Upgrade Advice

[Team Spicoli]

Hello, I just purchased a Dell Inspiron 660 desktop (see link below):
http://t.staples.com/Dell-Inspiron-660-Desktop-Computer/product_56855

1. Is it possible to upgrade the memory to 16gb? If so, which brand memory would be ideal?

2. Should I upgrade the PSU?

3. Can I replace the 1tb with a SanDisk extreme pro ssd?

4. Thoughts on adding the EVGA gtx 750ti?

My use for the computer will be basic everyday use, stream blu ray movies. No gaming.

Thank you in advance and Happy Holidays.

 

[Cerb]

1. IMO, Crucial. Use their finder, then search for the SKU elsewhere, if it's fairly expensive.

2. For a 750 Ti, try it as is. It won't have much room left, but it actually aught to be enough.

3. Yes, and you should (or any other SSD, for that matter). You will want a 3.5->2.5 adapter.

4. Without changing the PSU, it will probably be your best bet, of video card upgradfes. But, without photo/video editing, needing outputs the IGP doesn't have, or gaming, why bother? Use the IGP unless you actually have a use for more/different.

 

[Ken g6]

Here's a Newegg listing with some more info.

1. Looks like it comes with 2x4GB, so you'd probably need to replace it with 2x8GB. Brand shouldn't matter too much (but that doesn't necessarily mean it won't.) From your planned uses I don't see why you'd need to upgrade at all.

2. Only upgrade PSU if upgrading graphics. You're not gaming, so don't upgrade the graphics.

3. Yes. But you might do better to leave the drive in for storage and add a Crucial MX100 SSD.

4. You're not gaming, so don't upgrade the graphics.

You probably don't even need an i5. But it's a good deal.

 

[Blain]

You could have found newer i5 (Ivy Bridge or Haswell), boxes for that kind of money.
You don't need much PC for "basic everyday use, stream blu ray movies. No gaming".

 

[mistersprinkles]

Hello, I just purchased a Dell Inspiron 660 desktop (see link below):
http://t.staples.com/Dell-Inspiron-660-Desktop-Computer/product_56855

1. Is it possible to upgrade the memory to 16gb? If so, which brand memory would be ideal?

2. Should I upgrade the PSU?

3. Can I replace the 1tb with a SanDisk extreme pro ssd?

4. Thoughts on adding the EVGA gtx 750ti?

My use for the computer will be basic everyday use, stream blu ray movies. No gaming.

Thank you in advance and Happy Holidays.

The pc is fine for you for everyday use. If you want max perf get an SSD, clone the HDD to the SSD, and use the HDD as a storage drive. But otherwise there is NO need to upgrade ANYTHING.

 

[Cerb]

You could have found newer i5 (Ivy Bridge or Haswell), boxes for that kind of money.

Newer desktop i5s than Haswell refresh? :hmm:

I imagine the SSD upgrade alone will take care of the OP's needs, though.

 

[Blain]

You could have found newer i5 (Ivy Bridge or Haswell), boxes for that kind of money.

Newer desktop i5s than Haswell refresh? :hmm:

The linked Dell box has a Sandy Bridge CPU. I noted that he could get an Ivy Bridge or Haswell, which are newer cores than the SD.

 

[lehtv]

The linked Dell box has a Sandy Bridge CPU. I noted that he could get an Ivy Bridge or Haswell, which are newer cores than the SD.

The linked Dell has HD 2500 integrated graphics which means the CPU is 3rd gen i.e. Ivy Bridge. It even says so in the description: "the Dell Inspiron Desktop's 3rd generation Intel core i5 processor handles everyday and memory-intensive tasks with ease"

 

[Blain]

You're right, I got my HD's mixed up.
For $400, I'd still opt for a Haswell PC.

 

[Team Spicoli]

Hello, thank you for all of your responses. Oddly enough, the exterior of the Dell box states it is a 4th generation i5. Says it is a Dell 3000 series Inspiron with 4th gen i5. I've read in other forums where the online labelling is different than what is in-store.

Does anyone know if the memory can in-fact be upgraded beyond 8gb. I've read where Dell Inspiron's max out at 8gb.

Also, my previous desktop a Gateway GM5088 had the network adapter die on me recently, which led me to this purchase. My Gateway has a WD Blue 1tb drive installed with Windows 7 Pro installed. The Dell Inspiron uses a Seagate drive. Should I swap the drives out, clone the HDD to an SSD and as others have aptly pointed out, use the HDD for storage?

And I've read too that the integrated gpu may not be able to handle multi-monitor, so this may also be a deciding factor in upgrading to the GTX750?!?!

As an aside, I picked up the desktop for $330 before tax.

Thanks!!

 

[Cerb]

That model # (i3847-4617BK) comes up with 4th gen for me, everywhere that mentions the CPU (i5-4460, specifically).

It can either take 16GB, with 2 RAM slots, or 32GB, with 4 of them.

 

[Team Spicoli]

Here's a Newegg listing with some more info.

1. Looks like it comes with 2x4GB, so you'd probably need to replace it with 2x8GB. Brand shouldn't matter too much (but that doesn't necessarily mean it won't.) From your planned uses I don't see why you'd need to upgrade at all.

2. Only upgrade PSU if upgrading graphics. You're not gaming, so don't upgrade the graphics.

3. Yes. But you might do better to leave the drive in for storage and add a Crucial MX100 SSD.

4. You're not gaming, so don't upgrade the graphics.

You probably don't even need an i5. But it's a good deal.

Thank you, yes the Newegg link you provided appears to be closer to the model I purchased at Staples. The Staples link I provided doesnt' appear to be the one, however their site only lists two Inspiron 660s with the link I provided containing the only i5 processer.

 

[Team Spicoli]

That model # (i3847-4617BK) comes up with 4th gen for me, everywhere that mentions the CPU (i5-4460, specifically).

It can either take 16GB, with 2 RAM slots, or 32GB, with 4 of them.

Sounds like I need to inspect the box more closely when I get home. I'm sorry to not provide accurate details. I thought linking to the Staples site I used was sufficient.

 

[Cerb]

And I've read too that the integrated gpu may not be able to handle multi-monitor, so this may also be a deciding factor in upgrading to the GTX750?!?!

That PC should manage 2 monitors, but 1 must be using HDMI or DVI, and the other only VGA. The IGP can do more and better, but not as implemented in that PC. If you want 2 digital video outputs, you'll need a video card. What inputs do your monitors have?

 

[Cerb]

Sounds like I need to inspect the box more closely when I get home. I'm sorry to not provide accurate details. I thought linking to the Staples site I used was sufficient.

The service tag would do, if it's on the box (it is for non-consumer Dells, but I don't deal with many of those).

 

[Team Spicoli]

That PC should manage 2 monitors, but 1 must be using HDMI or DVI, and the other only VGA. The IGP can do more and better, but not as implemented in that PC. If you want 2 digital video outputs, you'll need a video card. What inputs do your monitors have?

Thanks! What do you mean by the IGP can do more and better, but not as implemented in that PC?

With respect to your other questions, let me get the service tag info off the desktop when I get home later this evening so we know precisely what we're dealing with.

I have 2 Acer widescreen monitors. However currently, I'm just using my Sony LCD TV. I would ideally like to send one signal to a computer monitor and a separate signal to the Sony TV to multi-task if that's even a possibility.

I ended up ordering the GTX 750 off Tiger Direct for $114, I figured that was a good deal for a Video Card that received such rave reviews, should fit in the Dell and may not require the PSU to be upgraded, although I'm still thinking of upgrading the PSU to at least 400W so as not to overtax the system.

 

[Cerb]

Thanks! What do you mean by the IGP can do more and better, but not as implemented in that PC?

An Optiplex 70x0, with a similar CPU, would have 2 Display Port connectors, and either DVI-I or VGA, for up to 3 outputs, 2 of which should be capable of high res at 60Hz (if using DP). That PC appears to have HDMI (usually usable as DVI) and VGA.

I ended up ordering the GTX 750 off Tiger Direct for $114, I figured that was a good deal for a Video Card that received such rave reviews, should fit in the Dell and may not require the PSU to be upgraded, although I'm still thinking of upgrading the PSU to at least 400W so as not to overtax the system.

Depending on outputs needed, a $60 GT 730 might be way more than enough.

 

[Team Spicoli]

An Optiplex 70x0, with a similar CPU, would have 2 Display Port connectors, and either DVI-I or VGA, for up to 3 outputs, 2 of which should be capable of high res at 60Hz (if using DP). That PC appears to have HDMI (usually usable as DVI) and VGA.

Depending on outputs needed, a $60 GT 730 might be way more than enough.

What about taking the card below out of my Gateway and using it in the Dell?

EVGA GeForce 8400 GS 1 GB DDR3 PCI-E 2.0 16X DVI/HDMI/VGA Graphics Card, 01G-P3-1302-LR

 

[Team Spicoli]

And does 32bit vs 64bit for the OS make a significant difference?

 

[Cerb]

What about taking the card below out of my Gateway and using it in the Dell?

EVGA GeForce 8400 GS 1 GB DDR3 PCI-E 2.0 16X DVI/HDMI/VGA Graphics Card, 01G-P3-1302-LR

That would work, too. It will be slower than the CPU's integrated, but that my not be a problem with light use and moderate resolutions (around 1080P).

And does 32bit vs 64bit for the OS make a significant difference?

You want to use 64-bit, which the new PC comes installed with, unless you have some necessary ancient software that still does some real-mode addressing, which will crash in 64-bit. 32-bit limits each process to 2GB address space, and 2GB memory, and the OS to under 4GB memory, while also creating performance problems for multitasking with 2+GB RAM, due to limited address space to work with. 64-bit programs have 16TB to work with in 64-bit (and will may get more in the future), and many 32-bit programs get 4GB, when run in 64-bit OSes, instead of 2GB.

 

[Team Spicoli]

That would work, too. It will be slower than the CPU's integrated, but that my not be a problem with light use and moderate resolutions (around 1080P).

You want to use 64-bit, which the new PC comes installed with, unless you have some necessary ancient software that still does some real-mode addressing, which will crash in 64-bit. 32-bit limits each process to 2GB address space, and 2GB memory, and the OS to under 4GB memory, while also creating performance problems for multitasking with 2+GB RAM, due to limited address space to work with. 64-bit programs have 16TB to work with in 64-bit (and will may get more in the future), and many 32-bit programs get 4GB, when run in 64-bit OSes, instead of 2GB.

Thank you!! Well the Win7 I have in the Gateway is 32bit so there goes that idea of using it in the Dell. Oh well.

And I couldn't cancel my order with Tiger Direct for the GTX 750, so for the relatively low amount I paid, I might as well use it, which then means I should invest in a higher PSU correct? I've read that I don't have to upgrade the PSU with the GTX 750 when used in the Dell system I purchased, but I'm not 100% certain. . .

 

[lehtv]

Thank you!! Well the Win7 I have in the Gateway is 32bit so there goes that idea of using it in the Dell. Oh well.

I'm confused, why do you want to use the old OS? The Dell comes with Win 8 preinstalled.

 

[Team Spicoli]

I'm confused, why do you want to use the old OS? The Dell comes with Win 8 preinstalled.

Valid point. As I haven't used Win8, I'm basing my thoughts on reviews stating Win7 is better than Win8. I do intend on testing out Win8 before making my final decision though.

 

[Team Spicoli]

Does anyone know if the Dell can accept up to 16gb memory?

 

[frozentundra123456]

The dell linked in the OP has only a 220 watt PSU. I thought even most OEM boxes had at least 300w. I am not sure I would run a GTX 750 on that PSU with an i5. I also dont know the quality of the psu in the Inspiron series. I know Dells are usually decent, especially the XPS, but not sure about the lower end models.

Edit: Regarding the OS, you cant use the OS from one prebuilt in a different prebuilt anyway can you? I dont think the OEM license is transferable. I hate the interface on Win 8, but my wife has a laptop with it and has learned to live with it. Just download one of the free start menu programs.