Dell Optiplex 760 USFF Video Card Upgrade

[mikuohatsune]

I just got a dell optilex and im planning to upgrade the video card, problem is, I have no clue how to. I don't know which to get (but that is the least of my problem). I also don't know where on earth would it go... It doesn't look like its easy to just insert inside, the USFF is very compact.

Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E7400 @ 2.80GHz Intel(R) Q45/Q43 Express Chipset

 

[HCSn]

That's funny I just worked on an optiplex earlier today.

However I'm not seeing any PCI express lanes on your motherboard. That's required to run modern graphics cards. You may need an entirely new computer if your motherboard doesn't have one (although most do). They look kind of like the slots that ram go in.

The spec sheet on the dell website says it does have a pci express x16 slot.

 

[HCSn]

Actually I take that back. The regular 760 has expansion slots but your ultra small form factor 760 has no pci express lanes. You're going to need a new computer for a graphics card.

 

[mikuohatsune]

Actually I take that back. The regular 760 has expansion slots but your ultra small form factor 760 has no pci express lanes. You're going to need a new computer for a graphics card.

Thank you so much, I didn't know that. I just started playing around with it and it was very frustrating, now that I know, I know what to do now

 

[HCSn]

Awesome, good luck.

 

[sonksenben]

I'm two years late to the party; however, I have a theory that may work.
External graphics card adapter kits have been on the market for use with laptops/notebooks.
Dell OptiPlex Ultra Small Form Factor GX620, 745, 755, 760, and SX280 do not have the appropriate connector ports for direct connection. They do not have any PCI-E lanes, mini-PCI-E, ExpressCard, or NGFF M.2, but they do have USB and USB 2.0 support.

Using a USB 2.0 to ExpressCard adapter from the computer to an ExpressCard to PCI-E graphics card adapter should work... IF the computer supports USB to PCI conversion (I don't know if it does). Of course, you will need a power source also.

Product information:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001KUOW9O/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I32OH8RLXDHR0Z&colid=17TI8I5CLEYBK&psc=0#Ask

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0725B6L99/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I3I8FHM1OSO0HQ&colid=17TI8I5CLEYBK&psc=0

http://www.siig.com/it-products/usb/converters/usb-to-expresscard.html

https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a312a.7700824.w4004-16541360067.4.415ecc67Ud9pNv&id=37090263024

Here is a good video of the graphics card adapter:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dn71tIb25e0

Here is a good video that explains external card risers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en_JZSXqu0o
(He states in the comments : "Please Note:- You cannot connect the GPU Riser to your USB port. The usb cable is just used as an alternative to a ribbon cable, there is no usb interface. You cannot run the gpu riser from a usb port!")

Hopefully these ideas help with such a common question. I have not done this personally, (and haven't found anyone on the internet who has), and cannot confirm if it will work.

** It would cost the same just to custom install an aftermarket mini-itx into the case instead **