Dell Optiplex 790 MT

[Narwhal]

So I bought a Dell Opiplex 790 with an i5 2400 secondhand. I wanted to upgrade the PSU and add a video card to it for some some gaming, but primary use will be an HTPC. I wanted to go for an RX 570 and 500 watt PSU, since everyone says the 570 is the best value graphics card new right now. However I realized GPU clearance might be an issue, as the drive cage could be in the way of larger cards. I don't have the necessary tools to remove the cage, nor do I want to damage the case. With that said, should a 570 still fit?

[r.linder]

It'll work, but the i5-2400 is at the end of its rope. I would just start over with a Ryzen 3000 or Intel 9th gen build.

[Talby]

From what I recall the 790 needs a mini card since it will block the sata ports. If you don’t care about that just make sure the power connectors don’t hang off the end of the card and connect on top, and the measurement of the card will be accurate. So measure out the clearance, get a card with top connectors that fits, should be good to go.

[bunder]

You might not be able to upgrade the PSU either, Dell loves their weird form factors, ATX or SFX might not fit in there.

[Wichtelman]

fitting in a case is not really that big of a problem... you can get a second hand case for 5$ but if your motherboard has non atx connectors you are screwed...

[Talby]

Should not be any problem to use a plain-old ATX PSU, seen a few Corsair CXs myself in them. Great deal on the S12III 500w for $32[www.newegg.com] ($45 w/ $15 MIR & $2 shipping)

[Narwhal]

Originally posted by Escorve:

It'll work, but the i5-2400 is at the end of its rope. I would just start over with a Ryzen 3000 or Intel 9th gen build.

1. I already have a Ryzen build with an RX 590 I finished in late July. I don't need a second one.

2. I planned on putting no more than $500 in this Dell, more likely $300-350, much less than the $1000 I put in the Ryzen build.

[Narwhal]

Originally posted by bunder:

You might not be able to upgrade the PSU either, Dell loves their weird form factors, ATX or SFX might not fit in there.

This is a mid-tower, and I've seen people put in standard ATX PSUs from EVGA, Corsair and Thermaltake without issue, so wattage won't be an issue.

[_I_]

you will need to watch the height and length of gpus in the dell case
those are often a tight fit for gpus with a taller or longer pcb/hsf

most of those take a standard atx psu, but a few use a custom with 6/8/10 pin connectors instead of the atx 20+4/24pin

[Ad Hominem]

Originally posted by _I_:

you will need to watch the height and length of gpus in the dell case
those are often a tight fit for gpus with a taller or longer pcb/hsf

most of those take a standard atx psu, but a few use a custom with 6/8/10 pin connectors instead of the atx 20+4/24pin

Or just take the dremel tool out and grind/cut away some of the hard drive cage or whatever is in your way. If you do this, be very aware of metal filings and shavings that could cause mog problems for electronics. You'll want to take steps to mitigate that.

I think Zach Tech Turf has a few videos about upgrading an Optiplex on Youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69O5vin6PH4

This is just one of many on his channel.

[Narwhal]

Originally posted by Ad Hominem:

Originally posted by _I_:

you will need to watch the height and length of gpus in the dell case
those are often a tight fit for gpus with a taller or longer pcb/hsf

most of those take a standard atx psu, but a few use a custom with 6/8/10 pin connectors instead of the atx 20+4/24pin

Or just take the dremel tool out and grind/cut away some of the hard drive cage or whatever is in your way. If you do this, be very aware of metal filings and shavings that could cause mog problems for electronics. You'll want to take steps to mitigate that.

I think Zach Tech Turf has a few videos about upgrading an Optiplex on Youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69O5vin6PH4

This is just one of many on his channel.

Actually watching some of his videos now. He put in a GTX 770 OC from MSI and that is a pretty long card so I think an RX 570 will fit. Also measured my brother's RX 480 from XFX and he has the same amount of clearance in his Raidmax case (funny enough, the drive cage in his case is in a very familiar spot as the Dell).

[Done]

What type of gaming are we talking about here ?

[Narwhal]

Originally posted by SeaShrub:

What type of gaming are we talking about here ?

Mostly light gaming like esports titles and indie games, no new triple a games (might run them as benchmarks, but I won't play them much more than that).

[Narwhal]

Hey everyone, thank you for the help but I just remembered that if the card I get doesn't fit, I have an old case from my cousin I can put all the parts into. So there's not really any risk if I get a card that happens to not fit.

[Gandalf ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥.org ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥]

Hola Chico ++