Question Will at Dell Optiplex 3010 MT Motherboard work in a Dell Optiplex 790 MT

Dec 17, 2019
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I have a Optiplex 790 and was wondering if I could put a Optiplex 3010 Motherboard into it so I could upgrade the processor. Currently because it has Q65 series chipset it will only allow 2nd Gen Intel Processors. I know I will probably have to upgrade the PS too.
 

Barty1884

Retired Moderator
Looks like they both use a mATX motherboard - so, yes.

3010
s-l1600.jpg


790
Free-shipping-for-original-font-b-optiplex-b-font-font-b-790-b-font-MT-font.jpg



HOWEVER, the Q65 chipset supports up to an i7-2600/2600K
https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/products/52811/intel-q65-express-chipset.html

Doesn't support IvyBridge CPUs, unfortunately - but personally, I wouldn't 'upgrade' the motherboard to support a 3rd Gen chip (like a 3770), I'd just pick up a 2600 and be done...
 

Barty1884

Retired Moderator
What size is the Dell Optiplex 790 MT case?
Its BTX and the Mounting Holes as well as the Front and Rear Panel connections, thermal sensors, Front USB./AUDIO etc are Proprietary.

Neither of those boards (images above) are BTX?
And yes, while some of the connections are proprietary, they're proprietary to Dell - and compatible with either board.

Now, not a worthwhile endeavor, as I've mentioned - but compatible, yes.
 
Dec 17, 2019
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Several friends have mentioned the i3-2600 and the 2600K. But I know realize the K would be a waste of time b/c this MOBO can't take advantage of it. I think I'm gonna follow the advice here and get me a 2600 and pick up an r7 240 and call it a day. Thanks to all who replied.
 

Barty1884

Retired Moderator
Yeah, the K sku would be a complete waste. In later eras, the K typically had higher base/boost clocks vs the Non-K, but the 2600 and 2600K are clocked exactly the same.

pick up an r7 240 and call it a day.

I don't know what the question is, but the R7 240 is extremely unlikely to be the answer.

From what I can see, a used 240 sells for between $25-$40.
At that pricepoint, something liek a GTX 750, 750TI, 760, 950 or (maybe) a 960 might be achievable
On the AMD side of things, RX550, 460, 560, or something older like a 270/270X

all of these cards, while not necessarily the latest & greatest, are orders of magnitude better than an R7 240.