Buy a computer and replace the Graphic card and HDD

naxster · Apr 26, 2014

Hello guys, i'm going a buy an computer (which is used) and that computer is a "DELL OPTIPLEX 760".
The specs are:
- Intel core 2X 2,6 Ghz
- 4GB RAM
- 80GB HDD
- Intel Q45/Q43 Chipset (Graphic card)

And i know its not the best computer in the world and stuff, but i have another computer which recently "died" i think the motherboard finally crashed.
Anyway the other computer i have is an "Dell 8400".
The specs on that computer doesn't matter since it is dead, however i have an 500GB HDD in that computer and a graphic card which is an "ASUS GEFORCE GT 210 1GB DDR3".

My question is, can i replace the Dell optiplex 760 graphic card and HDD to my graphic card and HDD i have in my broken computer?

USAFRet · Apr 26, 2014

The hard drive, yes.

The GPU, maybe, depending on what specific Optiplex it is. That 'model' came in several different sizes.
http://www.dell.com/us/dfb/p/optiplex-760/pd

naxster · Apr 26, 2014

USAFRet :

well the computer im going to buy looks like this, i have however no idea which model it is

Maybe you can help me

Picture of the computer

Ubrales · Apr 26, 2014

Save all your personal files from the 500 GB HDD on to a different drive. Then format the 500 GB HDD to NTFS. Then you can install it in the Optiplex 760 and use it without any conflicts.

Regarding the Graphics card - If the Optiplex 760 is an MT model (the Dimension 8400 is an MT model), then the graphics card will fit easily. And for this graphics card you do not need to upgrade the PSU (the 305 watts PSU will be adequate).

naxster · Apr 26, 2014

Ubrales :

I think it's an Desktop DT

Ubrales · Apr 26, 2014

naxster :

Yes it is a desktop model and accepts a low profile graphics card. The old Dim 8400 is an MT model and has a full width graphics card. By looking at the graphics card images it is hard to tell whether it can be converted to a low profile design. Probably not.

And the PSU for the desktop model is 255 watts (the MT has 305 watts).

USAFRet · Apr 26, 2014

Yes, it appears to be the 'Desktop'.

The PCI-E slot is this:
1 low-profile PCIe x16 graphics
-(H: 2.5" X L: 6.6")

The video card is this? http://www.asus.com/Graphics_Cards/EN210_SILENTDI1GD3V2LP/specifications/
7 " x 4.76 " Inch

Don't think it will fit.

naxster · Apr 26, 2014

Ubrales :

naxster :

Yes it is a desktop model and accepts a low profile graphics card. The old Dim 8400 is an MT model and has a full width graphics card. By looking at the graphics card images it is hard to tell whether it can be converted to a low profile design. Probably not.

And the PSU for the desktop model is 255 watts (the MT has 305 watts).

But can i replace my graphic card and HDD into the optiplex?
What do you think?

tech-wreck · Apr 26, 2014

http://images.productwiki.com/upload/images/dell_optiplex_760.jpg
yours looks like the desktop, third from left.
so, if your GT210 is low profile enough, it should fit. grab an earth strap and give it a whirl

i had same issue finding a GPU to fit an optiplex 620, made do with a geforce 315 which is 'adequate'

Ubrales · Apr 26, 2014

The graphics on the Optiplex 760 is on-board graphics per your listing. That means it is part of the motherboard. However, you can add a new graphics card to it and make sure it is a "low profile" graphics card that does not require more than 255 watts of system power. This limits your choices.

This is not something that I would buy and then try to upgrade.

http://www.dell.com/us/dfb/p/optiplex-760/pd

naxster · Apr 26, 2014

So it wont work?

Then how about this, can i replace only the HDD, and buy a new graphic card that FITS the computer??
What should i think about if i buy a new graphic card?? it is PCI-E right?

Ubrales · Apr 26, 2014

naxster :

Yes, as USAFRet told you earlier, the HDD will work in the Optiplex 760.

Regarding the graphics card - you need to find a low profile graphics card that will work with 255 watts system power.

naxster · Apr 26, 2014

Ubrales :

Is "SAPPHIRE RADEON HD5450 512MB DDR3 PCI-E" a good option?

USAFRet · Apr 26, 2014

naxster :

Ultimately, trying to morph one of those into a viable 'gaming' PC is an exercise in futility.
You end up buying things twice, and even then, having to accept reduced performance due to the small size.

What is the total budget you're looking at? Price of the Optiplex + whatever GPU and PSU you are considering?
It may be possible to construct a whole new PC that will actually perform better.

naxster · Apr 26, 2014

USAFRet :

well the computer i'm going to buy is worth $120, which i think is a pretty good deal, but i found another graphic card that is low-end, do you think this will work? SAPPHIRE RADEON HD5450 512MB DDR3 PCI-E

USAFRet · Apr 26, 2014

naxster :

It's not 'worth' $120, that's what it is selling for.

But that new card still won't fit in that case. Too fat.
http://www.sapphiretech.com/presentation/product/product_index.aspx?pid=315&lid=1
146(W) x120(H) x 25(D) mm

5.75" x 4.72"

naxster · Apr 26, 2014

USAFRet :

oh well, then i wont buy that card

However, i'm sorry if i change the subject now, but i found another computer at the same price. the computer is an Compaq SR5502SC
- AMD Sempron x2 2200
- Bestec 300W PSU
- 4GB RAM
- 250GB HDD
- MSI/nVidia GeForce 8600 GT 256MB

better or worse?
And one more question, if i buy the DELL Optiplex 760, i wont play hard games like crysis and stuff but can it handle games such as GTA san andreas, Halo, CS 1.6, Half-life 2 etc??

USAFRet · Apr 26, 2014

They are both severely limited for a 'games' machine.

naxster · Apr 26, 2014

USAFRet :

I know, like i said, i wont play high end games, just easy games even at the lowest settings is fine

But if you had to choose between these two, which one is the better??

And also, if i can replace Compaq SR5502SC graphic card to my graphic card (ASUS GEFORCE GT 210 1GB DDR3) i will do it, but does it work if i do that?

USAFRet · Apr 26, 2014

naxster :

I would begin by telling the Toms hivemind what your total budget and ultimate use is for this.

Is either of those a good deal? Unknown.
They both suck for a games machine.

naxster · Apr 26, 2014

USAFRet :

To be honest, my budget is around $150, and the only reason i have that budget is because i just wanted to add XBMC in it and connect it to my TV, so i can watch movies, tv shows, sports etc... But i thought if i am going to buy a cheap computer, i might add a better graphic card and use it to play ATLEAST some minimum games that does not require too much..
And i know those PC isnt the best, and will not do that good in gaming, but i know it should atleast be playable if i play Half-life 2 and such games, will it??

But which computer would you recommend between these two?? (again i know they are not the best)

naxster · Apr 26, 2014

please help

naxster · Apr 27, 2014

No one??

If i buy the Compaq SR5502SC, will I be able to replace it with my ASUS nvidia 210GT graphic card?? Or do I need more PSU??

Ubrales · Apr 27, 2014

Look at some offers at eBay - mid tower models.

Buy a computer and replace the Graphic card and HDD

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