ROG G20 Overhaul

[Urzu_7]

So I just got a G20 and I decided to replace the stock 760 with a 980, add an SSD and upgrade the HDD. The GPU was tricky but I managed however, it looks like adding the SSD and replacing the HDD is near impossible. And tips?

[ubersonic]

Urzu_7 wrote:
So I have a huge edit to the SSD side of this overhaul. I realized this morning that the little metal plate that I was pointing to in the picture was actually upside down but when I tried flipping it over I realize that there was no way I could get it to fit. So this is where I'm at now I had to take the SSD back out, remove the CPU heatsink as originally planned which allowed me to access the DVD drive tray and after removing the tray I was able to slide in the SSD easily.

I see the CPU is in a regular socket and not soldered to the board, this is good as I presume then somebody could order the i3 or i5 version and then later upgrade the CPU to the i7 4790 or maybe even the 4790K (I know it wouldn't be overclockable but it's clocked 400MHz higher than the non-K).

[Urzu_7]

ubersonic wrote:
I see the CPU is in a regular socket and not soldered to the board, this is good as I presume then somebody could order the i3 or i5 version and then later upgrade the CPU to the i7 4790 or maybe even the 4790K (I know it wouldn't be overclockable but it's clocked 400MHz higher than the non-K).

Okay, CPU upgrading in theory is possible because the CPU is on a regular socket, but on this machine its a bit tricky. The reason is because when compared to the GPU which is just one device drawing from one power source, the CPU shares a single power source with a motherboard, ram, a DVD drive, LEDs, fans, and a hard drive. There might also be some other components that I'm forgetting. Long story short, if upgrading from the stock i3 or i5 to the !!!(((STOCK)))!!! i7 4790 NON K there shouldn't be a problem. Now remember, I said "shouldn't" but I'm not one hundred percent sure, I have never done this nor do I think anyone else has yet. However, if upgrading to a different version of the i7, i5 , i3 or another generation since this motherboard might support whatever comes after 4790 you run into the issue of possibly over drawing power from the power supply. If the CPU in place is over the recommended power draw you risk damaging the power supply or other components. The G 20 that I ordered came with a 180 W power supply for the core components and a 230 W power supply for the GPU, if the power supply you have for the main components of your G20 is rated the same as my 180 or higher, then you should be okay to upgrade at least to the i7 4790 since this is the same CPU that my G 20 came with. If you'd like to live on the edge or if you know the power draw for the CPU you want to upgrade to is close to the stock power draw of the i7 4790 then you could try it.

[XeonInside]

Yes, you can upgrade to a 4790k but the thing is it will run at 4.1GHz maximum enven if u choose the max turbo mode.

[steele_22]

Sorry for the awful picture

[bajek]

Urzu_7 wrote:
So this is where I'm at now I had to take the SSD back out, remove the CPU heatsink as originally planned...

Hi! Could you explain how you get out heatsink? Im stuck on this one. I trying to get out i5 and put i7 into this one:)

[toot1231]

My friend bought a GTX 980 and I put it in the system fans were spinning but, we had no picture what so ever.
But when i hooked it into the integrated Intel HD we would have picture like normal.
Our setup was slightly different as we were using a 90w laptop style adapter for the small AC adapater slot and a 230w for the larger hook in.

So the question is, do we not have enough power or will the bios simply not let it work?

Here is a picture of the GPU - http://www.bestbuy.com/site/nvidia-geforce-gtx-980-4gb-gddr5-pci-express-3-0-graphics-card-silver-bl...

[Urzu_7]

So I decided to hold off on the HDD because it looks like the only way to get to it would be to remove the motherboard, unscrew the back panel and attack it from underneath. I wish I had more time and well my weekends is almost up. Also I have some bad news, my local B.B. Ran out of 980s so I'm putting in a spare 680 I had for now. Still better than the stock GPU and I want to see how the temps are.

[Urzu_7]

An update to those worried about CPU temps after throwing in something like the 680. To start I did a small overclock on the GPU (+55) and ran the GPU at max with CPU benchmarking software, CPU Avg was 68C.

[stevox85]

Awesome work mate!
I ordered a GTX780 should arrive in a day or 2, got a standard galaxy one, I was worried some of the super clocked ones and the ones with all the extra fans and styling covers wouldnt fit, I'll see how I go with it.
The PSU should be shipped any time now, coming to Australia from Hong kong, so there might be a bit of a wait 😞
I decided on the 780 because the 980 is very expensive and I couldnt justify spending that kind of money right now.
Keep us posted on your rig, would love to know how you go if you decide to put the 980 in it!!!

[Urzu_7]

stevox85 wrote:
Awesome work mate!
I ordered a GTX780 should arrive in a day or 2, got a standard galaxy one, I was worried some of the super clocked ones and the ones with all the extra fans and styling covers wouldnt fit, I'll see how I go with it.
The PSU should be shipped any time now, coming to Australia from Hong kong, so there might be a bit of a wait 😞
I decided on the 780 because the 980 is very expensive and I couldnt justify spending that kind of money right now.
Keep us posted on your rig, would love to know how you go if you decide to put the 980 in it!!!

I think the 780 is Slightly bigger than my 680, just want to give you heads up when you put the card in it's really tight but it will fit just be careful not to damage the PCI E riser card.