Upgrade Video Card on Dell Inspiron 3668 Desktop

[ssavo]

Here’s my current setup (http://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/cty/pdp/spd/inspiron-3668-desktop/fdcwgam201s):

• Processor: 7th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-7400 processor (6MB Cache, up to 3.50 GHz)
  Video card: Intel® UHD Graphics 630
  Memory: 8GB, 2400MHz, DDR4; up to 16GB (additional memory sold separately)
  Hard drive: 1TB (64MB Cache) 7200 RPM SATA 6Gb/s
  Power supply: Dell “chat online” tech tells me it’s 240W.

I want to upgrade it to play games. Specifically, Fortnite; minimum recommended specs here: https://fortnitehelp.epicgames.com/customer/en/portal/articles/2840925-what-are-fortnite-s-minimum-a...

I’m not looking for ultra settings; just a step above the 20 FPS on low settings I’m getting now.

My budget is around $200 - though I wouldn’t complain to pay less! I think physical case size/brackets and PSU output (240W) are the main issues I need to consider.

I found several very similar posts to mine on Dell's forums, but they're several months outdated, which is a long time in the world of GPUs.

Would greatly appreciate any advice.

 

[COLGeek]

One option that was actually sold in those models was the GTX 750ti. You could get one of those, or one of these:

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487290

Good luck.

 

[richiestang_78]

Issue is your low watt PSU, you could easily run a GT1030 which isn't much of a gaming card (still better then integrated graphics) and a 1050 but a 1050ti will be pushing it, especially given the quality of the PSU.

Dell likes to use weird sized power supplies, looking around I think you have a TFX sized one, but you need to double check that by either measuring it or contacting Dell for the specifics. I think the highest they go is about 400 watts, which would easily accommodate a 1050ti (probably could get away with a 300 watt PSU) or maybe even a 1060 (with the 400watt).

 

[The Paladin]

can you take a picture of the PSU ? [strike]I am wondering if you could simply replace it if it is an ATX type PSu[/strike] , then you can have a 1050TI or 1060 if you like in your system

06.29 06/2 edit: I just looked up the type pf PSu you have ion that computer and I am sorry its a TFX model
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1247209/Dell-Inspiron-3668.html?page=74#manual

there are a few replacement possible like this 400W one, (look at specs and measure you own PSu and compare sizes.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA7252NY1073&cm_re=dell_power_supply-_-9SIA7252NY1073-_-Product

 

[ssavo]

Thanks so much for the quick replies! I’m not considering replacing the PSU; hoping to find an energy-efficient (and maybe relatively outdated so as to make it cost-efficient) video card that is compatible with my current system and will provide a moderate upgrade in gameability.

I looked up cards suggested above; the GTX 750ti and GT 1030 both recommend 300W PSU at a minimum. Would you still recommend them?

 

[richiestang_78]

Yes either would work even a 1050 would be ok. As far as updating your PSU, it wont actually use anymore power, it will just proved you with more overhead for better cards.

The 750ti and 1030 are very low range in terms of graphical power, so a 1050 or 1050ti would be a better option.

 

[kraelic]

1050 TI for sure. A matching ram stick would help. Then a SSD and a sata cable and Y splitter for sata power. After those upgrades you are looking at a case and psu upgrade and motherboard sidegrade at the same time to support higher GPU.

https://www.pcper.com/reviews/Graphics-Cards/Upgrade-Story-2-Using-GTX-1050-Ti-convert-OEM-PC-Gaming-PC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7myQLMSw5B8

 

[ssavo]

1050 TI for sure. A matching ram stick would help. Then a SSD and a sata cable and Y splitter for sata power. After those upgrades you are looking at a case and psu upgrade and motherboard sidegrade at the same time to support higher GPU.

https://www.pcper.com/reviews/Graphics-Cards/Upgrade-Story-2-Using-GTX-1050-Ti-convert-OEM-PC-Gaming-PC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7myQLMSw5B8

You're joking, right?

 

[kraelic]

Not at all, I am running a similar build with a HP SFF with 240W PSU and a low profile 1050 TI. Killa-watt meter shows I am less than 80% of the rated wattage during gaming.

1050TI is the best upgrade for the dell 3668 as is. Bring the ram to dual channel, and then a SSD for the OS and the primary game you play. After those 3 upgrades you are rebuilding the system.

If you want a graphics card that needs pci express 6 pin or 8 pin you need a larger psu, to use a larger psu you need a case, then the motherboard of that dell has hardware on the board that extends into the front panel for the USB, front audio and SD reader, which needs the side grade to a more standard motherboard that does not have the protrusion. Also the dell motherboard does not use ATX 24 power and needs an adapter to 6 pin for the motherboard.

http://www.dell.com/support/manuals/us/en/04/vostro-3668-desktop/vostro%203667_3668_om/system-board-layout?guid=guid-d11d3c76-089f-4975-ac25-bed68eed293f&lang=en-us

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128980

 

[ssavo]

Not at all, I am running a similar build with a HP SFF with 240W PSU and a low profile 1050 TI. Killa-watt meter shows I am less than 80% of the rated wattage during gaming.

1050TI is the best upgrade for the dell 3668 as is. Bring the ram to dual channel, and then a SSD for the OS and the primary game you play. After those 3 upgrades you are rebuilding the system.

If you want a graphics card that needs pci express 6 pin or 8 pin you need a larger psu, to use a larger psu you need a case, then the motherboard of that dell has hardware on the board that extends into the front panel for the USB, front audio and SD reader, which needs the side grade to a more standard motherboard that does not have the protrusion. Also the dell motherboard does not use ATX 24 power and needs an adapter to 6 pin for the motherboard.

http://www.dell.com/support/manuals/us/en/04/vostro-3668-desktop/vostro%203667_3668_om/system-board-layout?guid=guid-d11d3c76-089f-4975-ac25-bed68eed293f&lang=en-us

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128980

Thank you for the advice, but I don't want to replace every part of my computer. It seems that I can get a substantial performance increase (800%+) with the video card alone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7myQLMSw5B8

The 1050 ti (or 1050) is a great lead; several people have suggested it. I have no idea how to parse the endless suffixes/prefixes when shopping for it, though (why is it so complicated?!). Can someone please send me a link to a card that is compatible with the Inspiron model I linked in the original post?

https://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=gtx+1050+ti&ignorear=0&N=-1&isNodeId=1

Super grateful for the replies so far.

 

[kraelic]

Basically any 1050TI model that does not have a 6 pin, from the lowest price Zotac
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500411 $194 shipped
Or one with good warranty and possibly a step-up program like EVGA
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487290 $200 shipped

Avoid ones that have a 6 pin like the ASUS Strix It uses the extra power for stability with the factory overclock
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814126171

Previous posts were to give you an idea for the max you would want to go with the dell. The 3 easy upgrades GPU, RAM and SSD can be done as needed. I5 and 1050TI should carry you for 3-5 years if performance growth stays as slow as it has been. Future might be another OEM PC and a slot powered GPU, or you may consider building your own by then.