Bring an old computer to life?

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1

I have a Dell Optiplex 745 in the "Desktop" configuration, with:

  • Intel Q965 Chipset
  • Intel Integrated Graphics 3000 (about enough to play TF2 at min. settings)
  • Pentium D Dual-Core running at 3.4 GHz (not a 64-bit processor)
  • 4 GBs of RAM (upgradable to 8)
  • Windows 7

My options for expansion, well, are very little.

It's what I get for getting a desktop- yeah, I know.

I'm in some trouble here, though. I'm saving up for a beast rig- and by beast rig, I mean beast rig- but I don't want this computer to be useless in the meantime, and I want to be able to enjoy some games with my friends before coughing up 2k~ on my dream machine.

So what 64-bit processor can I use to replace the Pentium D and upgrade to 8 GBs of RAM?

What're my options in terms of graphics cards?

I don't want to blow too much money on upgrading this machine, so if there's multiple options in different price ranges for each of those areas, let me know.

Here's a .pdf spec sheet that went into a bit more detail than I did: http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/optix/en/opti_745techspecs.pdf

And here, by the way, is the rig I'm saving up for: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/mtBx

Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.

2

Hmm, your beast would make a decent server or workstation, dunno about how balanced of a PC it is though.

As far as memory is concerned, you'll probably just want to stick to 4GB, since its DDR2, its gonna be mad expensive.

You got space for a low profile card, could consider dropping a HD7750LP in there, would get some decent gaming performance out of that and it only sips power. Costs about $100. 

I don't know if trying to replace the CPU would be worth it, maybe at best could drop a core 2 quad in there if you could find one cheap, I'm not even sure about that. 

3

Hmm, your beast would make a decent server or workstation, dunno about how balanced of a PC it is though.

Are you referring to the monster I crafted up on Part Picker, or the rig I'm working with now?

As far as memory is concerned, you'll probably just want to stick to 4GB, since its DDR2, its gonna be mad expensive.

If I can find a Core 2 Duo at a good price, I'll definitely upgrade the memory for the sake of 64-bit Win7.

You got space for a low profile card, could consider dropping a HD7750LP in there, would get some decent gaming performance out of that and it only sips power. Costs about $100. 

 

Isn't that a PCI Express 3 card? My mobo is made for 1.

4
  1. The one you crafted, its got tons of CPU power and ass loads of memory, something good for workstations and servers, and mid-high end graphics, just seems a bit unbalanced.
  2. Upgrade the memory? As in add more? 4GB of DDR2 memory is gonna run you at least $40-$50, I can't honestly imagine it would be worth it... If you think you can simply 'upgrade' to DDR3 you can't, you'd need a new mobo.
  3. PCI-e is backwards compatable, your bandwidth will simply be limited, but I don't honestly thing the HD7750 will push even the bounds of PCI-e 1.0.

If you want a temporary fix that won't cost you a complete ass load, could get one of these:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/mI3Z

It will only set you back $400 and will play most modern games on high @ 1080P and is solidly built. Get a solid OC out of it to, 1GHz IGP OC and a 4.2GHz CPU OC are within reach. When you do decide to get your 'beast' you probably wouldn't have too much trouble selling it off for minimal loss (or perhaps profit even), or give to a sibling as a gift. 

 EDIT: Actually, since it would be a temp system, you wouldn't need that big of a PSU, i just generally recommend it because you can drop a graphics card in it at any time for a flawless upgrade path. You could bring the cost under $400 by going down to the Seasonic 350W 80+ bronze PSU.

5

About the rig- I plan on eventually popping two 690s in there, each about a year apart.

Also, in terms of general performance, my computer is fine. The main thing I want is better gaming performance.

Also, that temp. build looks very nice.

6

yoiu have a pentium D and intel 300 graphics, general performance IS NOT FINE


the pentium D is absolutly criplling your performance in everything and runs hot as hell

The intel 3000 (non HD btw) is almost as crippling

 

here is an example I gave my concept artist a HD5450 and GT 520, Really weak cards, when I upgraded him to a 2220 stock, he got a 10FPS BOOST

so here is what you need to do, find a e8400 dual core CPU on ebay for like 20-30 bucks

 

I assume since you have a penitume D that it has a huge ass heatsink and thus not a slim line model, grab one of these

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127599

 

but if you do have a slim line grab one of these

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131480

7

the one problem I have with that build is the TX3, push pins are a nono for 3rd part heatsinks are absolutly evil, spend 4 more bucks for a gaia

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006ICA49G/?tag=pcpapi-20

8

I have actually used a very similar machine before, really the #1 thing it needs is a discrete gfx card. the integrated gfx can't even run tf2 (and i don't mean it's laggy, I mean shit doesn't show up right)

9

You don't use the push pins on AMD board, it comes with a tension brace to hook onto standard AMD heatsink mounts.

10

okay then ballin

11

So in this situation, what would be more advisable:

Taking gigabuster's upgrade route for my pre-existing desktop or going for that AMD rig?

12

Its honestly up to you, very dependant on your situation. I'd bet giga's method would likely end up being cheaper if it can be followed down, but would also likely be a bigger hassle as many variables are in play with it, whether or not you can find the needed components, if your old components are going to be able to handle the changes (if your board or PSU starting to wear out, the extra load of a more powerful CPU and addition of discrete GPU might push em over the edge), the combination of older components and newer components might bottleneck performance or lead to issues, etc etc etc. 

My method is likely to be a quicker and cleaner process, but will also cost you a fair bit more. When you go to build your new system, you'll have to figure out what you will do with the new Trinity system, since its a new system with fresh components, you'd want to put some effort into selling it, or at the very least have someone to give it to.  

13

CloudScorpion +1  I wouldnt trust a old dell psu to push more power for very long. Its under $40 to replace the psu if it does fail. I would only atempt it if you have the minitower. A $400 buget build would be alround better and less risky.

14

the intel 3000 will run tf2 at full, I do, with my sand bridge mobile

15

its not a hd3000 its just 3000.

16

Get this kit and a better vid card, save lots of bux for the monster rig....

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7385689&Sku=B69-0640&cm_re=Homepage-_-Spot%2001a-_-CatId_31_B69-0640

 

17

but the 5450 won't play anything at an even moderately good frame rate, plus the overall quality of the build is just dirt low, it will have no resale value.