Question Old Dell optiplex gx280 upgrade

[BenjaminF]

I am building/fixing my first pc ever and it is a very old dell optiplex gx280. I have relatively good knowledge of pc building from countless hours of videos. I know I need a new psu and thermal paste and maybe some more ram. Does anyone have links to parts that would fit into the system without altering anything else and would be compatible? EU/UK/IRELAND links only pls. Thanks!!!

 

[USAFRet]

Rarely is an Optiplex a good candidate for an "Upgrade".
Even more so, a 10+ year old one.

Case/PSU/motherboard likely have proprietary Dell connectors.
Requiring replacement of ALL of those.

And being a decade old, you need new RAM/CPU/motherboard anyway.
And a 10 year old PSU is due for replacement anyway.

So...a whole new box of parts.

 

[BenjaminF]

If I just want it to start without blowing up, what very budget psu would you recommend/ would it connect to its cables

 

[Rokinamerica]

Fairly sure that is proprietary also.

Might want to see if parting it out might make you a little cash to add to what you were going to spend on upgrades and see if together it can't get you something better.

 

[USAFRet]

If I just want it to start without blowing up, what very budget psu would you recommend/ would it connect to its cables

Connect what to what cables?

A new PSU won't connect to the Dell motherboard.

Unfortunately, you need all new parts.

 

[BenjaminF]

Aight bro thanks for telling me I’ll risk the old psu😭

 

[USAFRet]

Aight bro thanks for telling me I’ll risk the old psu😭

With what?

You still have the 10 year old CPU and RAM.

There is no "upgrade" path for that thing.

 

[BenjaminF]

If I plugged in the old psu would it explode

 

[USAFRet]

If I plugged in the old psu would it explode

Completely unknown.

When was the last time this system was turned on?

 

[BenjaminF]

Not sure, I’d say 6-10 years ago

 

[USAFRet]

Not sure, I’d say 6-10 years ago

It might run, it might not.

If it does, it is still a decade+old system.

 

[Misgar]

To test a computer which hasn't been switched on for 6 to 10 years:

1). Plug the computer into a switched 13A wall outlet.
2). Stand at least 10ft/3m away from the computer.
3). Switch on the computer at the wall.
4). Check for exploding electrolytics or magic smoke from the PSU.
5). At arms length, press the power button on the computer front panel.
6). Stand back and check for magic smoke again.

If the computer starts up and reaches the Windows 7, Vista, XP, Millennium or 98SE login or Desktop screens, check this link and type in your Service Tag to download any user guides, specifications and service manuals.
https://www.dell.com/support/conten...ort-knowledgebase/locate-service-tag/Desktops

As USAFRet says, Dell parts (PSU and motherboard) can be non-standard sizes.

Many Dell PSUs are an unusual shape, making it impossible to fit a standard ATX power supply into the case.
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/blog/power-supply-form-factors-explained-everything-you-need-to-know/

Similarly, Dell often use a proprietary motherboard size, making it impossible to fit a normal microATX or ATX card.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motherboard_form_factor

You might be able to fit a faster CPU or install more RAM on the existing motherboard, if the BIOS permits such upgrades. Check the manuals. This would probably involve buying second-hand components.

A more sensible upgrade would be to replace the SATA hard disk (if fitted) with a SATA SSD and clone the old operating system on to the new drive.

You could buy a used (working) GX280 for £10 here and cannibalise it for parts:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/38491326...AD_R_KEYWORD_dell+optiplex+gx280&toolid=10049

 

[alexrota1970]

Dell Optiplex GX280 ... went on the market in the year 2004. I mean, it's NINETEEN years old! Old CPU, old RAM (DDR2, limited to a maximum of 4 GB), damn old graphic card (no support for a decent modern monitor resolution).
Some months ago I installed Windows 7-32 bit on this Dell, but to me it's an absolute waste of time and money. You can try a very light Linux distro and ... good luck.