Graphics Upgrade for Dell Optiplex 7010 DT

[lincolnkite]

I want to upgrage the graphics I have in my Dell Optiplex 7010 DT.
Current Specs:
PSU: 250W
Graphics Card: AMD Radeon HD 7470
RAM: 16 GB

Processor: Inter(R) Core(TM) i7-3770 CPU @3.40 GHz

Currently some games run fine but I want to have a better card.

Would doing crossfire be a good idea with 7470 or should I get a new card?

Don't really want to upgrade the PSU if I can manage, if I can't then I would like to fit it in the case.

Thanks for the help.

[SundownKid]

You will need to get a new PSU unfortuately. That one is too weak for even the weakest cards.

I would suggest getting a new, single GPU and selling that one if possible.

Depending on the budget you could go for pretty much any graphics card.

[Rumpelcrutchskin]

You cant crossfire anything with this. It's slim case office PC with specialized PSU so cant upgrade the PSU either.

I think this low-profile GTX 750 is pretty much best you can do with it, it comes with low profile brackets that you can change out so it will fit in slim case and uses 55W of power so should be ok with your 250W PSU.

http://www.ncixus.com/products/?usaffiliateid=1000031504&sku=97350&vpn=ZT-70702-10M&manufacture=Zotac

[˜lokkandload˜™]

You will not be able to integrate an ATX PSU into the case with that motherboard. Optiplex's are enterprise workstations and Dell uses a proprietary PSU, we've been using Optiplex where I work for at least 12 years....they suck as far as attempting to upgrade much beyond CPU, RAM, and SSD. Honestly for that rig the best option would be at best a 750Ti or maybe there'll be an upcoming SFF 950 or 950Ti.

Is it mid tower, desktop, or mini? If it's a desktop model and even some case mini you can look for a small form factor GPU, that will run with the existing PSU. There are also SFF GT 730 and 740s that would work, but they are much weaker. If you get one of those opt for GDDR5 vs GDDR3. A 1 or 2 GB GDDR5 card will outperform a 2 or 4 Gb GDDR3.....so Ram speed more than VRAM quantity.

[Tywin]

Get a new case, new motherboard and new power supply and new video card.

[lincolnkite]

Ok thanks for all the suggestions. Here are a few answers to the questions.
It is desktop model. I am willing to spend around 200-300$ right now for a new PSU and card. I plan on upgrading it again when I can get the chance so will probably get a large PSU. If I get a new PSU can I just plug it into my system after dealing with the dell cables and it will work? I have no problem splicing cables, but don't want to fry anything. Any suggestions on PSU and graphics cards?

[Rumpelcrutchskin]

If you have $300 to spend then pull the CPU, RAM and HDD out of this thing and buy motherboard, case, PSU and graphics card:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/skcVpg

[lincolnkite]

Is ram that important to change. I am runnning 16 RAM right now brand new overclocked cards. There are 1333 but seem to be ok.

[lincolnkite]

Sorry misunderstood. But I think the motherboard is ok in thing, can I just put it in a new case or are their some restrictions other than the weird dell connections.

[Meurock460]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von lincolnkite:

Sorry misunderstood. But I think the motherboard is ok in thing, can I just put it in a new case or are their some restrictions other than the weird dell connections.

I don't know about your particular model, but many Dell Optiplexs from around that time used custom connectors like a custom 24 pin that would only work with their PSUs. I definately know the optiplex 7020 does but not sure about the 7010. Yours may or may not use the standard 24pin connection, I honestly do not know.

If it turns out yours does use proprietry connections, then its best to buy a new motherboard if you plan on changing the PSU and case.

The other thing to make sure is that if your motherboard is actually compatible with a new case. Make sure the screw holes are in the same place as a normal ATX or Micro ATX motherboard.

[L0rd_CSVeteran(only HS)]

if you swap the motherboard, there goes your OS, so buy a new one

[lincolnkite]

I think this one does not have the custom 24 pin. I work with the 7020 and it seems to be the same connection so I will have to double check and get back to you.