Can you game with a dell optiplex GX280 and which card?

[Demianwulf]

I just got a Dell optiplex GX280 and I was wondering if I could put a high end 6800GT in it? WOuld power requirements hold me back? I believe it has a 330W power supply...the problem I have now is I have the Gigabyte 6600GT and it is passively cooled and has been overheating and shutting down in the case. It also gives me some funny artifacts on the desktop from time to time...so I want to replace it with something faster and better cooled...Any suggestions or advice?
Here is a link to it on Dell's website...I know it's an intel computer, but i have two other amd boxes and this site rocks for info...Cooling problem I am having is the case has only 1 huge fan that cools the entire case aside from a PSU fan...so it's next to silent.

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/pro...s=04&l=en&s=bsd

 

[Demianwulf]

MSI NX6800GT-T2D256E

Thinking about going with the MSI offering, but the min requirements are a 350w rated PSU and i think mine is a 330...do you think this would be over kill?

This might be the reason why i was getting artifacts on the gigabyte card i have right now besides the massive cooling issue.

 

[MrOct]

I would doublecheck your power supply before making a decision. We use Optiplex GX280's at work and they have 250W power supplies in them. OEMs usually try to get by with the absolute minimum to save a few $. You have take out the screws holding the power supply from the back of the case and slide it at least part of the way out in order to see the Dell spec label. Good luck.

 

[BillyBobJoel71]

god i hate dells

 

[Demianwulf]

We'll the PSU is definitely the 300w+ version because of the 3.8ghz chip in it and comes standard with the GX280.

The card definitely overheats...it gets up above 90+ As far as case temps go..I can't find em. Any programs that can read em on the optiplex? I want to try to replace the PSU, but I am worried it is some non standard PSU proprietary junk that Dell usually puts in. The case is BTX and the spec's according to dell look promising that it is not, but I will have to wait and see when i get off work.

http://support.dell.com/support/edo...ut0.htm#1061813

 

[Demianwulf]

Any ideas guys?

 

[TantrumusMaximus]

The only real reason to hate Dell is their obvious RESISTANCE to use anything AMD! They are so Intelcentric. My friend used to call their pre-sales dept. daily here from work and say that he had about $4000 to spend on a system and he wanted the fastest one they had and then would ask does it have an AMD in it and then would blow up on them LOL! Eventually they were hip and wouldn't talk to him hehehehe.

 

[unclebud]

http://support.dell.com/support/edo...ut0.htm#1061813
"Bad Request"
"We'll the PSU is definitely the 300w+ version because of the 3.8ghz chip in it and comes standard with the GX280."
that don't mean nothing (imo/ime)
like they are saying, take the power supply out and look at it. what is the +12V?

 

[Malak]

You have a machine that isn't built for gaming, plain and simple. You'll need to probably get a whole new power supply and video card at the very least.

And there is absolutely nothing wrong with Dells. His machine was built for a purpose, which isn't gaming. I'm sure it works just fine for that purpose.