[SOLVED] Optiplex 7040 for 300$

[rgvrules2010]

I've come across a used Optiplex 7040 sff for 300$. I find it to be a better deal then buying each component separately. It comes w/
And i7 6700 and 8gbs of ddr4 ram, but only 180 watts of PSU. I am wanting to upgrade this PC to be a gaming PC. I already own a 1060 gtx and a 475 psu but running an older amd card with ddr2 ram. Will be able to add my 475 psu and 1060 to this Optiplex 7040 SFF. I'm willing to buy an adapter for the psu and leave the case open to fit my gpu.

 

[kiss-method]

It's a really nice find. But don't be stingy, depending on motherboard configuration, might as well move to this. I understand you don't mind running it as is and modifying, but do it right you'll feel better.

Sorry I am a little lost in what you're actually asking... But yes it's a really good Buy. Although the motherboard on the SFF usually is the downfall, you may want to confirm which motherboard it has, you may find an 8x PCIe slot.....

Otherwise, this may be helpful for you to see? As I said, not quite sure what you're looking for


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Case: DIYPC - DIY-F2-W MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($39.97 @ Newegg Business)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - S12II 620 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $79.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-01-01 17:11 EST-0500

 

[william p]

If you wnat a Dell get the MT Mini Tower size. Your ATX PSU will fit, and full size GPUs also. SFF is PITA.

 

[punkncat]

Do not go SFF, look for MT

 

[rgvrules2010]

My question is, would upgrading the PSU without swapping out the board be an option?
Do I need to a better motherboard, why and why not? Is it that this motherboard is not sufficient enough to support a 1060 equipped with a higher watt psu?
It does have a pcie slot.
My budget is limited to 350$ so I'm trying to find out if replacing the motherboard is really necessary.

 

[kiss-method]

You need to find out which motherboard it has. Although the current one would work, it may be limited to 8x PCIe slot, whereas everyone for gaming runs 16x PCIe. The motherboard is likely Biostar, or similar quality.... So there isn't much hope for it, except for "good enough for now"

 

[william p]

You can look in here and see the CPUs that run in that. The SFF and MT should be the same in that respect.
https://www.userbenchmark.com/System/Dell-OptiPlex-7040/20989
There is a 315W sff PSU from the XE2 SFF. it has the 8 pin MB cable and a 6 pin PCIe.
https://www.ebay.com/p/Dell-Vx372-315w-Power-Supply-D315es-00-Tested-and-Working/11009190157?iid=273385040871&chn=ps
MB swapping with Dells is always a PITA. each system has it's little differences. Fitting a full height GPU in an SFF again you're on your own there. There are PCIe x16 extension cables to put a GPU somewhere else.

 

[rgvrules2010]

The motherboard has a pcie×16. Here are the specs:
2x4gbs( 2133) total 8 ddr4 max 64
Cpu: i7 6700
Psu: 180 ; what I want to replace.*
1 pcie*4 and 1 pcie* 16 slot/s.
I don't care that the case won't close I already own an old pc, one with an open case and very good at taking care of it. I'm trying to see if I would have any issues using a gtx 1060 (6gb) or even a 1070 if I want down the line without replacing any parts except for the PSU. I read all I need is an adapter for the PSU but my concern is whether the motherboard can handle a bigger psu and a higher end graphic card

 

[emeralds1000000]

The motherboard has a pcie×16. Here are the specs:
2x4gbs( 2133) total 8 ddr4 max 64
Cpu: i7 6700
Psu: 180 ; what I want to replace.*
1 pcie*4 and 1 pcie* 16 slot/s.
I don't care that the case won't close I already own an old pc, one with an open case and very good at taking care of it. I'm trying to see if I would have any issues using a gtx 1060 (6gb) or even a 1070 if I want down the line without replacing any parts except for the PSU. I read all I need is an adapter for the PSU but my concern is whether the motherboard can handle a bigger psu and a higher end graphic card

You cant fit standard PSU in Dell optiplex 7040 without modding the case , yes the screws are the same places but the case has clips and a metal lever that clips into the power supply , you need to cut them out . more over it will only take short power supplies . or the door opening lock will stop you from installing longer powersupplies (140 length max)

 

[william p]

That doesn't seem to have a PCIe power limit that many Dell SFF have (looking at images of the MB) so the MB should be OK. The XE2 PSU should fit and run a 120W GTX1060, or even a 150W GTX1070 with a 6 to 8 pin adapter. The XE2 only has 3 cables 4pin CPU, 8 pin Dell MB, and 6 pin PCIe. An aftermarket ATX PSU will have power cables long enough to just run it as a giant wall wart on an SFF computer

 

[rgvrules2010]

Thank you very much William p, I wanted people to understand that fitting a psu was not the concern. I wanted to know if an external gpu with an adapter would work on the 7040 sff. The rig already comes with 8gbs ddr4 and an i7 6700 which is a good deal at 300$ when all I need is a PSU+adapter with my own graphics card. The pc was only used in an office so there was no gaming or any type of modifications to the system. I plan on getting a 1070 soon to add to the system and replace a 1060. I just didn't want to throw my money and be limited to Dells overpriced low watt PSU. Thanks for your response and input.

 

[william p]

Don't be confused by Dells low power ratings. They're rated at continuos output, not peak power like aftermarket parts. While the 180W probably won't do what you want. An MT Optiplex 305W PSU can actually make 400W. It just doesn't have the connectors to use it.
https://www.hardwareinsights.com/dell-h305p-01-power-supply-review/
People who actually test these things have a lot of respect for them.
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=71