Question Gaming pc advice

[COMPUTERGUYMAC]

I downloaded speccy and have posted some specs of my pc and the game I am trying to get my pc to play. Soul calibur vi is very laggy. Is my processor the issue or my old graphics card? I think I have what you call a sff (small form factor pc) so not all parts will fit in it. WHat is the first thing that I should replace to get my pc to stop being so laggy?? Please let me know all you pc pros out there. Thanks.

Operating System
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
CPU
Intel Core i5 2400 @ 3.10GHz 34 °C
Sandy Bridge 32nm Technology
RAM
14.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 665MHz (9-9-9-24)
Motherboard
Dell Inc. 0D28YY (CPU 1)
Graphics
AL2016W (1680x1050@60Hz)
1024MB ATI AMD Radeon HD 6450 (Dell) 38 °C
Storage
232GB Western Digital WDC WD2500AAKX-75U6AA0 (SATA) 32 °C
Optical Drives
PLDS DVD+-RW DS-8A8SH
Audio
AMD High Definition Audio Device

Graphics
Monitor
Name AL2016W on AMD Radeon HD 6450
Current Resolution 1680x1050 pixels
Work Resolution 1680x1010 pixels
State Enabled, Primary, Output devices support
Monitor Width 1680
Monitor Height 1050
Monitor BPP 32 bits per pixel
Monitor Frequency 60 Hz
Device \\.\DISPLAY1\Monitor0
ATI AMD Radeon HD 6450
Manufacturer ATI
Model AMD Radeon HD 6450
GPU Caicos
Device ID 1002-6779
Subvendor Dell (1028)
Series Radeon HD 6k
Current Performance Level Level 0
Current GPU Clock 100 MHz
Current Memory Clock 150 MHz
Current Shader Clock 150 MHz
Voltage 0.900 V
Die Size 67 mm²
Release Date Apr 19, 2011
DirectX Support 11.0
DirectX Shader Model 5.0
OpenGL Support 4.2
GPU Clock 625.0 MHz
Temperature 38 °C
Core Voltage 0.975 V
Driver version 15.201.1151.1008
BIOS Version 113-C2640500-101
ROPs 4
Shaders 160 unified
Memory Type DDR3
Memory 1024 MB
Bus Width 32x2 (64 bit)
Pixel Fillrate 2.5 GPixels/s
Bandwidth 12.8 GB/s
Noise Level Silent
Max Power Draw 27 Watts
Count of performance levels : 3
Level 1 - "Perf Level 0"
GPU Clock 100 MHz
Shader Clock 150 MHz
Level 2 - "Perf Level 1"
GPU Clock 400 MHz
Shader Clock 800 MHz
Level 3 - "Perf Level 2"
GPU Clock 625 MHz
Shader Clock 800 MHz
Motherboard
Manufacturer Dell Inc.
Model 0D28YY (CPU 1)
Version A03
Chipset Vendor Intel
Chipset Model Sandy Bridge
Chipset Revision 09
Southbridge Vendor Intel
Southbridge Model Q65
Southbridge Revision B2
BIOS
Brand Dell Inc.
Version A16
Date 8/21/2012
PCI Data
Slot PCI-E Gen 2
Slot Type PCI-E Gen 2
Slot Usage In Use
Data lanes x16
Slot Designation Slot1
Characteristics 3.3V, PME
Slot Number 0
Slot PCI-E Gen 2
Slot Type PCI-E Gen 2
Slot Usage Available
Data lanes x1
Slot Designation Slot2
Characteristics 3.3V, PME
Slot Number 1

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
MINIMUM:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 7, 8.1, 10 (64-bit)
Processor: Intel Core i3-4160 @ 3.60GHz or equivalent
Memory: 6 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 20 GB available space
Sound Card: DirectX compatible soundcard or onboard chipset
RECOMMENDED:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 7, 8.1, 10 (64-bit)
Processor: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5 GHz or equivalent
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: GeForce GTX 1060 or equivalent
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 20 GB available space
Sound Card: DirectX compatible soundcard or onboard chipset <---------SOUL CALIBUR VI SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS.

 

[henry.j.kautz]

Your HD 6450 is antiquated and will not keep up at all.

A GTX 1060 is probably five times faster than your current card.
Your only option here is to upgrade your GPU.

On the other hand, the other components of your PC are OK, it's just your GPU that needs upgrading.

 

[COMPUTERGUYMAC]

Your HD 6450 is antiquated and will not keep up at all.

A GTX 1060 is probably five times faster than your current card.
Your only option here is to upgrade your GPU.

On the other hand, the other components of your PC are OK, it's just your GPU that needs upgrading.

How do I know if the GTX 1060 is compatible with my pc? I mean isn't there different sizes of it?

 

[ElectrO_90]

How do I know if the GTX 1060 is compatible with my pc? I mean isn't there different sizes of it?

Then buy the one that is the smallest, if you think it won't fit in your machine. It isn't exactly a huge card.
If your case is mini atx then you need the smaller one, if its midi atx or larger, then you can get anyone.

 

[henry.j.kautz]

How do I know if the GTX 1060 is compatible with my pc? I mean isn't there different sizes of it?

Yes there are, and in fact I wouldn't even recommend buying a 1060 anymore.

What size is your Optiplex, is it the mid tower, and what PSU do you have?

If that was my PC, I'd go with a small 1050ti.

 

[Wolfshadw]

Your processor is a couple of generations too old. Minimum is a 4th Gen I3. Recommended is a 4th Gen I5 or better.
Not sure how you're coming up with 14GB of RAM, but that could be an issue (not running dual channel, not sure if your motherboard even supports dual-channel).
As mentioned, your graphics card is ancient. Minimum is a Geforce GTX 1050. Recommended is a Geforce GTX 1060.

PCI-Express is an industry standard. A first generation PCI-Ex16 graphics card is the exact same size as a third generation PCI-Ex16 graphics card. Of more concern is the power supply within your computer. Does it have the necessary power connectors most upper level graphics card need to power it? Of course, it does also need to physically fit within the case.

Given the age of this system, I'd probably consider a replacement first, but if budget doesn't allow for a full computer upgrade, then I'd probably look to just the GTX 1050.

-Wolf sends

 

[COMPUTERGUYMAC]

Yes there are, and in fact I wouldn't even recommend buying a 1060 anymore.

What size is your Optiplex, is it the mid tower, and what PSU do you have?

If that was my PC, I'd go with a small 1050ti.

I have an optiplex 790 I think. Not sure about the psu though.

 

[COMPUTERGUYMAC]

Your processor is a couple of generations too old. Minimum is a 4th Gen I3. Recommended is a 4th Gen I5 or better.
Not sure how you're coming up with 14GB of RAM, but that could be an issue (not running dual channel, not sure if your motherboard even supports dual-channel).
As mentioned, your graphics card is ancient. Minimum is a Geforce GTX 1050. Recommended is a Geforce GTX 1060.

PCI-Express is an industry standard. A first generation PCI-Ex16 graphics card is the exact same size as a third generation PCI-Ex16 graphics card. Of more concern is the power supply within your computer. Does it have the necessary power connectors most upper level graphics card need to power it? Of course, it does also need to physically fit within the case.

Given the age of this system, I'd probably consider a replacement first, but if budget doesn't allow for a full computer upgrade, then I'd probably look to just the GTX 1050.

-Wolf sends

I posted my specs. I have an i5 2400. How do I find out if my motherboard supports dual channel? I do indeed have 14 gb of ram. Is there an app I can download to find out the wat of my power supply? Also my pc size is a SFF, so what size GPU would I need to make it fit??

 

[Wolfshadw]

Need to know the exact model of your Dell. If it is the Dell Optiplex 790 SFF, then this is the manual: Dell Optiplex 790 User's Manual

The specifications don't say if your motherboard supports dual channel, but if it does, you'd need matching pairs of RAM. It would appear that you have 1x2GB and 3x4GB RAM installed for a total of 14GB. For dual-channel you'd want 4x4GB of RAM installed, and have the RAM purchased in a single kit or two 2x4GB kits. Not as large of an issue for this application.

Your power supply is only 240 watts and the small form factor limits you to low-profile graphic cards. While some people report success in running a GT1030 on a 240 watt power supply, I don't recommend wasting the money in case it does not work. There are power supply upgrades available for your unit, but again, I think this is just wasting money. You should be looking at a completely new build.

Here's a low-end build, more than enough to run Soul Caliber VI at around $450.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 3 1200 3.1 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - B450M DS3H Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($71.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Flare X 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($60.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GTX 1050 2 GB AERO ITX Video Card ($134.99 @ B&H)
Case: Corsair - 270R ATX Mid Tower Case ($41.79 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Gold 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply ($72.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $447.72
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-06-09 09:40 EDT-0400

-Wolf sends

 

[COMPUTERGUYMAC]

Need to know the exact model of your Dell. If it is the Dell Optiplex 790 SFF, then this is the manual: Dell Optiplex 790 User's Manual

The specifications don't say if your motherboard supports dual channel, but if it does, you'd need matching pairs of RAM. It would appear that you have 1x2GB and 3x4GB RAM installed for a total of 14GB. For dual-channel you'd want 4x4GB of RAM installed, and have the RAM purchased in a single kit or two 2x4GB kits. Not as large of an issue for this application.

Your power supply is only 240 watts and the small form factor limits you to low-profile graphic cards. While some people report success in running a GT1030 on a 240 watt power supply, I don't recommend wasting the money in case it does not work. There are power supply upgrades available for your unit, but again, I think this is just wasting money. You should be looking at a completely new build.

Here's a low-end build, more than enough to run Soul Caliber VI at around $450.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 3 1200 3.1 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - B450M DS3H Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($71.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Flare X 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($60.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GTX 1050 2 GB AERO ITX Video Card ($134.99 @ B&H)
Case: Corsair - 270R ATX Mid Tower Case ($41.79 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Gold 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply ($72.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $447.72
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-06-09 09:40 EDT-0400

-Wolf sends

Wow very informative my friend. One question I noticed you left out the hard drive. Was that intentional or by accident? Another question. Is it possible to transfer all the information from one hard drive to another? For example I have a 250 gb HDD now but if I upgraded to a 500 gb I would want to transfer the info from my current one. Well let me know and thanks

 

[Wolfshadw]

Whoops!

Honestly, that was a mistake. Add in an SSD for an additional $30 or you could transfer your current hard drive to the new system. You would need to back up your data, format the drive, and install Windows 10. As to your question, yes, you could transfer (clone) your 250GB drive to a 500GB drive... as long as it's used in the same system to replace the 250GB drive. If you wanted to move it to a new system, you'd want to perform a clean install anyway.

-Wolf sends

Edit:
PCPartPicker Part List

Storage: Crucial - BX500 240 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($28.99 @ Adorama)
Total: $28.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-06-10 08:11 EDT-0400

 

[COMPUTERGUYMAC]

Whoops!

Honestly, that was a mistake. Add in an SSD for an additional $30 or you could transfer your current hard drive to the new system. You would need to back up your data, format the drive, and install Windows 10. As to your question, yes, you could transfer (clone) your 250GB drive to a 500GB drive... as long as it's used in the same system to replace the 250GB drive. If you wanted to move it to a new system, you'd want to perform a clean install anyway.

-Wolf sends

Edit:
PCPartPicker Part List

Storage: Crucial - BX500 240 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($28.99 @ Adorama)
Total: $28.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-06-10 08:11 EDT-0400

So if I bought the new SSD you recommended then, how hard would it be to transfer the data from my current HDD to it? ALso would I have to buy a fresh copy of windows 10?? Please let me know and thanks.

 

[Wolfshadw]

If by "Data" you mean your documents, movies, MP3, etc... that's easy enough to move with a USB Flash Drive. If you're talking about applications you've installed, they would need to be reinstalled on the new drive in the new system. You would need to purchase a new copy of Windows 10, but you can hold off on that and just run Windows 10 without activation. That just means you cannot change the background and you cannot change the Task Bar.

-Wolf sends

 

[COMPUTERGUYMAC]

If by "Data" you mean your documents, movies, MP3, etc... that's easy enough to move with a USB Flash Drive. If you're talking about applications you've installed, they would need to be reinstalled on the new drive in the new system. You would need to purchase a new copy of Windows 10, but you can hold off on that and just run Windows 10 without activation. That just means you cannot change the background and you cannot change the Task Bar.

-Wolf sends

Thanks and Do you know of a ps/2 gaming mouse that isn't too costly?? Fairly cheap?
P.S-----Also with regards to soul calibur vi isn't the processor you suggested for the build too weak to run it? Or would the graphics card make up for the processor? Please let me know and thanks

 

[Wolfshadw]

No., That processor should be fine. Of course, if you can afford a better one, get one, but that Ryzen 3 is going to be fine. As for gaming mice, I don't do them. IMO, if you spend more than $25 on a keyboard/mouse combo, you've spent too much.

-Wolf sends

 

[COMPUTERGUYMAC]

No., That processor should be fine. Of course, if you can afford a better one, get one, but that Ryzen 3 is going to be fine. As for gaming mice, I don't do them. IMO, if you spend more than $25 on a keyboard/mouse combo, you've spent too much.

-Wolf sends

Thanks and .....I noticed you mentioned before that I could upgrade the power supply of my current system? How high of a power supply is the Dell Optiplex 790 SFF capable of running? Is it possible to use a 550 watt? Also if I did indeed upgrade the power supply would I then be able to use a gtx 1050 or 1060? It would appear that I have 1x2GB and 3x4GB RAM installed for a total of 14GB. I want to upgrade the 2gb to a 4gb. How do I find out which stick of 4 gb of ram would be compatible with my system?
P.s Is there any way to tell how big my current power supply is without opening up the unit? Please let me know and thank you for being patient with me

 

[DSzymborski]

Thanks and .....I noticed you mentioned before that I could upgrade the power supply of my current system? How high of a power supply is the Dell Optiplex 790 SFF capable of running? Is it possible to use a 550 watt? Also if I did indeed upgrade the power supply would I then be able to use a gtx 1050 or 1060? It would appear that I have 1x2GB and 3x4GB RAM installed for a total of 14GB. I want to upgrade the 2gb to a 4gb. How do I find out which stick of 4 gb of ram would be compatible with my system?
P.s Is there any way to tell how big my current power supply is without opening up the unit? Please let me know and thank you for being patient with me

You've got a real FrankenRAM situation here. If you're actually getting this oddball RAM configuration running, I wouldn't tempt fate and introduce another mystery RAM stick into the mix.

You need to look at your power supply. No getting around it.

 

[Wolfshadw]

Thanks and .....I noticed you mentioned before that I could upgrade the power supply of my current system? How high of a power supply is the Dell Optiplex 790 SFF capable of running? Is it possible to use a 550 watt? Also if I did indeed upgrade the power supply would I then be able to use a gtx 1050 or 1060? It would appear that I have 1x2GB and 3x4GB RAM installed for a total of 14GB. I want to upgrade the 2gb to a 4gb. How do I find out which stick of 4 gb of ram would be compatible with my system?
P.s Is there any way to tell how big my current power supply is without opening up the unit? Please let me know and thank you for being patient with me

The Dell Optiplex 790 Small Form Factor (SFF) comes with the default 240 watt power supply. There are proprietary 400 watt PSU upgrades, but again, these are still not designed to run cards that require an extra power cable from the power supply. Even with a 400 watt PSU upgrade, you're still limited to low-profile cards that draw no more than 75 watts. At best, you're probably looking at a GT 1050 (non-Ti).

Also, as mentioned previously, you really should be considering a RAM kit to replace what you have so you don't have to worry about compatibility issues with your current. If that's not an option, then you should be looking at a single 4GB module of DDR3-1333 RAM.

-Wolf sends

 

[COMPUTERGUYMAC]

The Dell Optiplex 790 Small Form Factor (SFF) comes with the default 240 watt power supply. There are proprietary 400 watt PSU upgrades, but again, these are still not designed to run cards that require an extra power cable from the power supply. Even with a 400 watt PSU upgrade, you're still limited to low-profile cards that draw no more than 75 watts. At best, you're probably looking at a GT 1050 (non-Ti).

Also, as mentioned previously, you really should be considering a RAM kit to replace what you have so you don't have to worry about compatibility issues with your current. If that's not an option, then you should be looking at a single 4GB module of DDR3-1333 RAM.

-Wolf sends

https://www.ebay.com/itm/400-watt-R...311351?hash=item1c46b46377:g:I30AAOSwQItUI3De <--- Here's a link. Would this power supply be compatible with my unit? Also I was having difficulty finding the ram, so can you give me a link to a 2X4gb kit that is compatible? For sure I agree with you that I need to buy a kit with 2X4gb. I noticed ever since I put the 2gb and 4gb stick in the unit that it has been much slower. Last point, the gt 1050 is way too spendy(I only spent 100 bucks for my pc).Would you suggest the gt 730 or the 1030? Would either of those graphics cards be able to play Soul calibur vi? They both cost about the same, so I would like your opinion. Please let me know and thanks.
-Michael

 

[Wolfshadw]

Optiplex 790 Power Supply Upgrade

This is the power supply you want as it specifically states it's an upgrade for your Dell.

The minimum system requirement for Soul Caliber VI is a GT 1050. A GT 1030 would probably run the game, but not very well. "Minimum System Requirements" just means that if you're below this and are having troubles, the support team only has to say, "Upgrade".

In addition to the power supply above, I'd probably go with something like this:

PCPartPicker Part List

Memory: G.Skill - Value Series 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($30.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Value Series 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($30.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GT 1030 2 GB LP Video Card ($89.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $151.87
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-06-18 10:10 EDT-0400

But there is something else to take into consideration. These upgrades to your existing computer will not play the game well. Are you sure you want to invest this money into what is potentially a wasted effort?

-Wolf sends

 

[COMPUTERGUYMAC]

Optiplex 790 Power Supply Upgrade

This is the power supply you want as it specifically states it's an upgrade for your Dell.

The minimum system requirement for Soul Caliber VI is a GT 1050. A GT 1030 would probably run the game, but not very well. "Minimum System Requirements" just means that if you're below this and are having troubles, the support team only has to say, "Upgrade".

In addition to the power supply above, I'd probably go with something like this:

PCPartPicker Part List

Memory: G.Skill - Value Series 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($30.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Value Series 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($30.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GT 1030 2 GB LP Video Card ($89.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $151.87
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-06-18 10:10 EDT-0400

But there is something else to take into consideration. These upgrades to your existing computer will not play the game well. Are you sure you want to invest this money into what is potentially a wasted effort?

-Wolf sends

Okay I like the PSU that you found. I have a question my cpu is a i52400 with a clock speed of 3.10 ghz but the minimum is a i3 with a clock speed of 3.6 ghz. The i3 has 2 cores and mine has 4. How do those 2 cpus compare to one another? Do I need to upgrade my cpu or should mine be good enough to play the game? Also lucky for me I was able to find the model numbers for my ram and found someone selling 2 sticks of it. I'm thinking the gpu upgrade might just be enough to play the game well. I saw a youtube video when someone was playing it with a gt 730. I will remain positive about this and keep pushing forward. I'm gonna try to get at least get a 1030 or maybe if I can find a deal a 1050. I must make sure the gpu card is a low profile one right? If a gpu card is a low profile one, does that always mean that it will be compatible with a SFF sized pc?? Please let me know and thanks.
P.S. https://www.ebay.com/itm/123808067001?ViewItem=&item=123808067001 <----would that graphics card be compatible? Also what does no SLI mean??

 

[Wolfshadw]

I have a question my cpu is a i52400 with a clock speed of 3.10 ghz but the minimum is a i3 with a clock speed of 3.6 ghz. The i3 has 2 cores and mine has 4. How do those 2 cpus compare to one another? Do I need to upgrade my cpu or should mine be good enough to play the game?

As I've already stated, your CPU is two generations older than the minimum. The game might take advantage of the additional cores your CPU has. It may not. Again, "Minimum System Requirements" only means that if you have an issue and you don't meet them minimum, Tech support does not have to help you other than to say, "upgrade". An upgrade on this motherboard may not be possible. Even if it were, you still would not be able to install a 4th generation processor.

If a gpu card is a low profile one, does that always mean that it will be compatible with a SFF sized pc??

"Always" is a word we don't use because some proprietary manufacturers don't conform to industry standards. Your system should support any Low-Profile, PCI-E graphics card that does not require an additional power connection.

As for the graphics card you linked, while it should be compatible with your motherboard, the specifications page says the Low-Profile bracket (needed to install in your SFF PC), is "Optional". I don't know if it will come with one and if not, you won't be able to install/secure the card.

-Wolf sends

 

[COMPUTERGUYMAC]

As I've already stated, your CPU is two generations older than the minimum. The game might take advantage of the additional cores your CPU has. It may not. Again, "Minimum System Requirements" only means that if you have an issue and you don't meet them minimum, Tech support does not have to help you other than to say, "upgrade". An upgrade on this motherboard may not be possible. Even if it were, you still would not be able to install a 4th generation processor.



"Always" is a word we don't use because some proprietary manufacturers don't conform to industry standards. Your system should support any Low-Profile, PCI-E graphics card that does not require an additional power connection.

As for the graphics card you linked, while it should be compatible with your motherboard, the specifications page says the Low-Profile bracket (needed to install in your SFF PC), is "Optional". I don't know if it will come with one and if not, you won't be able to install/secure the card.

-Wolf sends

Which cpu would I be able to upgrade to? How do I know if a gpu requires an additional connection for power? Can you believe someone won that gpu for only about 85? -_- https://www.ebay.com/itm/ZOTAC-Low-...rentrq:79d4388116b0aca46a152597ffc349ea|iid:1 I found this graphics card. Would this be compatible? Oh yeah what does the SLI option do in nvidia? Another thing, how does one tell if a GPU is compatible with a SFF sized pc? Seems hards to tell. Well please let me know and thanks as usual

 

[Wolfshadw]

Which cpu would I be able to upgrade to?

No idea. The specifications for your system (linked a ways back), shows that other versions of the Optiplex 790 came with Core I7 quad cores. Of course, it doesn't say which ones, nor does it say if a BIOS upgrade is necessary. You'd need to do a lot more research on this before even considering a CPU upgrade.

The second and third generations of the Intel Core I series processors were compatible in the same motherboard CPU socket. In standard motherboards, all that was needed was a BIOS update in order to use a third generation processor in a motherboard originally designed for the second generation processor. In other words, in a standard motherboard, if you had an Intel Core I5-2500 processor installed, you should be able to perform a BIOS update and to make your motherboard compatible with a processor like an Intel Core I7-3770 processor... with a STANDARD motherboard. Dell does not always use standard motherboard and you would need to find out the specific model of the motherboard they used in your system and then see if there has been a BIOS update that allows for the third generation processors to be installed.

How do I know if a gpu requires an additional connection for power?

1) Look at the top and/or back of the card. If it has PCIE power connector ports, it requires additional power.
For example:

2) You look on the specifications page for a given GPU model number. For instance. The model number of that card is "ZT-P10510E-10L DVI/HD"
Let Me Google Link

Find the Zotac link from the search above and go to the specifications page.

Here you will find details about that specific card. It should state either how many power connectors it requires or the power consumption. Here the Power Consumption is listed as 75 watts. As the PCI-Ex16 expansion slot provides up to 75 watts, no external power connector is required. If it states more than that or that additional power connectors are required, then the power supply should have those connectors if you want to use that card.

I found this graphics card. Would this be compatible?

Yes, that card appears to be compatible.

Oh yeah what does the SLI option do in nvidia?

Scalable Link Interface (SLI) is old technology that would allow you to install two identical graphic cards, linked by a bridge, and the two cards would work as one to increase the graphic performance in games that supported SLI. Just for reference, AMD's version of this technology is called Crossfire. This technology only made sense if you were using two higher-end cards as the performance increase was never 100%. Typical performance increase when using SLI/Crossfire was between 0% and 60%; depending on the cards being used and how well the game supported the technology. It doesn't make sense to try and use a multi-GPU setup using lower end cards as a single higher end card often out performs it. Of course, the motherboard and power supply would also need to be able to support a multi-GPU set up.

Another thing, how does one tell if a GPU is compatible with a SFF sized pc?

If a small form factor PC accepts expansion cards and the expansion slots in the back of the case are vertical, then they must be low-profile cards.

-Wolf sends

 

[COMPUTERGUYMAC]

No idea. The specifications for your system (linked a ways back), shows that other versions of the Optiplex 790 came with Core I7 quad cores. Of course, it doesn't say which ones, nor does it say if a BIOS upgrade is necessary. You'd need to do a lot more research on this before even considering a CPU upgrade.

The second and third generations of the Intel Core I series processors were compatible in the same motherboard CPU socket. In standard motherboards, all that was needed was a BIOS update in order to use a third generation processor in a motherboard originally designed for the second generation processor. In other words, in a standard motherboard, if you had an Intel Core I5-2500 processor installed, you should be able to perform a BIOS update and to make your motherboard compatible with a processor like an Intel Core I7-3770 processor... with a STANDARD motherboard. Dell does not always use standard motherboard and you would need to find out the specific model of the motherboard they used in your system and then see if there has been a BIOS update that allows for the third generation processors to be installed.



1) Look at the top and/or back of the card. If it has PCIE power connector ports, it requires additional power.
For example:

2) You look on the specifications page for a given GPU model number. For instance. The model number of that card is "ZT-P10510E-10L DVI/HD"
Let Me Google Link

Find the Zotac link from the search above and go to the specifications page.

Here you will find details about that specific card. It should state either how many power connectors it requires or the power consumption. Here the Power Consumption is listed as 75 watts. As the PCI-Ex16 expansion slot provides up to 75 watts, no external power connector is required. If it states more than that or that additional power connectors are required, then the power supply should have those connectors if you want to use that card.



Yes, that card appears to be compatible.



Scalable Link Interface (SLI) is old technology that would allow you to install two identical graphic cards, linked by a bridge, and the two cards would work as one to increase the graphic performance in games that supported SLI. Just for reference, AMD's version of this technology is called Crossfire. This technology only made sense if you were using two higher-end cards as the performance increase was never 100%. Typical performance increase when using SLI/Crossfire was between 0% and 60%; depending on the cards being used and how well the game supported the technology. It doesn't make sense to try and use a multi-GPU setup using lower end cards as a single higher end card often out performs it. Of course, the motherboard and power supply would also need to be able to support a multi-GPU set up.



If a small form factor PC accepts expansion cards and the expansion slots in the back of the case are vertical, then they must be low-profile cards.

-Wolf sends

Manufacturer Dell Inc.
Model 0D28YY (CPU 1)
Version A03
Chipset Vendor Intel
Chipset Model Sandy Bridge
Chipset Revision 09
Southbridge Vendor Intel
Southbridge Model Q65
Southbridge Revision B2
BIOS
Brand Dell Inc.
Version A16
Date 8/21/2012
PCI Data
Slot PCI-E Gen 2
Slot Type PCI-E Gen 2
Slot Usage In Use
Data lanes x16
Slot Designation Slot1
Characteristics 3.3V, PME
Slot Number 0
Slot PCI-E Gen 2
Slot Type PCI-E Gen 2
Slot Usage Available
Data lanes x1
Slot Designation Slot2
Characteristics 3.3V, PME
Slot Number 1 <-------------- That is my mother board info Sorry for my late reply headaches O_O Glad to hear that GPU is usable in my system. I am thinking about getting it. So is a cpu upgrade possible in my pc??? I can probably only upgrade to a 3rd gen right??Also how do you do a bios update? I went to bios and didn't see a way. Is it hard and possibly dangerous to my pc?? Would it make it faster? My cpu is so old. I though it was somewhat new before my bad. Well please let me know Wolf and thanks