]

Hello. You should buy a GPU with more than 128-bit and also buy a new PSU with at least 500W.
Can you tell me the name of your motherboard?

Alienware Model 0KM92T

 

[EthanFoxy]

Bump

 

[celpas]

If it ran the GTX 660,that PSU can easily handle 960.Just make sure it fits in your case

The 128 bit bus is only a problem if you intend on gaming beyond 1080p

 

[maxalge]

I was wondering if everything is compatible and will work with no issues. I already know the card will FIT and I have the correct stuff to actually install it, just wondering if anything will be a problem.

Current GPU: GTX 660 (OEM)
CPU: Intel i5 3450
RAM: 8GB
PSU: 300w
CASE: Alienware x51
GPU I'm looking to get: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133589

What I'm most concerned about is if the 4gb VRAM will be a problem. I'm not extremely tech-savvy, but do I have to have a special motherboard or something to support anything over 2gb of VRAM?

video cards could have 256 gb of vram and it would still have nothing to do with the motherboard beyond it having the proper pcie slot.


the 960 is more power efficient that the 660 oem.

If it can physically fit, it should run.

Make sure you get a version that needs only a 6-pin power cable though.

Your power supply might not have more then that.

 

[EthanFoxy]

If it can physically fit, it should run.

If it ran the GTX 660,that PSU can easily handle 960.Just make sure it fits in your case

The 128 bit bus is only a problem if you intend on gaming beyond 1080p

Thank you both. I have done a lot of research on this and have decided to purchase it, as it does fit and it is only one 6 pin power connector.

Just a one more question, is this a decent upgrade from the 660 OEM? I don't want to buy this for a 10% increase that I won't even notice.

 

[imrazor]

Casual perusal of benchmarks seems to indicate you'll get about a 50% performance increase with a 960 over a 660. Of course it'll vary with games, and you'll probably get more RAM to load higher resolution textures and crank up anti-aliasing.

 

[maxalge]

If it can physically fit, it should run.

If it ran the GTX 660,that PSU can easily handle 960.Just make sure it fits in your case

The 128 bit bus is only a problem if you intend on gaming beyond 1080p

Thank you both. I have done a lot of research on this and have decided to purchase it, as it does fit and it is only one 6 pin power connector.

Just a one more question, is this a decent upgrade from the 660 OEM? I don't want to buy this for a 10% increase that I won't even notice.