Upgrades for dell optiplex 780

[JB43]

I have a dell optiplex 780 sff with intel core2 duo e7500 8gb ram, 500 gb hdd, and Intel Q45/Q43 Express Chipset (not sure if this is a graphics card but that's what systemrequirementslab.com says). I'm thinking of upgrading the cpu to a xeon x5550 2.66 ghz and the gpu to an asus gt 710 2 gb passive. I don't know if this is feasible since I'm a complete beginner at this "hobby" or if this gpu will even fit (I don't even know where the gpu goes). Any help would be appreciated.

 

[imsqam]

Hi,

First, FYI, Intel Q45/Q43 refers to the chipset used on the motherboard. Next, you cannot use the Xeon X5550 in your motherboard, it is incompatible. The X5550 is socket LGA 1366 while your motherboard is socket LGA 775 (because the E7500 is socket LGA 775). Its like trying to use an electric plug from NA in Europe, not the same fit.

Good news here is that I found a technical document for this computer
https://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/optix/en/optiplex_780_tech_guidebook_en.pdf

Looks like the fastest CPU supported is the Q9650, worth about $65 used and is significantly faster than the E7500
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Core2-Quad-Q9650-3-00GHz-CPU-Socket-LGA775-Desktop-Computer-Processor-/302303984681?hash=item4662b8bc29:g:Y~gAAOSwT-FZAaW7
http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core2-Quad-Q9650-vs-Intel-Core2-Duo-E7500/m1706vsm987

The tech manual shows that the Quadro NVS 420 is supported, it is a 40W GPU.
http://www.nvidia.ca/object/product_quadro_nvs_420_us.html

Your motherboard has a PCI-e x16 slot so good there and the GT 710 is a 19W GPU, so good there
http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gt-710/specifications

It appears that you can use up to 75W cards with the 305W Power Supply Unit (PSU)
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/t/19629045

But since you have the Small Form Factor (SFF) version you will a single slot, low profile card. Here are two GT 730's that should work, I would go with the Zotac.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?CompareItemList=48%7C14-500-366%5E14-500-366%2C14-127-920%5E14-127-920

So get a used Q9650 off Ebay (or somewhere else) and a new GT 730 and you will see a significant improvement in performance for about $125. Another upgrade you could consider is an SSD for your OS/programs.

 

[JB43]

Namaste, pc guru

"bows"

 

[william p]

The most popular CPUs for these are the Q9650, or Q9550.GTX750Ti low profile is the go ot GPU. Try RW134 cpu cooler if yours has an aluminum heatsink. If it has heatpipes keep the one you've got. I've heard that X3xxx Xeons work. 95W TDP limit, 333fsb (1333) applies LGA775 socket. Go to http://www.delidded.com/