Need help in Upgrading an Aspire XC-1780 PSU and GPU compatibility

Himself776
Himself776 Member Posts: 4 New User
edited December 2024 in Aspire and Veriton Desktops

Hi everyone, I appreciate that a few people have asked similar questions but I'm a bit confused (and new to this) and I wanted to double check I'm not about to do something stupid.

I have an XC-1780 and I want to do some upgrading. I'm aware of some constraints - basically that it has a 180W power supply and the case is really small.

So, first I'm pretty sure I need to upgrade the PSU. My understanding is that the best I can do with this machine is a 300W supply (either DC.3001B.00A or DC.30018.00C) - although to my eyes they are virtually identical (is there a difference?) - there are bigger PSUs out there, but they won't fit? Is this correct?

Second, I understand that the recommended GPUs are either a GEFORCE 1030, or a GEFORCE GT 730. Can anybody confirm that this is correct?

Finally - can anybody tell me of any alternative setup using non-acer approved hardware?

Sorry for the long question, I'm just a bit twitchy about getting this wrong…

Thanks!

Best Answers

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,869 Trailblazer
    Answer ✓

    You have most of it figured out. They made the Aspire XC-1780 models with either a 180W supply, on those versions without a separate GPU, or 300W for those versions with a GPU card. The part numbers you have for the 300W PSUs are correct, and essentially identical, just sourced from different vendors. There are very few third party vendors that do ATX12VO power supplies, so that does make them an issue to find.

    The 300W PSU is your limitation for which GPU card you can use, but you aren't limited to the 730 or 1030, pretty much any of the xx30 and xx50 cards will work as well, even the newest ones, since they don't pull more power than the PCIe slot provides. The aux power for that slot comes from #18 on this diagram:

    That is where the extra power to drive those cards is sourced.

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.
  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,869 Trailblazer
    Answer ✓

    Nope, not without building some custom adapter cables:

    An ATX12VO supply only provides 12V DC and on an Acer does it with a 6 pin connector, instead of the 20+4 connector that supply has.

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.

Answers

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,869 Trailblazer
    Answer ✓

    You have most of it figured out. They made the Aspire XC-1780 models with either a 180W supply, on those versions without a separate GPU, or 300W for those versions with a GPU card. The part numbers you have for the 300W PSUs are correct, and essentially identical, just sourced from different vendors. There are very few third party vendors that do ATX12VO power supplies, so that does make them an issue to find.

    The 300W PSU is your limitation for which GPU card you can use, but you aren't limited to the 730 or 1030, pretty much any of the xx30 and xx50 cards will work as well, even the newest ones, since they don't pull more power than the PCIe slot provides. The aux power for that slot comes from #18 on this diagram:

    That is where the extra power to drive those cards is sourced.

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.
  • Himself776
    Himself776 Member Posts: 4 New User

    Thanks Billsey, that's really helpful.

    Random followup question, would this power supply be compatible? https://www.gamemax.uk/index.php/products/psus/gt300-300w-80-plus-bronze-tfx-power-supply/ It looks to be the same spec at half the price - but I am a self confessed noob at this ;)…

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,869 Trailblazer
    Answer ✓

    Nope, not without building some custom adapter cables:

    An ATX12VO supply only provides 12V DC and on an Acer does it with a 6 pin connector, instead of the 20+4 connector that supply has.

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.