Upgrading An Old Dell Optiplex 380

[kevin_bacon]

So I have this Optiplex 380 (released 2005) which is going to be a gift for a family member, It runs suprisingly well actually and also planning to add an SSD of which I have a 128gb laying around.

I want to add a graphics.

Now I was building PCs in high school up to around 2005 and was knee deep in jumpers, and amd chips but have been a total macfag since then.

I want to find a compatible graphics card for it, it has a pci express 16x slot.

I want to find an old card for a couple of hundred bucks, (R200 - R500) What can I look for one gumtree or olx that will work?

Also until around which year were graphics made that are compatible with this standard?

The onboard graphics is not compatible with the monitor I have for it so this is the primary reason for needing a card, also a little more performance.

Also if anyone happens to have something for me pm me.

EDIT: I am correct in assuming graphics cards from the last 5 years won't work with this?

 

[supersunbird]

If it has a PCI express slot and the driver for the OS exist, whatever cheap graphics card will indeed work.

 

[WAslayer]

if you can find a nvidia 7800gtx or nvidia 8800gt you will be fine.. i suggest going to carbonite.co.za and asking the folks there if they have a graphics card for you.. you are very likely to find one there..

 

[ponder]

You need to keep in mind the physical size of the card and power requirements.

 

[PhireSide]

780 was a SFF PC if I recall, you would need to find a half height video card for it to fit.

Unless the 780 was available in microtower size in which case your biggest issue would be power as the PSU's usually have proprietary connectors and might not have 6-pin power cables

 

[DanDango]

GIGABYTE NVIDIA GEFORCE GT 430 GRAPHICS CARD
http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/267049822/GIGABYTE_NVIDIA_GEFORCE_GT_430_GRAPHICS_CARD.html

Power Colour HD 5450 Video Card
http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/264086065/Power_Colour_HD_5450_Video_Card.html

XFX Nvidia Geforce GTS210 STD Edition 512MB DDR2
http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/264561117/XFX_Nvidia_Geforce_GTS210_STD_Edition_512MB_DDR2.html

 

[sajunky]

Why do you say integrated graphics is not compatible with your monitor?
It supports all modern resolutions, see http://www.google.co.za/url?url=htt...products/optix/en/optiplex-380-tech-guide.pdf

You probably didn't load proper graphics driver. Windows 10 has such problems. Download drivers from Dell or Intel (G41 chipset).

You might need converter if your monitor do not have VGA connector, but in such case a cheapo PCI Express card is better option. Get the cheapest card which support latest Directx and have suitable ports, keep in mind that your power supply is only rated 235W or 250W.

 

[kevin_bacon]

Thanks for all the replies folks

 

[Exaelea]

You probably didn't load proper graphics driver. Windows 10 has such problems. Download drivers from Dell or Intel (G41 chipset).

Some of the older intel gfx do not work properly in windows 10, for 64bit there are custom drivers to try which sometimes work (but still the odd grainy effect on text), but 32bit you are usually S*** out of luck, forcing you to get a newer gfx card.