Is my Optiplex GX520 compatible with any Geforce cards?

[TTBoo]

I just received a Dell Optiplex 520 DT (sits on it's side, picture attached below) PC as a gift. I have yet to hook it up but from what I gather the specs are 512GB RAM, 80GB HardDrive and unsure about processing speed and graphics card. I will be updating the RAM to 3 or 4 GB but I have read conflicting things about the graphics card compatibility.

This is the desktop in question. http://www.bizrate.com/desktop...64513736__nwylf--.html

Is it possible to upgrade this model with a newer Geforce card? I am unsure if there is a PCI slot or not. If not, are there any options such as a PCI riser or some way to externally connect the graphics card to the system? Thanks!

 

[Illyan]

Looks like that system only has a PCI slot, which basically means the best card you can get is a Radeon x1550 or 2400PRO.

 

[TTBoo]

Hi,

How can you tell it has a PCI slot?

Which of those two Graphics cards are better and are they capable of handling most new commercial games? Bioshock in particular?

Thanks for the reply!

 

[aka1nas]

Originally posted by: TTBoo
Hi,

How can you tell it has a PCI slot?

Which of those two Graphics cards are better and are they capable of handling most new commercial games? Bioshock in particular?

Thanks for the reply!

The specs for the model on Dell's Website state how many expansion slots are on the motherboard. The PCI interface is too slow for any cards that you would actually want to play games on.

 

[TTBoo]

Are there any expansions I could buy that would allow me to connect better graphics cards?

 

[MustISO]

A new motherboard is your only option if you want a modern video card.

 

[nitromullet]

Originally posted by: MustISO
A new motherboard is your only option if you want a modern video card.

It's a BTX case, so that might be really hard to find...

 

[TTBoo]

How can I figure out what motherboards are compatible with my desktop and whether or not they support modern graphics cards? Thanks.

 

[nitromullet]

Originally posted by: TTBoo
Are there any expansions I could buy that would allow me to connect better graphics cards?

Regrettably, your PC looks like it is pretty much at the end of the line in terms of graphics cards upgrades. It's not a bad computer, but it was designed more as a "business computer" than a gaming/entertainment PC. The focus was more on performance/dollar, and not upgradability or fun.

The good news its that Anandtech forums is chalk full of helpful people that can help you empty your wallet in creative ways to get yourself a new PC.

welcome to AT forums.

 

[nitromullet]

Originally posted by: TTBoo
How can I figure out what motherboards are compatible with my desktop and whether or not they support modern graphics cards? Thanks.

hmmm... It's actually still possible to find BTX motherboards...

This Intel motherboard is BTX and looks like it has a PCI Express slot:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ...ls?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

Your next problem is that the case itself is half height, so it won't actually fit a full size graphics card.

A better bet would be to replace the BTX motherboard and case with ATX replacements. This would allow you to start on a new build that uses a new motherboard and case, but re-uses your cpu, RAM, and everything else. You can then upgrade these other components over time.

...it really depends on if you're interested in building this yourself or if you want to stick to buying Dells, HPs, Gateways, etc... Of course, everyone on this forum will suggest that you build your own, but it's not for everyone.

edit:

If you wanted to go that route, these would be some decent components to start with for $200:

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128345

Antec Sonata III 500 Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811129024

I'm pretty sure those are both compatible with everything else you have. Although, you might have to invest in new cpu cooler as well, as I don't think Dell uses a standard cpu cooler.