Looking to Upgrade

[Lazerr]

Hey Fellas,

Been thinking about upgrading.  I have a Dell XPS 8500 I bought just a little over a year ago.  I have the DXDIAG posted and was hoping some of you tech guys could point me towards some smart upgrades.  My budget is not decided yet.  I am thinking start out with $400, with a cap of $800.  The system runs AH fine now, with a little lag over huge action areas.  Any advice would be appreciated!  


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System Information
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Time of this report: 1/8/2014, 18:29:23
       Machine name: GABEKIM-PC
   Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.130828-1532)
           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: DELL__
       System Model: FX09___
               BIOS: BIOS Date: 05/25/12 17:09:41 Ver: 04.06.05
          Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3450 CPU @ 3.10GHz (4 CPUs), ~3.1GHz
             Memory: 8156MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 8156MB RAM
          Page File: 1854MB used, 14453MB available
        Windows Dir: C:\Windows
    DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
   User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
 System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
    DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
     DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
      Display Tab 1: No problems found.
        Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
        Sound Tab 2: No problems found.
        Sound Tab 3: No problems found.
          Input Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D:    0/4 (retail)
DirectDraw:  0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (retail)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (retail)
DirectPlay:  0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow:  0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
          Card name: AMD Radeon HD 7570
       Manufacturer: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
          Chip type: ATI display adapter (0x675D)
           DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
         Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_675D&SUBSYS_2B221028&REV_00
     Display Memory: 4095 MB
   Dedicated Memory: 1008 MB
      Shared Memory: 3087 MB
       Current Mode: 1920 x 1080 (32 bit) (60Hz)
       Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
      Monitor Model: DELL ST2421L
         Monitor Id: DELA070
        Native Mode: 1920 x 1080(p) (60.000Hz)
        Output Type: HDMI
        Driver Name: aticfx64.dll,aticfx64.dll,aticfx64.dll,aticfx32,aticfx32,aticfx32,atiumd64.dll,atidxx64.dll,atidxx64.dll,atiumdag,atidxx32,atidxx32,atiumdva,atiumd6a.cap,atitmm64.dll
Driver File Version: 8.17.0010.1103 (English)
     Driver Version: 8.911.0.0
        DDI Version: 11
       Driver Model: WDDM 1.1
  Driver Attributes: Final Retail
   Driver Date/Size: 10/26/2011 13:04:30, 892416 bytes
        WHQL Logo'd: n/a
    WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
  Device Identifier: {D7B71EE2-241D-11CF-D777-280BBEC2C535}
          Vendor ID: 0x1002
          Device ID: 0x675D
          SubSys ID: 0x2B221028
        Revision ID: 0x0000
 Driver Strong Name: oem103.inf:ATI.Mfg.NTamd64.6.1:ati2mtag_NI:8.911.0.0:pci\ven_1002&dev_675d&subsys_2b221028
     Rank Of Driver: 00E60001
        Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_C
   Deinterlace Caps: {6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
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                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
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                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC1,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
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       D3D9 Overlay: Not Supported
            DXVA-HD: Not Supported
       DDraw Status: Enabled
         D3D Status: Enabled
         AGP Status: Enabled

-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
            Description: Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)
 Default Sound Playback: Yes
 Default Voice Playback: Yes
            Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0887&SUBSYS_10280545&REV_1003
        Manufacturer ID: 1
             Product ID: 100
                   Type: WDM
            Driver Name: RTKVHD64.sys
         Driver Version: 6.00.0001.6537 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
            WHQL Logo'd: n/a
          Date and Size: 12/27/2011 23:12:22, 4727656 bytes
            Other Files:
        Driver Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
         HW Accel Level: Basic
              Cap Flags: 0x0
    Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 0, 0
 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
              HW Memory: 0
       Voice Management: No
 EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
   I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No

            Description: Realtek Digital Output (Realtek High Definition Audio)
 Default Sound Playback: No
 Default Voice Playback: No
            Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0887&SUBSYS_10280545&REV_1003
        Manufacturer ID: 1
             Product ID: 100
                   Type: WDM
            Driver Name: RTKVHD64.sys
         Driver Version: 6.00.0001.6537 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
            WHQL Logo'd: n/a
          Date and Size: 12/27/2011 23:12:22, 4727656 bytes
            Other Files:
        Driver Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
         HW Accel Level: Basic
              Cap Flags: 0x0
    Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 0, 0
 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
              HW Memory: 0
       Voice Management: No
 EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
   I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No

            Description: AMD HDMI Output (AMD High Definition Audio Device)
 Default Sound Playback: No
 Default Voice Playback: No
            Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_1002&DEV_AA01&SUBSYS_00AA0100&REV_1002
        Manufacturer ID: 1
             Product ID: 100
                   Type: WDM
            Driver Name: AtihdW76.sys
         Driver Version: 7.12.0000.7704 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
            WHQL Logo'd: n/a
          Date and Size: 10/18/2011 04:40:50, 93712 bytes
            Other Files:
        Driver Provider: Advanced Micro Devices
         HW Accel Level: Basic
              Cap Flags: 0x0
    Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 0, 0
 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
              HW Memory: 0
       Voice Management: No
 EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
   I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No

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[SirNuke]

a new videocard seems in order!

Can you check how mach watts can your power supply deliver? That will be the limiting factor here.

[Debrody]

My budget is not decided yet.  I am thinking start out with $400, with a cap of $800.  The system runs AH fine now, with a little lag over huge action areas.

The CPU is good, the ram is enough, the VGA is extremely weak.
Just as Nuke said, check your PSU's specs. A 270x-level card will do wonders, for like 200$.

[Lazerr]

Thanks for your feedback.  Below is a link to the Power Supply I am looking to purchase.  I also look to spend about $350 on a solid video card.   Do you guys see any issues with this?

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Builder-Series-Bronze-Certified/dp/B008RJZQSW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389312846&sr=8-1&keywords=700+Watt+Power+Supply

Thanks again, much appreciated.

[Fulcrum]

Hey Lazer.  I don't have experience with Corsair Power Suppiles...their RAM is typically excellent so hopefully their other products will maintain that image. 

 I can recommend Thermaltake PSUs based on my last few builds.  Very reliable based on my own experience. Might want to look at them and compare.

[Lazerr]

Speaking of memory, can i buy a better brand for better performance? What does dell use as a default RAM¿  Would it benefit to get some corsair RAM too¿  Any suggestions for a vidleo card in the $250 to $300 range¿

[Fulcrum]

Speaking of memory, can i buy a better brand for better performance? What does dell use as a default RAM¿  Would it benefit to get some corsair RAM too¿  Any suggestions for a vidleo card in the $250 to $300 range¿

Can't go wrong with Corsair, but GSkill is the RAM brand for performance.  No idea what your Dell may be using....they tend to switch RAM suppliers a bit.  Likely it's Kingston, which is pretty good as well.  Given you have 8GB of RAM right now I don't see where additional memory will help you, at least for most computing needs including AH.  As for a graphics card, I lean towards NVidia based cards...a 660 or 760 card would be a good fit from both a price and performance perspective (see link below).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127772

[Debrody]

That PSU is enough for everything.

More or faster RAM wouldnt really help as it isnt a bottleneck unless you are doing a load of rendering, video editing, etc.
Not sure about the current prices in the U.S, but, the following cards are about on the same level of performance. Choose the one what is cheaper and has more warranty.
GTX-660 / R9 270
GTX-660ti / R9 270x
GTX-760 / R9 280
GTX-770 / R9 280x   the 280x is a bit faster though
All good cards and will serve you for a long time.
I think this has the best price/performance/quality ratio of all: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150686

[Denniss]

750W PSU and just 80+ Bronze = old design, current PSU designs with these high power outputs have Gold (or at least 80+ Silver).
If you don't plan to buy two gfx cards in the near future you'd better look for a good 600W PSU (and even this would be overpowered).

[MrRiplEy[H]]

A 550W semi-passive Seasonic would probably be good for him.

[Bizman]

Thanks for your feedback.  Below is a link to the Power Supply I am looking to purchase.  I also look to spend about $350 on a solid video card.   Do you guys see any issues with this?

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Builder-Series-Bronze-Certified/dp/B008RJZQSW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389312846&sr=8-1&keywords=700+Watt+Power+Supply

Thanks again, much appreciated.

Built by Channel Well. Corsair has other models built by Seasonic... Source: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/power-supply-oem-manufacturer,2913-5.html

[Denniss]

Channel Well - Urgh. Explains the just-Bronze rating.

[Fulcrum]

That PSU is enough for everything.

More or faster RAM wouldnt really help as it isnt a bottleneck unless you are doing a load of rendering, video editing, etc.
Not sure about the current prices in the U.S, but, the following cards are about on the same level of performance. Choose the one what is cheaper and has more warranty.
GTX-660 / R9 270
GTX-660ti / R9 270x
GTX-760 / R9 280
GTX-770 / R9 280x   the 280x is a bit faster though
All good cards and will serve you for a long time.
I think this has the best price/performance/quality ratio of all: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150686

Radeons are good cards from a hardware perspective...my issue with them has always been on the software / driver side.  My understanding is that the Windows drivers have increasingly improved over the years so I doubt it's an issue at this stage.   I still won't go ATI because their support for Linux is still behind the proprietary NVidia drivers and I run Linux as my "desktop" / productivity OS (Windows 7 is installed on my PC for games only).

[eagl]

I also like seasonic power supplies.  More than 600w with a good quality PSU is probably overkill.

Make sure it will fit first.  Dell has a reputation for making custom cases that don't fit industry standard PSUs.  In the past they've gone so far as to change the plugs and wiring standard so other PSUs will either not plug in at all, or if you do plug them in they'll destroy the mobo.  I don't know if they've changed that behavior or not.

I have also had great luck with gskill ram.  They have a huge line from value to high performance, so read the specs and try to find reviews where that ram part number has been reported to work with your computer mobo.  Still, gskill also has good customer support and good warranty so if the ram doesn't work or fails in the future, you would have a good chance of getting a prompt solution from gskill cust support.

Measure the room you have for a video card before you buy anything...  Sucks to get a nice vid card and find out that it doesn't fit because the case has a bracket or something in the way.

You might be able to find a faster cpu, but it won't be a huge speed increase.  Like everyone else says, find a new video card within your budget and if necessary, get a new quality psu.  But don't waste money on a supersized psu.  Approx 600w is plenty for a single video card.  If you want to dress up your case a bit and have an extra $30ish to spend, get a PSU with modular cables so you can plug in only the cables that you actually need, decreasing case clutter and improving airflow and cooling.  I have 3 modular seasonic PSUs and by carefully shopping around and not over-buying the specs, I was able to easily fit the modular feature into my build budgets.  It sure made building the computers easier.

[Debrody]

Radeons are good cards from a hardware perspective...my issue with them has always been on the software / driver side.  My understanding is that the Windows drivers have increasingly improved over the years so I doubt it's an issue at this stage.   I still won't go ATI because their support for Linux is still behind the proprietary NVidia drivers and I run Linux as my "desktop" / productivity OS (Windows 7 is installed on my PC for games only).

Your choice. Im not using Linux though, cannot talk about it.