Inherited Dell Computer Upgrade

MrMe · 18 Feb 2021 at 18:12

Hi, so I have recently inherited a Dell Precision Workstation 3630 Tower, spec is:

A good large SSD
DIMM 8GB, x2 (DIMM, 8GB, 2666, 1RX8, 8G, DDR4, NU)
Quadro P2000 (CRD, GRPHC, 4GB, P2000)
I7-8700K 6c (PRC, CFL-S, I7-8700K, 6C, 95W)
PSU I believe is 450w

I am using for gaming only and it works quite well with Rift S and Project Cars 2 etc. however I do want to upgrade the GPU so I can max out quality and refresh rate for the VR gaming.

Stock issues aside, the GPU is a struggle to find one that will fit due to the PSU? From what I've read the PSU is not powerful enough for a good new GPU. I have researched some and it seems most PSU's are pretty interchangeable and a 750w is around £100, I hear water-cooled is better at this power. I am always worried with companies like Dell that it's difficult to upgrade the parts.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the GPU upgrade and PSU please? Plan to put the Quadro on Ebay, but I was surprised with it running Forza 4 etc. on nearly max graphics with 60/70hz.

Appreciate any advice, I haven't used/upgraded PC's in ages after switching to Mac's many years ago.

turbot1984 · 18 Feb 2021 at 18:18

Decent cpu + you can overclock hopefully. Yes you will need a better psu 650W+ depending on gpu you want to go for very little available though at present.

ASMB · 19 Feb 2021 at 00:10

You are right to worry about upgrading the PSU as some companies use non standard parts, I would measure the psu in the case to see if it is standard ATX size with the replacement that you want to buy

chroniclard · 19 Feb 2021 at 00:12

Have to be careful with Dell's they often use proprietary connectors/parts and things often dont fit straight in.

MrMe · 19 Feb 2021 at 09:06

Thanks for the replies and advice on power and measuring the case. Tested flight sim on it yesterday, that was obviously quite a different test of the performance vs the driving games. I'll update when I've upgraded the PSU and (when stocks return one day) the GPU, for reference if anyone else needs the info.

Kurgen · 19 Feb 2021 at 09:45

Standard (Decent PSU) seem to be fine, have a look at this thread

Upgrade PSU from 460W to 850W in Precision 3630 - Page 2 - Dell Community

MrMe · 19 Feb 2021 at 09:48

Awesome thank you for the link. A testament to using the search bar before posting!

MrMe · 19 Feb 2021 at 15:35

Just a thought here, if I'm upgrading the PCU and the GPU, would it be worth just swapping out the motherboard, using the CPU in a new set up so that it's all high quality etc.? or would that not make much difference?

ASMB · 20 Feb 2021 at 18:47

MrMe said:
Just a thought here, if I'm upgrading the PCU and the GPU, would it be worth just swapping out the motherboard, using the CPU in a new set up so that it's all high quality etc.? or would that not make much difference?

You shouldn't notice much difference by keeping the current motherboard. Save the money towards your next build