[SOLVED] Old optiplex models question

[Kyle610]

Buying a PC for my younger brother. Can’t afford to drop $700 on a PC right now like I did for me. He came to me about an old Dell model he found on Amazon. Had a 2TB hard drive, i5 3rd gen, 16gb ram, was only like $200. Figured if I bought that and slapped a graphics card in it, say a 1660, it could run pretty much anything if I’m not missing something? All for only like $400. He wants to run VR on it and the only specs I found was an i5, gtx 970 and 8gb ram. That’s all of those hit unless I’m missing something, if I am please inform me! Also if there’s one that hits all of the criteria that you know of feel free to drop a link, I’ll take a look. Thanks in advanced

 

[Wolfshadw]

The problem with pre-built systems like those from Dell is that they're not intended for upgrades. You need to look at the details of the model to make sure of compatibility first:

1. Does it even have a PCI-Ex16 expansion slot?
2. Does the expansion slot provide the full 75 watts of power?
3. Would the new graphics card physically fit within the case?
4. Can you replace the existing power supply with a stronger/standard power supply?

-Wolf sends

 

[punkncat]

By and large, unless the Dell is an MT model of the Optiplex there generally won't even be the option to add a graphics card. All of the SFF/DT models have both half height as well as slot height restrictions. Even at that, it's quite rare for an MT model to have PCI power. Have seen folks use cards that require no supplemental power, which leaves a few options.

GREAT computers to purchase for productivity/school/work, but can be tough to get the right fit for a gaming box.

A suggestion I would make in a case like this would be to consider something along the lines of a 1st gen Ryzen find, like the R5 1600, 2x4GB of 2666 DDR4 RAM, cheap Micro ATX B450 mobo for being able to swap in a better (later gen) CPU later, RX570, and a ketchup and mustard PSU of repute like a Corsair or an EVGA, perhaps a recycled case or one of the cheapo Rosewill/DIYPC types and a cheap SSD to tie over. Typically not hard to find someone with a HDD laying around for use....I bet with some looking and utilizing local CL, etc. you would be able to build that less than ~$400, particularly if you were ok using Win 10 unregistered for a bit.

 

[ohio_buckeye]

Also, if you go the Dell route, I'd try to opt for an i7 if you can.

 

[testsubject2575]

Buying a prebuilt means that upgrade path is not that great. You can buy a custom built 400 dollar System Unit (only) or build a 300 dollar one and spend the remaining hundred dollars for the monitor and peripherals. In our country, the build that is commonly suggested for this pricepoint is:

$300 System Unit:
$80 = Ryzen 3 2200g CPU (with integrated GPU so no need to buy a graphics card, yet)
$80 = 8GB Stick DDR4 RAM (for upgrade path reasons)
$70 = 450 watt PSU (don't cheap out on this!)
$60 = Any A320 Motherboard (no overclocking!)
$30 = A case with a good ventilation (or even with free RGB fans!)
$30 = 240GB SSD (for now, you can add later)

which sums up to $350 (old price). These price points may vary from countries, and even secondhand markets if you are into that. This built is great since all of the components are new.

If you already have peripherals for your PC, then go for a B450 motherboard and a first gen Ryzen 5 or 7 CPU instead. Slap a 1660 later and call it a day.

 

[Kyle610]

Thanks guys So I looked into the issues, it needs a USB 3.0, needs enough room, needs a PCIe slot. I found some containing most but none have all. Forgot to mention peripherals aren’t needed as I had 3 monitors and old keyboard mouse and headset laying around lol. I look into a Ryzen build, although I typically prefer intel if it gets the job done it’s good enough haha. Thanks tons!

 

[ohio_buckeye]

Ryzen is very competitive. Doubt you'll regret it.