Can i run a HD 7970 on a dell optiplex with an intel Core 2 duo?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
B

Bevs4Days

Reputable
Mar 26, 2015
53
0
4,640
I have a Dell optiplex 780 mid tower i was wondering if i could just throw a HD 7970 in it and it work? Ive upgraded the power supply to a corsair cs650m. Will my Cpu bottleneck it? Is the card even compatible with my mobo?

Specs are :
Windows 7 Pro 64 bit
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 @ 3.00Ghz
8 GB Samsung PCI3200 DDR3 Ram
70 GB Seagate Barracuda HDD
320 GB Samsung HW31 HDD
1 TB Western Digital HDD
AMD Radeon HD 4680 Sapphire Edition 1Gb DDR3 Ram PCI express x16

But im planning on getting a Core duo 2 Q9650 Quad would that help any?

 
Solution
coozie7
Dell cases can be a little weird in internal design but you should have no problems fitting the HD7970, just measure the clearance from the case rear to the first obstruction-probably the HDD bays-and make sure any card you have in mind is shorter-Google the makers website.

That system has a PCI-Ex16 slot so the card will fit the motherboard.

The card should be fully compatible with your existing system, including the upgraded power supply but look for an updated BIOS, if one is available you should update-see below .

Yes, the CPU will hold it back somewhat.

Check the Dell website or contact their support, not all motherboards of that age were compatible with the Quad CPUs, some would just plain refuse to work, others needed a BIOS...
Sort by date Sort by votes
I

i7Baby

Titan
BANNED
Jul 25, 2012
44,084
2
106,960
The 79070 will work on your motherboard. But it probably won't fit in your case. And the Dell power supply won't be able to run it. And the Core 2 Duo CPU will bottleneck it. Dell (and HP) don't make PCs for upgrading. They want you to buy a new one instead.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
GregLewis

GregLewis

Honorable
Apr 18, 2015
27
0
10,530
The CPU would most likley bottleneck a GPU of that power. You should get a new mobo (I suggest Z87-55) which has a 1150 socket, and get an i5. I have the 4670K and it is great, plus it wouldn't bottleneck the GPU. You could also get a lower budget i3, but right now the Core Duo 2's will bottleneck the GPU
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
coozie7

coozie7

Champion
Jun 2, 2007
10,015
10
59,215
Dell cases can be a little weird in internal design but you should have no problems fitting the HD7970, just measure the clearance from the case rear to the first obstruction-probably the HDD bays-and make sure any card you have in mind is shorter-Google the makers website.

That system has a PCI-Ex16 slot so the card will fit the motherboard.

The card should be fully compatible with your existing system, including the upgraded power supply but look for an updated BIOS, if one is available you should update-see below .

Yes, the CPU will hold it back somewhat.

Check the Dell website or contact their support, not all motherboards of that age were compatible with the Quad CPUs, some would just plain refuse to work, others needed a BIOS update to work, some worked out of the box.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom