Optiplex 380 gaming computer, is it possible?

[switchclik]

Hi all,
I am a total newbie with computers, so you'll have to forgive me if I sound naive with this question:

I bought a Dell optiplex 380 from a neighbor for cheap, and I thought I would only need to put in a new GPU to get it reasonably up to speed (I didn't think I needed amazing performance at the time).
What I have now found is that I will definitely need more RAM, maybe a newer CPU and possibly even a new motherboard (?).

I was looking at getting a zotac geforce gtx 1060 GPU, 8gb ram (for the moment) and intel i5-8400 CPU.
What sort of compatibility issues may I face here, do I need to replace my mother board too and ultimately is it not worth upgrading a machine this old (should I just bite the bullet and build a new one from the ground up)?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[william p]

Go to BIOS Mods.com ( two words) forum. The link is up above.

 

[MrDreamerz]

Go to BIOS Mods.com ( two words) forum. The link is up above.

i made a post right under yours on that thread from bios mods.com
(https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-OptiPlex-360-380-760-780-960-Xeon-LGA-771-E0-1067A-Microcode?page=20)
i'm still researching and trying to figure out which files i need, i'm determined to make this work the X5470 cpu is on its way and i already got the grizzly thermal grease and the heat sink is on its way too.
So far i got 8 gigs or ram and 750W PSU in it and i'm on the latest bios (A07) i'm currently looking to buy a gtx 1060 6gb mini card or a 1050ti 4gb. So far so good 😉

 

[MrDreamerz]

Go to BIOS Mods.com ( two words) forum. The link is up above.

Ok i got the files sorry i didn't get it at first, i have the "DCCU 3.1 MR1" and the file "o380-a07.hdr"
(got the A07 because i'm updated to that bios)
so now i was wondering how to apply it?
Do i do it within windows?

 

[william p]

Yes DCCU runs in Windows. Wait until you have the CPU. The mod replaces LGA775 support with LGA771 support.
Unzip the files.
Open DCCU, then select the BIOS hdr. file.
Then create BIOS file.
The created file will appear at the lower left like a download.
Open and run the .exe just like any other Dell BIOS.

 

[MrDreamerz]

Yes DCCU runs in Windows. Wait until you have the CPU. The mod replaces LGA775 support with LGA771 support.
Unzip the files.
Open DCCU, then select the BIOS hdr. file.
Then create BIOS file.
The created file will appear at the lower left like a download.
Open and run the .exe just like any other Dell BIOS.

Great Thanks!!
So to go over once more i run this bios mod with DCCU with the A07.hdr file, run and install the created exe. within windows then when its done i shut pc down and install the new X5470 cpu? in that order?

BTW i just got the heat sink today! and i got the Kryonaut Thermal Grizzly grease a few days ago as well, and the X5470 cpu is still on it's way 😉

 

[william p]

Yes it will already be booted with th old BIOS and CPU when you install the new one next boot it will be a xeon system. Actually reset the BIOS to default using the jumper also to clear any old settings when you install the CPU.

 

[MrDreamerz]

Yes it will already be booted with th old BIOS and CPU when you install the new one next boot it will be a xeon system. Actually reset the BIOS to default using the jumper also to clear any old settings when you install the CPU.

Thanks! BTW
Whats the jumper?
And do i clear the bios with jumper before or after i run and install the created mod bios exe. with DCCU or after i install the new X5470 CPU?

 

[william p]

Page 40 here. Item #10
https://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_optiplex_desktop/optiplex-380_service%20manual2_en-us.pdf
After you flash the BIOS and before booting the new CPU. It makes the BIOS read the CPU setup data.

 

[MrDreamerz]

Page 40 here. Item #10
https://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_optiplex_desktop/optiplex-380_service%20manual2_en-us.pdf
After you flash the BIOS and before booting the new CPU. It makes the BIOS read the CPU setup data.

Thanks again!
But which one? or Both?
There are 2 jumpers the password jumper (PSWD) and the reset jumper (RTCRST).
And from what i researched this resets the bios so do pull it then boot up (if so when do i put it back in?)
or pull it then automatically plug it back in then boot up?

BTW can't i just pop out the cmos for a minute and put it back in then boot up does that not do the same thing?

 

[william p]

Yes you can pull the batttery it's the same thing.

 

[MrDreamerz]

Yes you can pull the batttery it's the same thing.

Ok i have not received the cpu yet but it should be here soon but i did end up getting a evga gtx 1050ti for my gpu but its not fitting how did you fit your 1060 in your dell optiplex 380 mt?
Is it possible i can replace the high flow bracket with a different one that will fit?
If so where can i get it?

 

[william p]

Earlier I said specifically the Zotac GTX1050Ti Mini is the only one that fits. Other ones won't fit. I would exchange it if you can because making it fit will void the warranty. As far as the GTX1060 goes It has to be an MSI card because that's the only one w/o a hardmounted DVI port in the 2nd slot. So it can be converted to single slot configuration. This requires cutting up a brand new GPU. Not everyone is willing to do this. if you want a GTX 1050Ti get the ZOTAC Mini. Even most GTX750s required modding to fit.

 

[MrDreamerz]

Earlier I said specifically the Zotac GTX1050Ti Mini is the only one that fits. Other ones won't fit. I would exchange it if you can because making it fit will void the warranty. As far as the GTX1060 goes It has to be an MSI card because that's the only one w/o a hardmounted DVI port in the 2nd slot. So it can be converted to single slot configuration. This requires cutting up a brand new GPU. Not everyone is willing to do this. if you want a GTX 1050Ti get the ZOTAC Mini. Even most GTX750s required modding to fit.

Ok thanks no problem!
I think ill keep the card and get a dell optiplex 790 mt or something like that for a Christmas gift and put it in there for my nephews or something like that and ill start looking for a Zotac GTX1050Ti Mini since i'm still waiting for the cpu to come 😉

 

[william p]

I'll describe the mod for you and then you can decide if it's for you or not.
Start with this card.
https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GTX-1060-3G-OCV1/dp/B01LW14DG7
Remove the bracket and cut it in 1/2 lengthwise to make a single slot version. Then take a hobby saw and cut the plastic shroud off even with the back end of the circuit board and heatsink. The hot air that used to go out the bracket will now turn left and go out the rear vent area. Some other cards need the cover trimmed to allow that. But this one is OK there.
Unused expansion slots should have vented covers installed so heat doesn't build up back there. A bigger PSU is of course required to power the GPU.
The Opti 380 has an extra expansion slot that an Antec Cyclone blower can be installed in if the MB slots are all full.
https://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?p=CA-BLOWER&c=fr&hash=1d1dq5%2B197A2U7ExJmUma1vBGjCUIGVc%2BXSHW1i%2FyTAgTrmKsgqSE7TL7tVeKCu7HonQ17a4WOCzx2DO5sH%2FV47SGLVFhdJyCrgu3wMHOI5hCZbotDtY2sw&gclid=CjwKCAiAiuTfBRAaEiwA4itUqN-EsQQBHtKayazfMvgnFaGyQVBfJTlFxAEzKV4ZoXvTRvdc5gQFTRoCprsQAvD_BwE

 

[MrDreamerz]

I'll describe the mod for you and then you can decide if it's for you or not.
Start with this card.
https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GTX-1060-3G-OCV1/dp/B01LW14DG7
Remove the bracket and cut it in 1/2 lengthwise to make a single slot version. Then take a hobby saw and cut the plastic shroud off even with the back end of the circuit board and heatsink. The hot air that used to go out the bracket will now turn left and go out the rear vent area. Some other cards need the cover trimmed to allow that. But this one is OK there.
Unused expansion slots should have vented covers installed so heat doesn't build up back there. A bigger PSU is of course required to power the GPU.
The Opti 380 has an extra expansion slot that an Antec Cyclone blower can be installed in if the MB slots are all full.
https://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?p=CA-BLOWER&c=fr&hash=1d1dq5%2B197A2U7ExJmUma1vBGjCUIGVc%2BXSHW1i%2FyTAgTrmKsgqSE7TL7tVeKCu7HonQ17a4WOCzx2DO5sH%2FV47SGLVFhdJyCrgu3wMHOI5hCZbotDtY2sw&gclid=CjwKCAiAiuTfBRAaEiwA4itUqN-EsQQBHtKayazfMvgnFaGyQVBfJTlFxAEzKV4ZoXvTRvdc5gQFTRoCprsQAvD_BwE

Wow thanks for the info!
But since i don't need to do any modding to the zotac gtx 1050ti mini i might go that route most-likely.
But i'll think about it. I might tho it sounds fun!
Just a thought, if i end up getting the zotac 1050ti mini should i still get the Antec Cyclone blower?

 

[william p]

I never needed it with either 10 series card and the vented slot fillers. I did have to use it with a GTX750, or an R9-285 and the solid fillers due to hot air trapped back there. But there was a lot more heat in that system due to the 3.73GHz overclocked QX6800. It's just something useful to know when modding a BTX.

 

[MrDreamerz]

I never needed it with either 10 series card and the vented slot fillers. I did have to use it with a GTX750, or an R9-285 and the solid fillers due to hot air trapped back there. But there was a lot more heat in that system due to the 3.73GHz overclocked QX6800. It's just something useful to know when modding a BTX.

I got my CPU today! It's go time!!
Wish me luck, i'll report back and let you know how it goes.
Thanks again 😉
BTW in DCCU there is a couple of optional boxes to check, do i check them or leave them alone?
the boxes are,
Allow version downgrades
and
Collect Bios settings inventory after update

 

[william p]

I allow downgrades in case your modded BIOS os an older version.
DCCU creates a file in the lower left like a download. It just installs itself like a regular Dell BIOS.

 

[MrDreamerz]

I allow downgrades in case your modded BIOS os an older version.
DCCU creates a file in the lower left like a download. It just installs itself like a regular Dell BIOS.

I created the file and double clicked it on my desktop and it created a bunch of other files and then a minute later in rebooted back the the desktop as normal, is that what was suppose to happen?

 

[william p]

Yes that's about it. Put the new CPU in. Either rest the CMOS with the jumper, or take out the battery for 30 seconds and it should set up for the new CPU.
Did you buy one with the adapter tape, and notches cut already?

 

[MrDreamerz]

Yes that's about it. Put the new CPU in. Either rest the CMOS with the jumper, or take out the battery for 30 seconds and it should set up for the new CPU.
Did you buy one with the adapter tape, and notches cut already?

it came already modded and it don't need the tape i can tell by looking at it it has a little thingy where the tape goes , if i can upload pics here i would so you can see but i don't see a option to upload pics here 🙁
here's the url where i got it.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Inte-l-Xeon-X5470-SLBBF-Processor-CPU-3-33GHz-12M-1333MHz-equal-to-Core-2-Quad/32560037124.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.753e4c4dIjtFwM

 

[MrDreamerz]

https://ibb.co/tbL282Y
https://ibb.co/PtJ363j

check pics here of cpu i uploaded it on ibb 😉

btw do i use the the heatsink cover that is originally on it that you told me to get from ebay or do i replace it with the old one?
or are they the same?

 

[william p]

Some Opti 380 MT has a strange heatsink cover that stepped down to the small aluminum finsink, some others may hav had the tall cover. Mine had the small one so it had to go.. I gave you the part # of the one I used to replace the whole thing. There are 2 different Optiplex tall covers, and I'm not sure which one the 380 came with if any. There are 2 BTX tall heatsinks. D9729, and T9303. The only difference is which way the pipes go. The holes in the cover are in different places. T9303 usually comes in the wrong cover because it was used in mid towers, and workstations. The cover mounts a little differently. The part# I gave you should just bolt right in.

 

[MrDreamerz]

Some Opti 380 MT has a strange heatsink cover that stepped down to the small aluminum finsink, some others may hav had the tall cover. Mine had the small one so it had to go.. I gave you the part # of the one I used to replace the whole thing. There are 2 different Optiplex tall covers, and I'm not sure which one the 380 came with if any. There are 2 BTX tall heatsinks. D9729, and T9303. The only difference is which way the pipes go. The holes in the cover are in different places. T9303 usually comes in the wrong cover because it was used in mid towers, and workstations. The cover mounts a little differently. The part# I gave you should just bolt right in.

here's a pic of the heatsink still in the pc (have not started yet but im about to)
https://ibb.co/C8CP6gT
here is the one i bought at ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-CPU-Heatsink-Optiplex-GX620-330-740-745-755-0J9761-LOT-V/172205425629?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

And when i take out heatsink i unscrew and use a bit of force to pull it out breaking it from the old thermal paste correct?

 

[william p]

The original cover has to go. Here's the right cooler aasembly J9761.
https://www.ebay.com/p/Genuine-Dell-Optiplex-745-MT-Heatsink-W-Shroud-D9729-J9761/1671386341
The one you ordered is for the mid towers. If you look at the end where the fan goes you'll see it flares out on both sides. The one you ordered is straight on one side and won't line up with your fan holder. It's a better cooler but you need the right housing and then mod it to fit. J9761 is a drop in part. Keep your fingers crossed, maybe thay just posted a generic photo. By part# it should be OK.