Powerspec G520 upgrades

Chunko
Chunko ✭
Name Dropper First Comment
in PowerSpec

Hi all,

I just bought a Powerspec G520 (https://www.microcenter.com/product/684525/powerspec-g520-gaming-pc). I'm thinking of possible upgrades. If I put in a 7800 XT or 7900 GRE, I think I would have a pretty good machine for 1440p gaming. I'm wondering if one of these cards will fit the mobo/case: ASRock Challenger (SKU609677), Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT (SKU610345) ,or ASRock AMD Radeon RX 7900 GRE (SKU671982).

Also, the computer comes with a single stick of G.Skill Ripjaws S5 Series (SKU661389). I think I need an additional stick to maximize the RAM channels. The closest thing looks to be G.Skill Flare X5 Series 16GB (SKU725069) but that's not exactly the same. I don't want to buy two sticks.

Thanks in advance,

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  • PowerSpec_MikeW
    PowerSpec_MikeW PowerSpec Engineer
    2500 Comments Fifth Anniversary 100 Answers 250 Likes

    @Chunko

    Any of those should fit comfortably. The Gigabyte is the largest, but you still have quite a bit of room on the 205M. I have ASrock 7900 GRE and the Challenger I can test fit, but no concerns on my end.

    On the RAM, I don't see anything but it's always a gamble. Best to speak to service and let us find something for you. Matching the part number is one thing, but all the major components like the IC, PMIC and SPD hub can change. So even if the part number is identical, the stick can by wildly different. IC is most important to match. If you're not near the store, let me know and I'll figure something out.

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  • Chunko
    Chunko ✭
    Name Dropper First Comment

    Thanks MikeW - I am very grateful for your insight. My microcenter is about an hour away, so I want to make sure I know what I'm getting fore making the trek. Any help is appreciated. I don't want to "waste" a stick of RAM… it would be nice to have a match.

    I just saw that the 7900 GRE specs recommend 750W; but it only needs 260W and the 7600X3D needs 65W… so 325W total… I don't see much else drawing power. I'm guessing the recommended 750W is in case it is paired with a i9 or similar CPU? Given the 7600X3d's relative low power consumption, the 650W should be okay?

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  • PowerSpec_MikeW
    PowerSpec_MikeW PowerSpec Engineer
    2500 Comments Fifth Anniversary 100 Answers 250 Likes

    That's hard to avoid sometimes, it's better just to get the matched pair. I'm sure we'll be able to work something out. If you want, I may have a similar Flare X kit you can have. I'll check tomorrow.

    Yes, that's about right. Recommendations on the PSU assume the worst case scenario. You're not going to draw much power on an X3D CPU.

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  • Chunko
    Chunko ✭
    Name Dropper First Comment

    Thanks MikeW. Please, let me know about the Flare X kit.

    Does Microcenter do some sort of RAM swap? If I end up buying a kit, I'm going to end up selling the single stick somehow.

    Also, I just read on reddit that my RX7600 is not available for a Micro Center GPU swap because it came as part of a prebuilt. Is that right? Will I have to sell my RX7600 on ebay/facebook/etc.. instead?

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  • PowerSpec_MikeW
    PowerSpec_MikeW PowerSpec Engineer
    2500 Comments Fifth Anniversary 100 Answers 250 Likes

    I tested the kit earlier. It's a 2x16GB 6000 C36 kit. Samsung B-Die. I'll send you an email.

    That's something we're looking into, but not at this time. It would make a lot of sense.

    That correct, we're working with that team to include our GPU's as well. I'll try to get update on when that will be possible.

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  • Ponti
    Ponti ✭
    Name Dropper First Comment
    @Chunko

    Did you ever make a decision on the GPU upgrade? I am in the same situation, just purchased a g520 and would love to swap out for a 7800xt. Was wondering if your local Microcenter allowed trading in the 7600 for a discount towards new GPU? Also does the current PSU come with an additional 8pin connector? The 7800xt requires 2x8 pin connectors.
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  • Chunko
    Chunko ✭
    Name Dropper First Comment
    https://community.microcenter.com/discussion/comment/57453#Comment_57453

    Yes - I upgraded to a 7800XT. It works great - there's a second 8pin connector on the same power chain, so easy to install. No, microcenter did not allow trading in the 7600. Happy to answer any questions.

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  • Ponti
    Ponti ✭
    Name Dropper First Comment
    https://community.microcenter.com/discussion/comment/57454#Comment_57454

    Wow you're awesome thanks for the information! Did you have any issues with clearance; getting the 7800XT to fit into the case or line up with PCI slot? Also did you add a 2nd memory Ram stick? I literally have the G520 sitting in box in my living room, was worried about upgrade path for GPU. So really appreciate your feedback 😁!

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  • Chunko
    Chunko ✭
    Name Dropper First Comment
    https://community.microcenter.com/discussion/comment/57455#Comment_57455

    I got a ASRock 7800XT Challenger - it's almost the exact same dimensions as the 7600, so the fit is fine, with plenty of room to spare.

    I did upgrade to 32 gig RAM - I think it's needed - for instance, GOW 2018 prefers to have more than 16gigs. It was easy. I also got an M.2 2TB SSD… that was easy to install too.

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