dell optiplex 755 sff

[anton666]

I know this has been asked but I just want to check a few things, I've been given a 755 sff and want to upgrade it cos it's still stock.

It's running vista atm but want to put windows 7 64bit on it, upgrade the ram and put a graphics card in.

What sort of ram can I use, can I use ddr3 or do I have to stick with ddr2 and can I put a low profile radeon hd 5450 1gig card in.

Yes I'm a complete novice and have now real idea lol

Thanks for your time

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

Windows 7 isn't supported on the Optiplex 755, meaning Dell did not release any Windows 7 drivers for it, as you can see here:
http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/product/optiplex-755/drivers

 

[anton666]

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/400776991227?nav=SEARCH this is the same as what I've been given but it's got 2 gig more ram and that's running windows 7?

 

[Wolfshadw]

It's probably running Windows 7 using Vista drivers. They may or may not work. While you can certainly upgrade your RAM to 4GB of DDR2 RAM (I don't know if you can go any higher and no, you cannot use DDR3 RAM), you are limited to single slot width, low-profile graphic cards and even more so by your limited power supply.

-Wolf sends

 

[anton666]

From what I can tell via YouTube and other sites windows 7 runs fine but to be on the safe side I may leave ot as vista for now, and the graphics card looks like the preferred choice for this machine, I've checked the specs and I can have upto 8 gig of ram.

But to me it's all number I'm a bit of a technophobe, he'll I've only just upgraded my Nokia 3310 and this is my first computer, not bad going for a 36 year old I've dodged technology for all these years but my kids are forcing me to "get with it" lol

 

[Wolfshadw]

LOL! Damn the kids, ban all cell phones and go back to the wall mounted rotary phones!

J/K

I only mention Windows Vista drivers as a cautionary item. I'm 90% sure they'll work, but don't be overly surprised it something doesn't work to it's full potential.

You need to find the detailed specs of the system to determine whether you can use DDR2-533, DDR2-667 or DDR2-800 RAM. Since your system only has two RAM slots, a 2x4GB kit (8GB) would be ideal, but costly. If that doesn't work for you, then a 2x2GB (4GB kit) to replace your current RAM would be next best.

Again, with the graphics card, you need to make sure it's a low-profile/half-height, single slot width card. The Radeon HD 5450/6450 or Geforce GT610/620 would probably be ideal.

-Wolf sends

 

[anton666]

I've read about the power supply problem I'm thinking of putting it into a tower case so I can get a bigger psu

 

[Wolfshadw]

Sorry, but that motherboard is of a BTX form factor (the expansion slots are to the left of the Rear I/O panel instead of to the right). I think you'll be hard pressed to find a newer case, reasonably priced, that can accept a BTX form-factor motherboard.

-Wolf sends

 

[anton666]

Ok I can deal with that I'll just leave it in that case for now until I same up for a gaming rig, I've checked and the ram is ddr2 667 but it also says it can take 800 I assume what ever I choose both sticks have to be the same.

 

[Wolfshadw]

Correct.

-Wolf sends

 

[anton666]

Cool I've learnt more in the last few hours chatting to you than I ever did before lol I more be picking you brain at some point soon if that's ok?

 

[Wolfshadw]

Just keep posting in these forums. I and any number of other techies will be more than happy to assist you!

-Wolf sends