XPS 8700, upgrading into a gaming computer

Question

I have a XPS 8700 and it&rsquo;s clearly very old. I have a 4th gen i5-4430 processor with 8gb of ram, no ssd, no gpu, the default 460 watt psu (AC 460AM-00), and no but idea what to do next. Unfortunately, my budget doesn&rsquo;t allow me to spend a lot of money at once and so this is going to be a gradual upgrade. Anyone have any suggestions? I have an idea for a psu, the Corsair CX750M, and ssd&rsquo;s along with ram is pretty easy to get. I really need advice on a decent gpu for a cheap price, maybe something I could find on eBay for under $100 that would do a big difference.  I also am curious if there is a better processor that can fit on my motherboard (0KWVT8) that would have a positive effect. I have struggled to find a whole lot of information on how to make the Xps 8700 a gaming computer. I also lack advanced computer knowledge

Chino de Oro · Accepted Answer

For sub 100, you can get a Dell OEM GTX 1050 with extra left to spend on an i7-4790 (around 30). No need to upgrade power supply unless you are getting something over 180w GPU.

Chino de Oro · Accepted Answer

@computerLearner1​ , if you do have extra fund for CPU and devoting all your budget to video card.  Try this older GTX 1070 card, it will work well with your system.  https://www.ebay.com/itm/115813000866

ispalten · Accepted Answer

@computerLearner1

I have an XPS8700 as well, and I am a more advanced user, both OS and H/W wise.

I bought it with an i7 CPU. I can tell you, I was never happy with the 'Game' experience with it. I did add an SSD as the boot drive as well. Also a new GPU, and Nvidia model, can't find the BOX now, and the PC is sitting in a closest and has not been powered on or used in over 2 years now, or I could tell you the model I put in. Also upped the RAM to 32GB's. PSU was not upgraded.

Now, I didn't 'love' the Graphics performance... and I am NOT a gamer.

I didn't want to muck with it further and on 2021 got an XPS8940. MAJOR upgrade with only one extra, an RTX2060 6GB card. Reason was I wanted to run the latest MS Flight Simulator, and the 8700 would not cut it, or at best, not support all the capabilities of it.

See, a reasonable GPU, depending on your needs, can be a significant cost. Should make sure it is what you need too. SSD, cheap, RAM, cheap, relative to the video card. Managing to make the video card work, what you have to know IS the connections for power.... and how much power is needed.

On my 8940 for instance I have a UPS and it reports with no game running, and a browser open that I'm typing in here, 120W's in use. Now I opened the FS, just opening it jump the power up to 210W's... not even running the FS. However, I opened a Discovery Flight and let it fly with no input from me, initially 370w's on load, and dropping to 270W's. That was Windowed though (I have a 32" monitor) and then when I went Full Screen, 310W's. I'm sure it could run higher or lower depending on action and game?

In the long run, I think you might not be that happy doing it. Yes, just swapping out the CPU (assuming the motherboard does have the proper chipsets on it (probably does) and adding an SSD will make it 'feel' like it is supercharged, but not knowing what you consider a 'Gaming Computer' to be or need, you might not be happy?

Midrange GPU's that are probably the minimum you'd want for a 'Gaming' system, like an Nvidia RTX3050 or AMD Radeon equivalent would be at least $200 or more depending on GPU RAM size. Even more for a slightly better RTX3060 (similar to my RTX2060). Base RAM is 2 or 4GB's, but a 12GB card will push $400 even.

Get all your costs and verify you CAN put the video card in or have a plan to create/split power connections to the card if it needs different one(s) than you have. Also CHECK the video card length and width. Including SLOTS required... you may find some just can not fit.

Good luck, but you still might just consider a full replacement with the required h/w might be more wise to do.

ispalten · Accepted Answer

@computerLearner1​ @ispalten​ in the future I do plan on upgrading. I do not expect this computer to be something crazy. I want to be able to run games like Rocket league. I suggest you Google 'GTX 1070 rocket league' and read the resulting links. There is no straight forward answer, as I read some it was a 'depends'. Supposedly, it can, but there are some that mention the resolution, or cutting back on some features. The gpu’s above mentioned by @Chino de Oro should work right? I can't say, and I did look at those links, but the prices are probably low as they are used or even reconditioned. One does say 'New' but also pulled from a Dell PC? I am generally not a fan of used parts, and even reconditioned. I prefer new or at least with a vendor warrany (manufacturer). I does seem Amazon sells some new, but at a higher price point of course. Those cards, like all other GPU's come in various RAM sizes. Also, an important figure is the supported Resolutions. One of the links that is a review to TechPowerUp is an 8GB RAM data that shows this: Recommended Gaming Resolutions: 1920x1080 2560x1440 3840x2160 Only the first one is marked GREEN, the 2nd is Orange, and the last RED. I did mention I'm on a 32' Monitor, a Dell S3221QS with Game HRR capability. I normally run @ 3840x2160. FS however is at the middle resolution. I know it is not as 'sharp' as possible and I do have some options cut back. Good enough, but it could be better. I could use the highest resolution, but it would mean even more cutbacks. I guess it depends on the FPS you want and the Resolution you want to run it at?

computerLearner1 · Answer

@Chino de Oro Thank you. Are you saying I could just buy a processor? No need for another motherboard?

Chino de Oro · Answer

@computerLearner1​ , yes, many older Dell machines with Haswell CPU is being updated and turning into a cheap gaming machine.  Upgrade to CPU to maximum is i7-4790 Dell machines are built with proprietorship.  There is no motherboard upgrade.  Only newer machine upgrade.

computerLearner1 · Answer

@Chino de Oro Thank you so much your amazing!

computerLearner1 · Answer

@Chino de Oro Okay, that’s not too bad either. Still works with 460W?

Chino de Oro · Answer

@computerLearner1​ , the GTX 1070 card would work within power requirement of your PC.  But, in some models, the 460w power supply has x2 of 6-pin connectors.  you must use an adapter to convert x2 6-pin to x1 8-pin for graphics card power.  If your system PSU already have an 6+2 connector, then it's good to go.

computerLearner1 · Answer

@ispalten​ in the future I do plan on upgrading. I do not expect this computer to be something crazy. I want to be able to run games like Rocket league. I also want it to be able to play Spider-Man miles morales with okay/alright graphics. I also use a lot of programs so having something that could run multiple programs would help and I know this older computer won’t be able to do it perfectly or half of as strong as the modern day computers, but I just want it to be able to do most games with mainly no problems.  The gpu’s above mentioned by @Chino de Oro should work right? Thanks for the input

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XPS 8700, upgrading into a gaming computer

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