Upgrading My Dell

[eagles358]

I have a dell Optiplex GX620. It is about 3 years old I was originally planning just to upgrade my video card and add some ram, but I realized that I only have a 305W psu. I was wondering if just by getting a better power supply and a new video card (was thinking along the lines of Geforce 9800 GT) would by computer still limit the performance of the video card? I am completely satisfied with the performance of my computer minus the current video card. Also should just about any PSU work with my computer or can I only use certain ones? Thanks

 

[hotroderx]

this thread should help you with your PSU question http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/210472-28-replace-dell-optiplex-gx620-305w . I read it and it seems to be accurate but with out being there to see the computer i cant guarantee 100% of the informations. I looked up your model and to tell you the truth I really think a single core anything is gonna bottle neck that video card regardless of memory (there where several model specs listed from Pentium D to Pentium 4 HT). If your getting the new video card for new games or for video editing its a waste of money. Any new game is gonna rip that processor to shreds and if its for video editing same story its gonna bottle neck like mad. I would suggest would be to build a new system. The system as it stands now will be fine for email, Internet browsing word processing.

 

[captaincharisma]

yea that is the biggest problem with computer brand computers. there PSU are weirdly shaped and cannot be 100% sure on if a new power supply from another brand will fit into the case

 

[buzznut]

yeah, hard to upgrade something that old, esp a dell.

Take a look at your upgrade budget and see if a new build might be feasible. Lots of folks here would be willing to help if you have a budget in mind. And you don't really need $1000 to build a new machine. Can make a decent machine for around 600US

 

[rakoth]

I would suggest searching the Dell forums for your PSU upgrade question and posting your question there if you can't find anything. I got a lot of useful info from the site when I was making upgrades to my old Dell.

Like the other posters, I would encourage you to think about a new build if it's in your budget.

 

[aford10]

It's probably not worth it. If you want a low budget build that will perform adequate, it can be done for around $350. You could keep the opticals and HD to save some $$.

 

[aford10]

Here is a good dell upgrade psu if you decide to just upgrade.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703016

 

[delluser1]

Here is a good dell upgrade psu if you decide to just upgrade.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703016

That is a very good deal.
One thing about PCP&C Dell power supplies though, the compatibility they speak of basically comes down to not having a switch, something that doesn't need to be worried about by the OP, because the open back design of his computer will allow almost any standard ATX power supply to be used.

 

[foolycooly]

I have a gx620 also and upgraded my video card and RAM. I got an MSI Radeon HD 4670 on newegg and am very satisfied with its performance...given, i'm going to build a new system in a week or so.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127383

The 4670 is perfect because it doesn't need additional power connections. It allowed me to play prince of persia on medium to high settings on a 19" LCD. Maxed out bioshock as well at 80+ fps.