Best graphics card for Dell Optiplex 740?

[NassimTN]

Hello,

I have a Dell Optiplex 740 desktop. I want to buy a new graphics card for my pc. My pc has a 280 watt power supply and it's not a big pc. So can someone tell me the best graphics card that's compatible with my power supply? I want to play games with the new graphics card but I don't want to play the new games but the old games.

Sorry for my bad English.

 

[R_1]

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/s3YWGX/gigabyte-geforce-gt-1030-2gb-silent-low-profile-video-card-gv-n1030sl-2gl
low power, small size, and strong enough for older games - the bare minimum

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/zggPxr/msi-geforce-gtx-1050-2gb-low-profile-video-card-gtx-1050-2gt-lp
small, low power, stronger can handle some newer games

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Dw4NnQ/gigabyte-geforce-gtx-1050-ti-4gb-oc-low-profile-video-card-gv-n105toc-4gl
small and low power, strongest system can run

not endorsements, examples
buying keywords: 1030 low profile, 1050 low profile, 1050 ti low profile.

 

[william p]

Be careful. Some newer cards are UEFI rated and need a UEFI BIOS to run. Legacy BIOS cards can run on anything,the UEFI BIOS has a Legacy mode. The older BIOS doesn't have UEFI because it didn't exist then.
Be sure and get the latest BIOS from Dell (even if it's 10 years old). PCIe version can be updated there, also RAM capacity and CPU support.
In Safe Mode (F8) remove the old GPU drivers first, then install new GPU drivers.
You should have at least 6GB RAM to run a 2GB GPU. Your system supports 8GB.

 

[Rexper]

For all Dell Optiplex DT models I know of are power limited on the PCIe x16 slot to <50w. It is possible to use a GPU using more wattage, though there's an equal risk it won't.

Max Length for GPU in that Dell is 167.65mm
Max height is 68.9mm.

So if you want to avoid problems, these are the strongest GPUs for your computer: https://pcpartpicker.com/products/video-card/detailed-list/#i=39&w=15,35&l=69,167&sort=price&c=396

 

[william p]

For all Dell Optiplex DT models I know of are power limited on the PCIe x16 slot to <50w. It is possible to use a GPU using more wattage, though there's an equal risk it won't.

Max Length for GPU in that Dell is 167.65mm
Max height is 68.9mm.

So if you want to avoid problems, these are the strongest GPUs for your computer: https://pcpartpicker.com/products/video-card/detailed-list/#i=39&w=15,35&l=69,167&sort=price&c=396

Can you show any reference or documentation to support that 50W limit? All the way back to the Dell Optiplex 755 SFF they listed limitations of the PCIe slot in the techniacl specifications. If I don't see a limit there I assume they're following PCIe specifications of 75W per 16X slot.. We can't both be right.

 

[Evolved-Computers]

I reckon get a GT 1030. I just upgraded my Optiplex 990 MT with a GTX 1050 OC, and it kicks arse, but for your limits, you should get a GT 1030 or GTX 1050 low profile for your small case. 1050 if your PCI-E slot takes 75w.

 

[Rexper]

For all Dell Optiplex DT models I know of are power limited on the PCIe x16 slot to <50w. It is possible to use a GPU using more wattage, though there's an equal risk it won't.

Max Length for GPU in that Dell is 167.65mm
Max height is 68.9mm.

So if you want to avoid problems, these are the strongest GPUs for your computer: https://pcpartpicker.com/products/video-card/detailed-list/#i=39&w=15,35&l=69,167&sort=price&c=396

Can you show any reference or documentation to support that 50W limit? All the way back to the Dell Optiplex 755 SFF they listed limitations of the PCIe slot in the techniacl specifications. If I don't see a limit there I assume they're following PCIe specifications of 75W per 16X slot.. We can't both be right.

The specification isn't actually included for that model, though for all 20+ 2011+ models with a technical guidebook does list it. And from my research all of those DT and SSF models are power limited to < 50w (which I believe is a motherboard limitation, not just a recommendation considering the PSU). Only one MT model I found was power limited.

I assume earlier models do have the same limitations, just without including it as a specification. I've been meaning to get in contact with dell about this subject.

 

[NassimTN]

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/s3YWGX/gigabyte-geforce-gt-1030-2gb-silent-low-profile-video-card-gv-n1030sl-2gl
low power, small size, and strong enough for older games - the bare minimum

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/zggPxr/msi-geforce-gtx-1050-2gb-low-profile-video-card-gtx-1050-2gt-lp
small, low power, stronger can handle some newer games

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Dw4NnQ/gigabyte-geforce-gtx-1050-ti-4gb-oc-low-profile-video-card-gv-n105toc-4gl
small and low power, strongest system can run

not endorsements, examples
buying keywords: 1030 low profile, 1050 low profile, 1050 ti low profile.

I saw the specs of the GTX 1050 TI Low Profile an they recommend a 300 Watt PSU but I have a 280 watt. Is that a problem?

 

[R_1]

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/s3YWGX/gigabyte-geforce-gt-1030-2gb-silent-low-profile-video-card-gv-n1030sl-2gl
low power, small size, and strong enough for older games - the bare minimum

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/zggPxr/msi-geforce-gtx-1050-2gb-low-profile-video-card-gtx-1050-2gt-lp
small, low power, stronger can handle some newer games

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Dw4NnQ/gigabyte-geforce-gtx-1050-ti-4gb-oc-low-profile-video-card-gv-n105toc-4gl
small and low power, strongest system can run

not endorsements, examples
buying keywords: 1030 low profile, 1050 low profile, 1050 ti low profile.

I saw the specs of the GTX 1050 TI Low Profile an they recommend a 300 Watt PSU but I have a 280 watt. Is that a problem?

shouldn't be the card (assuming it not an overclocked variant) will only use 75W.
the power supply requirements are always high, unless your CPU and RAM are eating 205W you are good.

 

[william p]

I'm not real familiar with the740 but check your CPU TDP. If it's 95W or less which is normal for Optiplex then you're OK. basically Dell PSUs acn power all the slots and bays the computer comes with. On the Optiplexes there aren't very many, especially on the DT models and SFF.

 

[Rexper]

The PSU may be enough for the GTX 1050, but the motherboard may not. To avoid risks, just go with a gt 1030.