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Dell E510 - Any Possible Upgrades?

Discussion in 'New Build and/or New Hardware' started by Red, Apr 16, 2011.

  1. Red

    Red

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2011
    Messages:
    6
    Location:
    MN
    Operating System:
    Windows 7
    Hi Everyone,

    I'm new here (my first post) and I have been out of touch with newer pc technology for a while so I am a complete novice. My last new system was back in 2006. I really don't have the cash to spend on a new system so I wanted to know if it was possible to upgrade my Dell E510. I do think I need a new graphics card, but what about a motherboard? What is compatible or even possible? The specs are as follows:

    < Processor >
    Model: Intel(R) Pentium(R) D CPU 3.20GHz
    Speed: 3.2GHz
    Cores per Processor: 2 Unit(s)
    Threads per Core: 1 Unit(s)
    Type: Dual-Core
    Integrated Data Cache: 2x 16kB, Synchronous, Write-Thru, 8-way, 64
    byte line size
    L2 On-board Cache: 2x 2MB, ECC, Synchronous, ATC, 8-way, 64 byte
    line size, 2 lines per sector

    < Computer >
    Mainboard: Dell 0HJ054
    BIOS: Dell A05 03/31/2006
    Bus(es): X-Bus PCI PCIe IMB USB FireWire/1394 i2c/
    SMBus
    Multi-Processor (MP) Support: No
    Multi-Processor Advanced PIC :)Yes
    Total Memory: 3.5GB DIMM DDR2

    < Chipset >
    Model: Dell 82945G Processor to I/O Controller
    Front Side Bus Speed: 4x 200MHz (800MHz)
    Total Memory: 4GB DIMM DDR2
    Channels: 2
    Memory Bus Speed: 2x 267MHz (534MHz)

    < Memory Module(s) >
    Memory Module: Nanya NT1GT64U8HA0BY-37B 1GB DIMM DDR2 PC2-
    4300U DDR2-534 (4-4-4-12 2-16-4-2)
    Memory Module: Nanya NT1GT64U8HA0BY-37B 1GB DIMM DDR2 PC2-
    4300U DDR2-534 (4-4-4-12 2-16-4-2)
    Memory Module: Nanya NT1GT64U8HA0BY-37B 1GB DIMM DDR2 PC2-
    4300U DDR2-534 (4-4-4-12 2-16-4-2)
    Memory Module: Nanya NT1GT64U8HA0BY-37B 1GB DIMM DDR2 PC2-
    4300U DDR2-534 (4-4-4-12 2-16-4-2)

    < Video System >
    Video Adapter: RADEON X600 Series (4 PS2.0, 2 VS2.0 398MHz,
    128MB 249MHz, PCIe 1.00 x16)


    Please let me know what you think, I appreciate any feedback.

    Thanks!
     
  2. DSTM (Dougie)

    DSTM (Dougie) Registered Members

    Joined:
    May 3, 2009
    Messages:
    8,270
    Location:
    SYDNEY AUSTRALIA
    Operating System:
    Windows 7
    Hi Red. Welcome to CHF.

    Allheart55 is better qualified to answer your query.

    Ask you to be patient for a short time. :)
     
  3. KenB

    KenB Registered Members

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2010
    Messages:
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    Location:
    Wirral UK
    Operating System:
    Windows Vista Home Premium
    Hi,

    Your motherboard supports a maximum of 4GB RAM and it looks as though you have 4 x 1GB modules in there.
    If this is XP (32bit) then the OS does not support any more than this - you probably only get 3GB recorded anyway.
    So there is no options here for upgrading.

    Your m/board has 1 PCIe x 16 slot.
    This is where your Video Card is located.
    Depending on what you wish to do with your pc - there is a possibility of upgrading this.
    If you are not into graphic intensive software or gaming then I am not sure you would see the benefits of upgrading.
    You may wish to take a look here:
    http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-radeon-hd-6870-geforce-gtx-570,2834.html
    As you will see - there is a wide variety - it depends on what you wish to spend.

    You don't say what the wattage of your Power Supply Unit is.
    If you upgrade to a higher spec video card then you may also need to upgrade the PSU to cope.

    You mentioned upgrading the motherboard.
    If you don't have a full installation CD for XP ( or any other Windows OS ) then a new m/board means a new OS which will add to the price considerably.
    If you do upgrade the m/board and keep a 32 bit OS then there is not much benefit as the OS will only support 4GB RAM - which you have now already.
     
  4. DSTM (Dougie)

    DSTM (Dougie) Registered Members

    Joined:
    May 3, 2009
    Messages:
    8,270
    Location:
    SYDNEY AUSTRALIA
    Operating System:
    Windows 7
    Also another consideration is Dell cases only accept the unusual sized dell motherboards.
     
  5. allheart55 (Cindy E)

    allheart55 (Cindy E) Administrator Administrator

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2009
    Messages:
    10,617
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Operating System:
    Windows 10
    Computer Brand or Motherboard:
    ASUS M4A77TD AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD
    CPU:
    AMD Phenom II X6 1090T-Thuban 3.2GHz
    Memory:
    Crucial-DDR3 SDRAM 1333-8GB
    Hard Drive:
    WD Caviar Black SE HDD 640 GB - WD Caviar Black SE HDD 500 GB
    Graphics Card:
    Sapphire Radeon HD-7870 2GB
    Power Supply:
    CORSAIR CMPSU-750W
    Hi Red and Welcome to CHF,

    It really wouldn't be cost effective to replace your motherboard. (It would
    mean purchasing it from Dell directly as it is a proprietary component.)

    The E510 has a 305 watt PSU. You can easily upgrade your video card
    but need to make sure you purchase a card that doesn't consume too
    much wattage. We can help you choose a card if you give us an idea
    on how much you wish to spend.
    All of these video cards are compatible without upgrading your PSU.

    Radeon HD 4000 Series Low Profile

     
  6. Red

    Red

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2011
    Messages:
    6
    Location:
    MN
    Operating System:
    Windows 7
    You guys are awesome, thanks DSTM, KenB and allheart55 for your Pro input.

    KenB - Yes, allheart55 is correct, my psu is 305 watts. Sorry for not fully explaining what I wanted to do with my pc. This is what I had imagined: I can upgrade my video card(as much as technically possible) to have the option to play graphic heavy games like wow cataclysm and others. I would also upgrade the OS to win7 and take advantage of the ram I am losing out on with win xp home. I also run music software like pro tools, which I would be using much more than the graphic heavy games. I also heard win7 plays nicer in the sandbox with protools 8 than win xp home (these playback errors are killing me). I initially bought my pc to have plenty of options for games or music, an all-in-one machine, and as time passes by the options get smaller with all the new program updates and min requirements.

    DSTM - It didn't occur to me that the cases restricted the part sizes (like motherboards), I assumed the variety of cases on the market were just a vanity/looks thing, lol. Learned something!

    allheart55 - I would be open to spending $60 - $80 on a new graphics card. When I did play wow cataclysm I had to reduce the video options to their minimum just to be able to move the character lol... that told me it was time to upgrade. I am guessing if I need to upgrade the psu, the dell case I have will make it difficult for me. I did log on to the Dell website and viewed my order history and specs. I clicked on parts/upgrades and they had no recommendations for me for motherboard, graphics card or psu.... figures.
     
  7. BeeCeeBee

    BeeCeeBee ADMINISTRATOR IN MEMORY

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    Location:
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    Operating System:
    Windows 7
    While allheart55 is expert in all kinds of hardware, I know her to have loads of Dell specific knowledge. There are a few things that I have learned about how Dell operates simply because I spent some time working in their European manufacturing plant building servers.

    Dell bases everything on the case they use. (probably true of other companies as well.) Cases and motherboards are pretty much married to each other. This is more a result of physical design (shape) than it is about the MOBO specs. Hence it is virtually impossible to simply go out a purchase a Dell compatible MOBO except through Dell.

    It used to be (and may still be, for all I know) that they also played around with their PSUs. What they would do was switch the wires around so that they would not match a standard PSU that meets the requirements for replacement or upgrade. This was much easier to fix but it was not something that they would "advertise." They would just do it.

    That being said, if you want a GPU that requires a higher wattage than the PSU in your machine you may be able to replace your PSU as well. That, however, is above my pay grade and I would have no knowledge about whether you can do that with your current MOBO. That is for allheart to answer. It does seem to be a bit "over the top" for your needs but she will be far better equipped to comment.
     
  8. allheart55 (Cindy E)

    allheart55 (Cindy E) Administrator Administrator

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2009
    Messages:
    10,617
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Operating System:
    Windows 10
    Computer Brand or Motherboard:
    ASUS M4A77TD AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD
    CPU:
    AMD Phenom II X6 1090T-Thuban 3.2GHz
    Memory:
    Crucial-DDR3 SDRAM 1333-8GB
    Hard Drive:
    WD Caviar Black SE HDD 640 GB - WD Caviar Black SE HDD 500 GB
    Graphics Card:
    Sapphire Radeon HD-7870 2GB
    Power Supply:
    CORSAIR CMPSU-750W
    The power supply is actually easy. The Dell case won't make any difference as
    long as you purchase a modular PSU. The modular PSU is usually sized 5 1/2" x
    3 1/2" x 6". The compact size fits easily in any Dell Case. I have replaced dozens
    without any problem.
     
  9. Red

    Red

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2011
    Messages:
    6
    Location:
    MN
    Operating System:
    Windows 7
    BeeCeeBee - Thanks for the great information!


    allheart55 - Thank you again! That is good news. So far I have taken a look at your suggestions for GPU and PSU and have come up with these two selections. I was wondering if you would take a look at them and see if this would be the right direction.

    SAPPHIRE 100296HDMI Radeon HD 4670 1GB


    COOLER MASTER Elite 460 RS-460-PSAR-J3 460W

    With your expertise and knowledge, if they are compatible I will be ordering them from newegg today. Exciting :D
     
  10. allheart55 (Cindy E)

    allheart55 (Cindy E) Administrator Administrator

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2009
    Messages:
    10,617
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Operating System:
    Windows 10
    Computer Brand or Motherboard:
    ASUS M4A77TD AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD
    CPU:
    AMD Phenom II X6 1090T-Thuban 3.2GHz
    Memory:
    Crucial-DDR3 SDRAM 1333-8GB
    Hard Drive:
    WD Caviar Black SE HDD 640 GB - WD Caviar Black SE HDD 500 GB
    Graphics Card:
    Sapphire Radeon HD-7870 2GB
    Power Supply:
    CORSAIR CMPSU-750W
    You're welcome Red. The video card is compatible with a PSU upgrade. I don't
    think the Cooler Master PSU will fit. Give me a few minutes and I will measure
    the space in the E520 I have here. The Case is identical to the E510. The modular
    PSU is 5 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 6". The Cooler Master PSU measures 6.5" x 3.5" x 6".
     
  11. allheart55 (Cindy E)

    allheart55 (Cindy E) Administrator Administrator

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2009
    Messages:
    10,617
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Operating System:
    Windows 10
    Computer Brand or Motherboard:
    ASUS M4A77TD AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD
    CPU:
    AMD Phenom II X6 1090T-Thuban 3.2GHz
    Memory:
    Crucial-DDR3 SDRAM 1333-8GB
    Hard Drive:
    WD Caviar Black SE HDD 640 GB - WD Caviar Black SE HDD 500 GB
    Graphics Card:
    Sapphire Radeon HD-7870 2GB
    Power Supply:
    CORSAIR CMPSU-750W
    Sorry Red, the Cooler Master will not fit...
    I'll see if I can find you a modular PSU.
     
  12. allheart55 (Cindy E)

    allheart55 (Cindy E) Administrator Administrator

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2009
    Messages:
    10,617
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Operating System:
    Windows 10
    Computer Brand or Motherboard:
    ASUS M4A77TD AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD
    CPU:
    AMD Phenom II X6 1090T-Thuban 3.2GHz
    Memory:
    Crucial-DDR3 SDRAM 1333-8GB
    Hard Drive:
    WD Caviar Black SE HDD 640 GB - WD Caviar Black SE HDD 500 GB
    Graphics Card:
    Sapphire Radeon HD-7870 2GB
    Power Supply:
    CORSAIR CMPSU-750W
    This Coolmax 650 Watt ($59.99) will fit. It measures 5.90" x 6.30" x 3.30".
    There is a replacement Dell PSU on newegg for $39.99. It is 400 watts.
    (5.51" x 5.91" x 3.39") Rosewill I recommend spending the extra $20.00 for
    the Coolmax 650......





     
  13. Red

    Red

    Joined:
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    Messages:
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    Location:
    MN
    Operating System:
    Windows 7
    I knew you would save me from an erroneous purchase. The funny thing is I actually looked at that one, but downgraded because I thought it was too much power for me. Now here comes the temptation to upgrade the graphics card further since I am now getting 650 watts :D

    I just read up on how my hard drive's cache is also too small (8mb) for pro tools, and 32mb cache is the way to go. I am hoping a larger cache does not require a new motherboard, or if there is even a relation. If not, I will be all set!
     
  14. allheart55 (Cindy E)

    allheart55 (Cindy E) Administrator Administrator

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2009
    Messages:
    10,617
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Operating System:
    Windows 10
    Computer Brand or Motherboard:
    ASUS M4A77TD AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD
    CPU:
    AMD Phenom II X6 1090T-Thuban 3.2GHz
    Memory:
    Crucial-DDR3 SDRAM 1333-8GB
    Hard Drive:
    WD Caviar Black SE HDD 640 GB - WD Caviar Black SE HDD 500 GB
    Graphics Card:
    Sapphire Radeon HD-7870 2GB
    Power Supply:
    CORSAIR CMPSU-750W
    A larger hard drive cache :) (upgrading your hard drive?) :D doesn't have anything to do with your mobo. You are safe......
     
  15. Red

    Red

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    Location:
    MN
    Operating System:
    Windows 7
  16. allheart55 (Cindy E)

    allheart55 (Cindy E) Administrator Administrator

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2009
    Messages:
    10,617
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Operating System:
    Windows 10
    Computer Brand or Motherboard:
    ASUS M4A77TD AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD
    CPU:
    AMD Phenom II X6 1090T-Thuban 3.2GHz
    Memory:
    Crucial-DDR3 SDRAM 1333-8GB
    Hard Drive:
    WD Caviar Black SE HDD 640 GB - WD Caviar Black SE HDD 500 GB
    Graphics Card:
    Sapphire Radeon HD-7870 2GB
    Power Supply:
    CORSAIR CMPSU-750W
    Let us know how everything works out. Dalo Harkin is our resident overclocking expert.
    He will be more than happy to assist you with that. Good Luck and keep us posted! :smile:

     
  17. Red

    Red

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    Location:
    MN
    Operating System:
    Windows 7
    Will do.

    There is one more change I just thought of...

    With the specs I have, would my PC be able to handle 2 x WD Caviar Black 500GB 32mb cache drives? My original HD was 150GB 8mb cache. I would like to have 2 internal drives and get rid of my WD 120GB external drive (since it only has 8mb cache on it). The external drive was dedicated to record music from Pro Tools, so the second new WD hard drive would serve the same function.

    Not sure what additional set up I would need to do to make this happen, if it's at all possible. :unsure:
     
  18. allheart55 (Cindy E)

    allheart55 (Cindy E) Administrator Administrator

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2009
    Messages:
    10,617
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Operating System:
    Windows 10
    Computer Brand or Motherboard:
    ASUS M4A77TD AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD
    CPU:
    AMD Phenom II X6 1090T-Thuban 3.2GHz
    Memory:
    Crucial-DDR3 SDRAM 1333-8GB
    Hard Drive:
    WD Caviar Black SE HDD 640 GB - WD Caviar Black SE HDD 500 GB
    Graphics Card:
    Sapphire Radeon HD-7870 2GB
    Power Supply:
    CORSAIR CMPSU-750W
    You will need to purchase a sata cable. Sata Cable In a Dell
    computer the hard drive will not be automatically recognized.
    You will need to enter the bios and enable the 2nd hard drive.
     

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