Question What graphics card can I buy to upgrade optiplex 7010 mid-tower

May 17, 2019
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My son has an old Optiplex 7010 mid-tower. I need to upgrade it so that he can play games. What is the best solution to upgrade on a budget?

Current specs:
i3-3240 3.40Ghz
8GB RAM
Intel HD Graphics 1696MB

He can play Minecraft without any problems, but impossible to record gameplay. He also can't play Fortnite as the system can't seem to handle it.

Given it is such a small tower, what is the best budget graphics card I can buy? Also, do you think I need to add more RAM and/or a better processor?

Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
What's your budget for the GPU ? if that's a mini-tower cabinet, and suppose it doesn't have enough room inside, then you should look for some of MINI GPU models (low profile), as shown below. Also, what all games is your son going to play, apart from Minecraft ?

If he doesn't have any plans to play the latest AAA games, or any graphic demanding titles, then any entry-level GPU/LOW Profile might do the job. No need to increase the RAM as well. 'cause 8GB might be sufficient. Some mini GPU examples. Btw, you might also have the need to change your current Power supply which comes with that OEM PC.

But, this will all depend on which GPU are you going to use. Because some low-end and low profile/LP cards may not require any external PCI-e connectors, and they draw very less power as well. But, look for any of the GT series from NVIDIA. Any of the GT 10 series.

https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/colorful-gt-1030-low-profile.b5609

https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/msi-gt-1030-low-profile-passive-oc.b4603

https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/asus-gtx-750-ti.b2814

https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/elsa-gtx-750-ti-s-a-c.b2832

https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/evga-gtx-750-ti-superclocked.b2784

Your current INTEL i3 CPU is also weak, but it won't create any bottleneck if paired with some low-end Video card. This depends on the GAME being played as well.
 
Last edited:

WildCard999

Titan
Moderator
May 17, 2019
2
0
10
Looks like my son has the OptiPlex 7010 Small Form Factor with 240W PSU.

Thanks a lot for all your help guys. I will check out some of those suggested GPUs.

Cheers