Graphics Card Upgrade advice

[JimmyDazzler79]

Hi all,

This is the system I bought a number of years ago and it's still great. I was wondering are the most recent graphics cards compatible with my system if I wanted to change?

I know nothing about components being able to work with other parts etc

System: Define X1

PC Specialist Define X1 Review | bit-tech.net

A GTX 1080, super-fast M.2 SSD, 16GB 3,000MHz RAM and an overclocked Core i7-6700K.

bit-tech.net

If I wanted to improve this system for gaming what card could I get?
Is it worth it or should I buy a more modern gaming pc?

Thanks in advance
G

 

[SpyderTracks]

Are you using a 1440p 144Hz screen?

 

[JimmyDazzler79]

Yes I bought a new monitor not so long ago. Asus Rog 1440 144hz

 

[SpyderTracks]

Yes I bought a new monitor not so long ago. Asus Rog 1440 144hz

You have a 650W PSU which is perfectly adequate for a higher end card.

I wouldn't buy now as they're just about to release a new generation of card, the nVidia 3000 range and they're set to be quite substantially better than the 2000's. If their naming convention remains as expected then the 3060 would be about the card to go for, obviously wait for 3rd party reviews to get actual performance.

The 2000's have been out for a few years now, and wouldn't really be a massive upgrade for you.

 

[JimmyDazzler79]

Thanks for the advice. I will keep an eye out and read reviews etc

How difficult is the process of manually changing a graphics card in the case?

 

[JimmyDazzler79]

One last question

When I was looking on Amazon I noticed the Nvidia cards had either MSI or Asus before their name. Does it matter which one you go for? Do I need an Asus as I have a Asus motherboard?

Cheers

 

[SpyderTracks]

Thanks for the advice. I will keep an eye out and read reviews etc

How difficult is the process of manually changing a graphics card in the case?

It's really easy actually, most of PC upgrades is very simple.

Firstly, leave the PC plugged into the socket, but turn off the PSU at the power button at the rear of the case if there is one, if not then unplug it from the wall, but there should be a power button on that PSU, it's good quality. This ensures that it's still grounded while you're working on in and should dissipate any accidental charge.

Try your best not to touch any electrical circuitry where possible, always try to hold stuff by the edges, or ends or shrouds.
Basically, you will have one screw holding the card into the chassis at the back end. You need to unscrew that, sometimes they're finger screws, sometimes they're proper screws, depends on the case.

Then you'll have one 8pin (I think, you may have a secondary cable) plugged into the card at the other end. This is the PCI Express connector, usually labelled PCI-E coming from the PSU, just need to unplug that:

Then all you need to do is release the PCIe lane catch. This can sometimes be a bit fiddly to get to, you just push them down towards the board (they're the bulbous bit at the end of the darker blue or white plastic slots:

Then the card should just come out, but do be careful and pull it very gently straight out the box towards you, don't force it.

Then you just plug the new one in making sure the PCIe catch is secure which it should automatically do once the card is properly inserted.

Then screw it back in.

And then connect the power cables required. They may well be a different configuration, likely just one connector.

 

[SpyderTracks]

One last question

When I was looking on Amazon I noticed the Nvidia cards had either MSI or Asus before their name. Does it matter which one you go for? Do I need an Asus as I have a Asus motherboard?

Cheers

No, any manufacturer will do, some are deemed better than others. Gigabyte have their own factory and actually make the whole thing themselves so build quality is often higher, plus they have really good support. EVGA are also considered quite good. Personally, I'd avoid Asus like the plague, they're overpriced and their support is plain awful. Any of the others are pretty decent though.

 

[Scott]

Nothing to add. Just wanted to say that I remember that build well. One of the best buys I've ever seen on here, cracking system.

It'll still have plenty of legs in it so I think a 3000 series card would be a great fit

 

[JimmyDazzler79]

Thanks for taking the time to help with all the information folks. I feel more confident in what I might do in the future.

Cheers
Stay safe