Identifying the best five GPUs to use without changing the PSU is a complex task.
Identifying the best five GPUs to use without changing the PSU is a complex task.
I began this discussion nearly a year ago in search of solutions. So far, no one responded.
http://en.community.dell.com/support-for...t/19623561
In any case, I wouldn’t expect much beyond a power profile 600 series, perhaps a low-profile GT710—maybe it could work? I might need to check Dell forums for my specific model before committing to any PSU or additional components.
Disclaimer: Some pre-built computers from brands like Dell, HP, Acer, etc., may come with locked or fixed BIOS/UEFI and restrict hardware changes, especially for video cards. This is intended to safeguard warranties and refunds—not to discourage you, but to ensure proper protection. It’s essential to verify if the upgrade will function in your specific model before spending money. There are numerous threads on Toms discussing which models support upgrades, while others don’t. Many users express frustration, noting that investing in a card that fails post-installation can lead to wasted time and money. Always confirm compatibility before proceeding.
You should be aware that the motherboard designs in these systems differ from those used for custom builds, which often allow hardware upgrades. The BIOS is tailored specifically for each model, ensuring only authorized components work as intended. Additionally, these boards may not meet ATX standards, and PCIe slots might supply insufficient power (often 45-60W) compared to the requirements of high-end cards, which can be as low as 75W. This applies even to lower-end factory OEM cards that may have been shipped with limited power.
[Example link]
http://en.community.dell.com/cfs-file/__...ESKTOP.jpg
Ultimately, any modification carries personal risk. The original manufacturers only guarantee the product works exactly as described at launch. Their business model focuses on selling fully assembled systems, not on supporting post-purchase upgrades. Don’t worry about getting support for changes—this isn’t part of their service. It’s best to stick with reputable retailers like Wal-Mart for newer models.
Check the compatibility lists for Dell parts and cards to ensure suitability.
I just looked into what TDP means and was taken aback by the explanation. I thought it meant total power consumption but turned out to be different. The abbreviation stands for "Thermal Design Power." It refers to "the maximum heat produced by a computer chip or part," not necessarily how much power it actually draws. This is something completely new to me.
A GT 610 or even a GT 710 would suffice and perform adequately regardless of PSU specifications—they require very little power. You could even disregard the power needs for those cards (the GT 710 matches the requirements of a 610). They also include an HDMI port. Both of these components should function with your PC's old BIOS.
other things to note are that the proprietary Dell BIOS on any board might be compatible with certain cards. It seems possible, especially when shipped with Windows 7 or earlier, but it could be tricky for newer cards, particularly those from the NVidia 600 series or above. The best options might be limited to the 900 series and higher, which may require UEFI BIOS only available with prebuilt units that come with Windows 8 installed from the factory. Upgrading still carries risk, but you have a better chance if you choose wisely.
The Dell XPS 8700, for example, didn’t support 900 series cards until an updated BIOS (A-10) was released, which was intended for Dell’s own users. In short, any changes you make are entirely your responsibility. The original builders only promise the product works exactly as advertised at launch—no additional modifications are guaranteed.
Don’t stress about upgrades or support; it’s not their business model. They prefer customers buy new, fully assembled machines and rely on retailers like Wal-Mart for the latest models.
Do any of you think an MSI R7 240 would fit well in my Optiplex 7010 SFF, even though the suggested PSU is 400W? The TDP on the RadeonR7 240 (Oland Pro) is only 30W, at least according to Wikipedia :-? I don't know, but based on our experience with similar setups, it's better to choose a model from the recommended list. Honestly, for around $40, there aren't many options that stand out much. Just opt for the GT 610 or 710 and be done.
For HD streaming and playback, a 1gb DDR5 card is sufficient. You don’t necessarily require 2 or 4gb cards for this purpose. In fact, at such low power consumption levels, these cards often aren’t able to utilize the extra memory, which is just a marketing tactic to imply your card has ample storage. I recommend opting for the DDR5 version of any card you select if available. Higher speed memory can significantly improve performance in lower-end systems.
I believe a 240W unit works well. The suggested 400W rating seems to reflect common expectations, but it appears to be based on typical consumer assumptions. If they had recommended 250W for most basic setups, people would likely purchase the cheapest 200-250W power supplies they found. In reality, low-quality power supplies rarely deliver their advertised wattage, so the card wouldn’t function properly and could lead to service issues. Therefore, recommending more than necessary ensures compatibility even with lower-end systems.
Additionally, I want to note that not all video cards are designed for identical uses. Some are meant as integrated graphics alternatives, suitable for basic office tasks. Others are built for gaming, offering greater power. In certain cases, choosing the older, gaming-oriented card might actually provide better performance than a newer, more basic model.
Hey there, you buy, try to hope it doesn’t make you cry. I’d prefer to purchase from a store that offers a good refund or RMA policy—it might work then, but not always. You’re concerned about TDP when it could involve Dell’s proprietary BIOS, which is the risk and cost you’re taking. Dell only ensures their own computers will function as specified.
[Compatibility]
OptiPlex 5040 SFF
Optiplex 7010 Mt
OptiPlex 7020 Mt
OptiPlex 7040 Micro
Just buy the best one, it might work and then it’s all up to luck. Good luck!
[Compatibility]
OptiPlex 390 DT
OptiPlex 5040 SFF
OptiPlex 580 DT
OptiPlex 7010 DT
OptiPlex 7010 SFF
OptiPlex 7020 SFF
OptiPlex 7040 SFF
[Note: OEM cards from Dell often have better compatibility ratings compared to aftermarket versions, especially for a TDP of 65W and 'Board Design'].
https://www.techpowerup.com/gpudb/2820/r...5-340x-oem
I found something today that might assist you.
I'm running a 1050 Ti 'Low Profile' in my Optiplex 7010 DT. Check out the videos on YouTube - Nor Tech.