Upgrading DELL Optiplex GX620

[Dannyves]

I would like to keep this computer up to date so that I could update possibly to windows 8.1 or windows 10 when it comes out. Right now I'm running windows 7.
I specifically need to upgrade the graphics card, I believe the CPU (?), the RAM (I have 2gbs) and also the cooling apparatus or power supply as the machine gets too hot too quick.

Does anyone know of the parts that I need to buy and about how much would they cost?
Thanks in advance for any help with this, I need to speed up this machine.

Here's the specs (I have the DT model, it's really thin):

Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.140303-2144)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
System Model: OptiPlex GX620
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A07
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) D CPU 2.80GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.8GHz
Memory: 2048MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 2038MB RAM
Page File: 1235MB used, 2840MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 32bit Unicode

Display Devices
---------------
Card name: Intel(R) 82945G Express Chipset Family
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip type: Intel(R) 82945G Express Chipset Family
DAC type: Internal

Description: Speakers (SoundMAX Integrated Digital Audio)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_27DE&SUBSYS_01AD1028&REV_01
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: smwdm.sys

 

[Eximo]

Pretty much out of luck.

DDR2 is going to be expensive (Though I had good luck buying from Dell the last time I messed with an Optiplex GX620), and you could only get 4GB in there.

I can tell you from experience that you can upgrade to Windows 8. But not Windows 8.1, the cpu is missing an instruction set that Windows 8.1 requires. Stick with Windows 7 so you keep getting updates.

There are actually four sizes of the Optiplex GX620. If it is the DT model, you would be limited to half height cards. If it is the SFF or Ultra small, it wouldn't really be a good idea with the provided power supply.

Better off investing in new components. Pentium D is going back a long way and just isn't worth keeping around except for the most basic of office tasks.

 

[ryanroks1]

Since the majority of the parts are outdated, it'd be cheaper in the long-run to purchase a new, good value machine. You'll struggle to upgrade it to modern standards without replacing the motherboard, allowing you to use newer technologies. However, if this is not feasible for you, RAM is often a good place to start (and cost efficient too).

The only concern I have is that you may already be at your maximum amount of memory. 'The GX520 range and the smallest GX620 are limited to 2GB of 533MHz (PC4300) DDR2 SDRAM across two DIMM sockets.' You mentioned that your PC is very small, meaning this probably relates to you. I'd contact Dell and ask them whether you'd be able to upgrade.

If you can, you can pick up some DDR2 RAM for around £25. This should help improve speed. An alternative ugprade could be a 120gb SSD, which many describe as one of the best possible upgrades. However, it'll still not be perfect. I'd just persevere and save for a new machine.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

I owned 2 of them they aren't wort upgrading.

OUTDATED.

 

[Dannyves]

Pretty much out of luck.

DDR2 is going to be expensive (Though I had good luck buying from Dell the last time I messed with an Optiplex GX620), and you could only get 4GB in there.

I can tell you from experience that you can upgrade to Windows 8. But not Windows 8.1, the cpu is missing an instruction set that Windows 8.1 requires. Stick with Windows 7 so you keep getting updates.

There are actually four sizes of the Optiplex GX620. If it is the DT model, you would be limited to half height cards. If it is the SFF or Ultra small, it wouldn't really be a good idea with the provided power supply.

Better off investing in new components. Pentium D is going back a long way and just isn't worth keeping around except for the most basic of office tasks.

Thank you.

I'm unable to afford a new computer, so I have to deal with what I have. I'm not using it for extensive purposes just word processing and adobe as well as internet access.
If I upgraded the RAM, how do I go about doing this? Is there maybe a youtube video or steps I can follow so I don't mess up my machine?

I think the biggest problem with this machine is that it gets really hot, I'm always afraid it will kill the insides.

Here's what the machine looks like, though my specs are not as high:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/REFURBISHED-DELL-OPTIPLEX-DUAL-CORE-3-4-GHZ-DESKTOP-PC-4GB-160GB-WIN-7-PRO-64-/230869692358?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35c0e7efc6

 

[Eximo]

To keep ram upgrades simple you can just head over to support.dell.com, enter the service tag, and it will provide a list of the memory upgrades available from them.

Crucial.com also has a robust memory selector.

Upgrading ram is as simple as taking out the old and putting in the new.

Cooling on the other hand is tricky in such a small chassis. Replacing the thermal compound and some of the fans might be advisable with a computer of this age. But it doesn't sound like you have experience in that.

Here is a teardown on Youtube that might help out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZUEMEYtUu8

 

[markkerns]

Hello,

my personal experience..... running a dell OptiPlex 620 with 4 Gb ram Pentium D 2.8Ghz 120Gig SSD drive PNY low-profile GeForce 610 graphics card.($25) and windows 8.1 pro with media center.

System is being used as a HTPC streaming videos from home server. internet surfing and picture viewing on our 55" TV.

system runs great with no issues. fan winds up for only a short time not very noticeable.

You can find older ram cheap on Ebay or at your local computer shop. I upgraded with parts I had around.

As it sits it is as maxed out as it can get. looks like all you need is 2 2Gig sticks of ram and a video card.