Can an Optiplex handle my powerful insertion?

[Tech4Dogs]

I recently purchased a $75 used Optiplex 390 (i5, 8gb, 500gb hdd, Windows 10) to use as a HPTC for my bedroom. After getting the Optiplex setup I realized I have a extra GTX 980 in my closet from a few years ago.  Installing the 980 in the Optiplex should work but the stock PSU is only 270w and the 980 recommends a 500w PSU.

 

I'm planning to order a 500w SFX PSU ($70) from Newegg but for the time being I'm wondering if I can just install the 980 now. This computer is just for web browsing on a single 1080p monitor so I don't think the 980 will ever needs full power. 

 

Do I run any risk of damaging components if I install a 500 watt GPU on a 270 watt PSU? or is there some sort of fail safe on the MB or PSU?

 

Thanks,

Mike

[Fasauceome]

does it even have PCIe power cables to support a 980?

[Tech4Dogs]

Just now, Fasauceome said:

does it even have PCIe power cables to support a 980?

 

That's a good point, I will go check. I do have a ton of extra cables from a Corsair AX1000 PSU from my gaming rig. The Optiplex has an extra 16x slot so I just assumed there would be enough female connections in the PSU.

[Fasauceome]

8 minutes ago, Tech4Dogs said:

I do have a ton of extra cables from a Corsair AX1000 PSU from my gaming rig. The Optiplex has an extra 16x slot so I just assumed there would be enough female connections in the PSU.

do you mean you're gonna try using modular cables from your corsair unit on the optiplex unit?

[Tech4Dogs]

Sorry I should have checked. I assumed the Optiplex PSU would be like my AX1000 in that there would be extra molex connections on the PSU. It's just a single wire harness with no extra connections unless they are inside the casing the PSU which I doubt. 

 

I guess I'll just have to wait then for the SFX PSU. Thanks for your time.

 

Mike

[Lenovo1984]

What size OptiPlex do you have?

[amdorintel]

37 minutes ago, Tech4Dogs said:

Sorry I should have checked. I assumed the Optiplex PSU would be like my AX1000 in that there would be extra molex connections on the PSU. It's just a single wire harness with no extra connections unless they are inside the casing the PSU which I doubt. 

 

I guess I'll just have to wait then for the SFX PSU. Thanks for your time.

 

Mike

yes oem psus are different then after market psus

it is doable to use the atx psus on oem

[SkilledRebuilds]

Get the Optiplex adapter for a Motherboard/PSU plug conversion (if needed) and swap it into another case for the GTX980?

Finding a cheap ATX case shouldn't be hard.. swap and enjoy.

 

Unless you want the SFF variant size.

[amdorintel]

interesting on search term " Optiplex adapter for a Motherboard/PSU plug conversion "

 

 

https://www.dell.com/community/Desktops-General-Read-Only/ATX-to-Dell-Power-Supply-Converter/td-p/2621768

[asand1]

Is it a mini tower? My Optiplex 790 mini tower accepted an ATX PSU and the Mobo was already 24 pin.

[Tech4Dogs]

3 hours ago, asand1 said:

Is it a mini tower? My Optiplex 790 mini tower accepted an ATX PSU and the Mobo was already 24 pin.

 

Yeah it's a mini tower. It looks just like the 790 but the io is a little different. The connections all look like they will work. I thought I remember reading some people had trouble fitting a normal sized PSU in the mini towers.

 

If I had an extra ATX PSU I would try it. I think I might order the SFX because I hope to make mini ITX build in the future and could salvage it from the optiplex build when I'm ready.

6 hours ago, amdorintel said:

interesting on search term " Optiplex adapter for a Motherboard/PSU plug conversion "

 

 

https://www.dell.com/community/Desktops-General-Read-Only/ATX-to-Dell-Power-Supply-Converter/td-p/2621768

Thanks, I skimmed the whole article. I didn't know that the older Dells could be fire hazards due to weird OEM connections. I think my Dell is a "newer" one. IT came with Windows 7 from the factory. I think it was built in '07 but I can't confirm if that's what the factory sticker numbers mean.

[asand1]

Here's my build. ATX will fit perfect and plug in to you Mobo, googling your model it seems to ha a 24 pin Mobo.