Why did you buy the 555 GTX version? It's more expensive than the 545 GT one, and has 2 GB less of RAM, has the i5 cpu, and the PSU still delivers 240W, isn't that enough to run the system with the new card?
While the 240W could handle the system with a 7850 (mine maxed at 203W under stress, 180W in gameplay), I read somewhere that it's not good to run a PSU too close to it's maximum capacity. So I got the 330W system for that extra margin.
Have you applied thermal paste before? I think you just made a mistake. Check a couple youtube videos for proper technique. I don't think the CPU is broken considering it passed the stress test, but 55C is way too much for idle and 85C is too much for max (IIRC you don't want to pass low-mid 70s).
edit: GPU may play a role (more heat) but I still think you probably mucked up the paste.[/QUOTE
Dammit. I did watch a few video but I guess I got it wrong anyhow. I applied it in a vertical line over the core and used pressing down the heatsink to spread it (someone said vertival line is best for the i5). I think I need to redo it this weekend then. Couple of questions
- I didn't tint the surfaces, is this required?
- I have Arctic Silver 5 and Arctic Cooling MX-4, any preference?
I found GPU temp plays almost no role i the CPU temp, the temperatures are very comparmentalized in the system.
great thread Chittagong!
Your post in dell alienware forum helped me a lot.
I just recieved my x51 today, and so far I am very happy with it. I know building your own is cheaper but the size form factor was very important to me.
I am planning to upgrade to sapphire HD 7850 in the future. Its selling out real fast in newegg.
The only problem I have is the high pitch fan noise. I heard about it before on the forum, but its more annoying than I expected. Do you have the same high pitch noise problem? Is there any way to solve this, without actually changing the fan?
Thanks, welcome to the club! Yes the high pitch noise is a minor annoyance currently, but DELL-Chris M has said in no unclear terms that Dell will sort it to everyone and that it's not warranty related even, so no period applies. They just seem to have trouble in figuring out warehouse logistics for replacing the fan, old fans are found in new boxes still. So I am not worried, Dell is trustworthy in my books.