Dell optiplex 390 new CPU?

[ThePixelPuppy]

I just got a dell optiplex 390 and I am trying to turn it into a decent gaming computer. If I want to upgrade the dual core i3 2120 to a i5 2500 do I need enhanced cooling?

Specs:

Video: I have a GT 710 video card
CPU: Intel Core i3 2120 2 Cores 3.30GHz 3300MHz
GPU: Nivdia GeForce GT 710
PSU: Not sure, but it's 300 watts.

 

[mdd1963]

By the time you are done, you will have replaced everything, and, unfortunately, everything needs replacing for gaming....

Best to just 'start over' with a RYzen 5-1600 based build, a B350 mainboard, 16 GB of DDR4, a PSU capable of actually supporting a graphics card, etc...(Corsair has a 600 watt PSU for about $60); for a graphics card, you want at least a GTX1050Ti, as GTX1060s are expensive right now...

A basic Corsair 100R case is $55-$60 or so...

 

[ThePixelPuppy]

By the time you are done, you will have replaced everything, and, unfortunately, everything needs replacing for gaming....

Best to just 'start over' with a RYzen 5-1600 based build, a B350 mainboard, 16 GB of DDR4, a PSU capable of actually supporting a graphics card, etc...(Corsair has a 600 watt PSU for about $60); for a graphics card, you want at least a GTX1050Ti, as GTX1060s are expensive right now...

A basic Corsair 100R case is $55-$60 or so...

I understand what I'm in for. I've dealed with crappy computers and made them good for gaming. But I've never gone into optiplex so I just want to know if I could upgrade? Also, Do I have to upgrade the case? It seems more cosmetic than useful... Also I have 8GB of ram right now. Would I have to upgrade again?

 

[chemmajorp53]

Yes, you can upgrade it, but by the time you've replaced the CPU, GPU, and PSU you still have a dell optiplex in a crappy case with a crappy motherboard. It can be done, it's just a waste of money. You're better off buying a used gaming rig on craigslist

 

[ThePixelPuppy]

Yes, you can upgrade it, but by the time you've replaced the CPU, GPU, and PSU you still have a dell optiplex in a crappy case with a crappy motherboard. It can be done, it's just a waste of money. You're better off buying a used gaming rig on craigslist

Okay but is the case necessary? I understand I would need a new motherboard but...