GPU should fit but doesn't

[wayvire]

Please help. I have a small factory dell computer and so I bought an HIS Radeon HD 6670 Low Profile card. It will fit into my PCI-E PCI Express x16 slot just like it's suppose to, but there is a random box that I've never seen in a computer before barely blocking the corner of my GPU. Here is my PCI slot https://www.dropbox.com/s/63ao9mjvoeajf7l/0502132001.jpg
and here is that weird box https://www.dropbox.com/s/g2r8yztxnvppwvn/0502132002.jpg
Sorry it's not all that clear, I had to take it with my phone. I think it might be a filter for something. Do I need it? Will it hurt if I take it out? When I try to unscrew it, I hear a spring and so I'm a little scared to mess with it. I've looked into PCI extenders. Would that way be the best to go?
UPDATE: I took off that box thing. The cpu is/was directly under it. It also covered the fan. Is this box really necessary. Do I put my computer at risk if I don't use it?

 

[Supernova1138]

That 'box' is the CPU cooler. You need to have it on, or your CPU will fry. Since this is a low profile 6670 it probably has a dual slot cooler. That isn't going to fit on that motherboard, as the CPU cooler is in the way. You are likely going to be restricted to single slot cards. Sadly, your system really doesn't have much upgradeability because of how Dell set up the motherboard.

 

[Kisianik]

Please help. I have a small factory dell computer and so I bought an HIS Radeon HD 6670 Low Profile card. It will fit into my PCI-E PCI Express x16 slot just like it's suppose to, but there is a random box that I've never seen in a computer before barely blocking the corner of my GPU. Here is my PCI slot https://www.dropbox.com/s/63ao9mjvoeajf7l/0502132001.jpg
and here is that weird box https://www.dropbox.com/s/g2r8yztxnvppwvn/0502132002.jpg
Sorry it's not all that clear, I had to take it with my phone. I think it might be a filter for something. Do I need it? Will it hurt if I take it out? When I try to unscrew it, I hear a spring and so I'm a little scared to mess with it. I've looked into PCI extenders. Would that way be the best to go?
UPDATE: I took off that box thing. The cpu is/was directly under it. It also covered the fan. Is this box really necessary. Do I put my computer at risk if I don't use it?

CAn you state your Optiplex model? I know it is Optiplex by the pictures. Can you return your video card, you can not modify CPU cooler it is proprietary. Judging from the picture it is made of aluminum - that means that you have Core 2 Duo or something similar as processor. I can see all this from the picture, so -
If you state you model correctly - it is looks like Mini Tower form factor not SFF, I would able to advise you better, but please return you video card - you stuck.

OK, I will help you. This is Optiplex 755 family line, take as example and identify your form factor as well provide your Optiplex model

 

[wayvire]

Oh, guess it might not be SFF. Shows my ignorance. I thought just cause it was slim ... Ya, it looks more like DT. It's an Optiplex 360. Ya, I've been doing research and I'll reinsert the heatsink once I get thermal paste. So, I guess my new question is, would a PCI-E slot extender work, where I could just securely mount it somewhere else in the case?

 

[Kisianik]

Can you return 6670?
There is Sapphire 7750 low profile which will fit, this is the most commonly used 7750 in Dell models http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202002
PCI card riser designed to mount tall, regular height cards to mount in cases like this - it will not help you since you have fat card, not tall!
Also, 7750 is visually superior to 6670, and unfortunately more expensive.
So, if money is big problem, state your budget, and I will look for 6670 which can fit.

 

[wayvire]

Ya, I can return it. That looks perfect and it's only $20 more than what I paid for this one. My only concern is it says "PCI Express 3.0 x16." I know little about compatibility. What it says right next to the slot in my computer is "PCIEX16" and "PCIEX16_RM." Will it work? Are all PCI Express x16 GPUs compatible with any PCIEx16 slot?

 

[Kisianik]

OK, lets make it simple, look at (just look, don't buy) Visiontek® Radeon 7750 http://accessories.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A6523076&mfgpid=192262
Look under Compatibility tab - you will find Optiplex 360 DT (your PC) in the list of tested models.
If you start looking around, you will also find that 7750 manufacturer requirement is 400 watt power supply, that is why I show you DEll approved 7750, which is the same 7750. Some PCIE slots in some Dell PCs have 25 watt written next to it, but the Visiotec card was tested in those as well, tested by Dell.
The idea of my talk - I am not sure if the right hand in DEll is knows what its left hand is doing, you got the idea.

 

[wayvire]

OK, I think I see now. So it will most likely work. That's good, because it looks like it will fit perfect. My question was more about the 3.0 version but after research I gather that all PCIE slots are forward and backward compatible, so I'm not so concerned anymore . Ya, that newegg.com card looks perfect. I like to be careful about what I buy, I just lack the knowledge and experience of computers. Is there anything else i need to consider? I'm working on a 500w Corsair PSU, which should be ready to go soon. Thanks for all your help

 

[Kisianik]

Thank God you mentioned Corsair PSU now - Desktop has most likely proprietary power supply, so most likely you stuck here as well, I am not aware of Corsair making any PSU to fit in PC like yours.
I am leaving to work, so cannot look at internet (using iPhone now), open your side panel and take a close look at your PSU and next check the Corsair you like, are they look the same?

 

[wayvire]

No, it doesn't look too much the same, but I'm having trouble finding any psu that will fit inside. It might not look like much, but I was thinking of just having it outside the case and hooking it up. As far as I've read, that should be harmless. But if I can find a 400w or higher that will fit in the case that would be awesome.

 

[Kisianik]

Why do you need stronger PSU? You are limited on graphic card by size, what else?

 

[wayvire]

The psu that came with the computer only provides max 225w. The gpu requires 400w.

 

[Kisianik]

The psu that came with the computer only provides max 225w. The gpu requires 400w.

Pay attention here and read carefully, Sapphire 7750 low profile http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202002

Go to FEEDBACK section and scroll down to TazarZero review

TazarZero said:
Pros: I am pleased to share that this card works painlessly in an HP Slimline s3400f that came with a 165w psu! I bought this to improve on a low-power upgrade plan from the original specs

This user has 165 watt PSU and you have 225 watt - you will be fine!

This card was tested on many Dell models including DT and SFF Optiplexes.

Lastly take a look here http://www.hwcompare.com/11734/radeon-hd-6670-oem-vs-radeon-hd-7750/ look at wattage.

What else I can add? No, seriously!

 

[smeezekitty]

Running a 7750 on a 165 PSU is a terrible idea. Only leaves 110 watts for the rest of the components.

You can get away with 225 but it is quite low.

 

[Kisianik]

Running a 7750 on a 165 PSU is a terrible idea. Only leaves 110 watts for the rest of the components.

You can get away with 225 but it is quite low.

Unless I am tired, I did not see processor info here, can you please update us here.

 

[smeezekitty]

Running a 7750 on a 165 PSU is a terrible idea. Only leaves 110 watts for the rest of the components.

You can get away with 225 but it is quite low.

Unless I am tired, I did not see processor info here, can you please update us here.

I am not sure I understand what you are asking.

 

[Kisianik]

See, I said that I am tired, I am asking OP about his processor - trying calculate approx wattage.

 

[wayvire]

Oh, ok. I just thought that because it said system requirements was a minimum of 400w that that's what it needed. Um, I'm not sure how much my processor takes. I don't have a power tester and that computer is currently semi-dismantled while I'm waiting for the thermal paste, which should get here in the next two days or so. I can't figure another way to find out, but then, I don't know much. The manuals I've found to tell me (at least not in lame man's terms). The best I can find is:

Power Supply Wattage
255W
235W
AC input Voltage Range
90~135Vac,180~264Vac (PFC)
90~135Vac,180~264Vac (PFC)
AC input current
9A/3.5A(PFC),
6.5/3.5A(PFC)
AC input Frequency
47~63Hz
47~63Hz
AC holdup time
>16ms
>16ms
Minimum Efficiency (Active PFC, Energy Star Compliant)
NA
NA
Minimum Efficiency (Active PFC)
NA
NA
Minimum Efficiency (PFC)
65%
65%
DC parameters
+3.3v output
11A
9A
+5.0v output
17A
15A
+12.0v output (add as many 12v rails as needed)
16A
14A
+5.0v auxiliary output
4A
4A
-12.0v output
0.2A
0.2A
Max total power
255W
235W
Max combined +3.3v / +5.0v power
121W
105W
Max combined 12.0v power (note: only if more than one 12v rail)
NA
NA.
BTUs/h (based on PSU max wattage)
870BTUs/h
801BTUs/h
3.3v CMOS battery (type and estimated battery life)
CR2032, 5years
CR2032, 5years
RTC accuracy (time of day)
4 second/24 hours
4 second/24hours
Power Supply Fan (size and type)
80mm
92mm

 

[Kisianik]

You are fine the way it is. But for clarification only - you listed 2 PSUs, which one you actually have installed, look at it and tell me model number, which is usually is short number and stamped on the top of specs list.
OK, i will try to help you a bit, here are 3 possible choices, choose which one is yours, I think 2 of them are the same, just different model abbreviations:
1. http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Optiplex-Desktop-Supply-M618F/dp/B007MPQ2U8 model model D235PD-00
2. http://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Dell-Optiplex-Desktop-Compatible/dp/B005MZFH9W model F255E-01
3. http://www.amazon.com/Dell-M618F-Power-Supply-235W/dp/B004575URM/ref=pd_cp_pc_0 model D235PD-00

1 and 3 are the same, LOL, but picture is a bit different. So basically choose between options 2 and the rest. If yours is not shown, please provide model number.

 

[wayvire]

oh, oops. The second one you listed is what I have.

 

[Kisianik]

oh, oops. The second one you listed is what I have.

So you have 255 watt PSU, nothing to worry, just upgrade to 7750.
If you still worry about 400 watt PSU just take a look here (I don't remember if I provided this before) http://accessories.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A6523076&mfgpid=192262 Here you can see that Dell recommends 7750 as upgrade to your Optiplex 360 DT (look at compatibility there, scroll down you will see).

So, I don't see any issues here, go for it.

 

[wayvire]

Sweetness. Thank you quite very much. Thanks for your patience in working with my ignorance and for your awesome comments and suggestions.

 

[Kisianik]

Sweetness. Thank you quite very much. Thanks for your patience in working with my ignorance and for your awesome comments and suggestions.

You welcome. Please provide feedback when you install this card, so it would help others like you by the example. It is easier to prove the point when lots of users state their success.

 

[wayvire]

Ok, will do.

 

[wayvire]

It works great . The Radeon HD 7750 card fits perfectly, and you're right, I didn't need another psu. I've been testing it out for a few days, and it seems to run just fine on the 255w psu . Thanks again.