Graphics card for optiplex

[rcfant89]

I need a graphics card for my dell optiplex 5040. What's a good one for around 100-150$? And what is compatible? I was thinking the 950. Would any model fit into my pc? Thanks.

 

[Rogue Leader]

Depends which 5040 model you have, the tower, minitower, desktop, or SFF (small form factor)

 

[lodders]

A GTX 950 is a good idea...
BUT from the picture I googled, it looks like your PC has a low profile case, so check the size of the GPU you buy - some will fit, most won't.

If you upgrade your GPU, you will need enough power. You need 450W for a PC with a GTX 950

 

[Wolfshadw]

That's going to depend on which version you have:

Mini-Tower - One Full Height PCI-Ex16, One Full Height PCI-Ex16 (x4)
Small Form Factor - One Half Height PCI-Ex16

It will also depend on your power supply and the rest of your system specification.

Source - Dell Optiplex 5040

-Wolf sends

 

[Rogue Leader]

THe biggest PSU available for that PC is 240 watt. Considering its a Skylake i3 or i5 based system it would be a waste to use a ultra low end low power GPU unless you absolutely must. But we will see depending what case you have.

 

[rcfant89]

I think the version I have is the mini-tower. I will try and find the specs on the PSU but it's not listed here:

http://www.dell.com/us/business/p/optiplex-5040-desktop/pd?3x_nav=PROC_BRAND%3DCORE_I7_6%26FORM_FACTOR%3DMTWR&3x_page=1&filterCollapsed=true

Wouldn't the 950 GPU performance blow the CPU's graphics performance away? Considering it has 2 gigs of dedicated graphics ram, etc? The main purpose is work graphics. Thanks.

 

[rcfant89]

I found the spec sheet and it says 240 watt PSU so I guess that won't work.

 

[Rogue Leader]

I think the version I have is the mini-tower. I will try and find the specs on the PSU but it's not listed here:

http://www.dell.com/us/business/p/optiplex-5040-desktop/pd?3x_nav=PROC_BRAND%3DCORE_I7_6%26FORM_FACTOR%3DMTWR&3x_page=1&filterCollapsed=true

Wouldn't the 950 GPU performance blow the CPU's graphics performance away? Considering it has 2 gigs of dedicated graphics ram, etc? The main purpose is work graphics. Thanks.

Ok so fitment wise it will fit, but if you're not playing games why do you want it? There is no benefit over the Integrated Graphics if you aren't playing 3D games.

I found the spec sheet and it says 240 watt PSU so I guess that won't work.

Yes as I mentioned it is 240 watt, you would need to replace the PSU to be able to run a GPU. Luckily the mini tower will fit it.

 

[rcfant89]

One of my users wants a discrete graphics card for photoshop and other graphics related work tasks. The 950 should be better than the integrated graphics, I would think...

 

[lodders]

One of my users wants a discrete graphics card for photoshop and other graphics related work tasks. The 950 should be better than the integrated graphics, I would think...

A discrete graphics card is great for 3D graphics - mostly when playing games.
For 2D work, such as photo editing, the onboard graphics is often plenty of power.
You may find that photoshop or your other graphics programs do not need and can not utilize the power of a 950 GPU.
Suggest you google the specific programs to check....

 

[Rogue Leader]

One of my users wants a discrete graphics card for photoshop and other graphics related work tasks. The 950 should be better than the integrated graphics, I would think...

For 2D Photoshop and the like, not really no. That computer has the integrated Intel 530 Graphics which non 3D wise should be about the same performance as a GTX 950, there really is no reason to do this.

If they want an upgrade a professional GPU like a Quadro or FirePro may help but aside from Photoshop what applications do they use, most can't even take advantage of it.