Optiplex 9020 MT Project Build / i7-4790 / GTX 970

[lightfire]

Hello everyone,

 

First of all, I'd like to apologize for my English. It's not my native language, but I try my best!

Today I ordered my next project: The mighty Optiplex 9020 MT

 

I'll start by going over the specs:

 

SPECIFICATIONS:

Spoiler

• i7-4790 (4 cores, 8 threads @ 3.6 GHz)
• 16gb DDR3 ram
• 1TB HDD
• 290W psu
• Tower

Paid €200 ($216, shipping included) for this desktop.

Picture of what the pc should look like:

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Note: I ordered this pc on eBay without seeing it, so I hope everything will be as specified in the listing, but we'll see! It is due to arrive before March the 4th.

 

Plans:

 

First of all, I will be installing an ssd, which will contain the OS (Windows 10 pro, comes with the desktop), and frequently used programs, such as Chrome, etc. The 1TB HDD will stay in the system to hold my steam library, less used programs and files. The ssd is due to arrive February the 27th, so I'll be ready to install that when the optiplex arrives.

I hate the metal color of the optiplex, so I'll be stripping the whole thing down and spray painting it black (any tips from people with experience with this?).

 

Future plans:

The next upgrades will be (in this exact order):

1. SSD
2. Power Supply
3. Graphics card
4. CPU cooler
5. Unlocked processor? (maybe)
6. More ram (depending if the pc comes with 2x8gb or 4x4gb ram)

I'll be documenting the build in here, so feel free to check it out! If you have any questions or are interested in doing something similar, I'll be more than happy to reply to questions!

Edited March 5, 2020 by lightfire
Changed title

[RubenvA]

I personally wouldn't add more ram. 16gb is good for everything and 32gb is overkill for gaming. For the rest, its a very good plan!

 

[RubenvA]

Or you can save some time and just simply buy an nice case for around 40-50 dollars, euro's or pounds

[lightfire]

4 minutes ago, RubenvA said:

Or you can save some time and just simply buy an nice case for around 40-50 dollars, euro's or pounds

Do you mean building a new pc? I don't think it would be possible to get the same performance, would it? I should add I paid €200 ($216, shipping included) for the optiplex.

And as far as the ram goes. Yea, I know 16gb is plenty. It's just something I'd consider for the future. Also, I'm not sure if the optiplex will come with 1600MHz ram, so we'll see about that.

[lightfire]

 

Hello everyone,

Great news! The optiplex arrived yesterday.

I've done a few tests and everything appears to be working fine. Let the project begin!

 

First thing on the list is to add an ssd to boot on. I went for a cheap Western Digital Green 120gb SATA ssd. I have 2 free Sata power connectors, but don't have a free Sata data connector. So until I get another Sata data cable, the optical drive will have to sacrifice its cable

 

Here are some more pictures of the pc:

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Front and side:

The pc arrived with a corner broken off. Nothing major and can be repaired, but still, a bummer!

The pc comes with 2x8gb ram (not 4x4), which is great because it means I can add more ram easily in the future:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[lightfire]

The ssd is "installed", suggestions for ways to mount it better are welcome

[lightfire]

As a gpu, I'm leaning towards ordering an Inno3D GTX 1650 super X2. Does anyone have experience with this card or with the Inno3D brand?

[lightfire]

Well, a deal came up...

I bought a Gigabyte GTX 970 4gb for €90 ($100). 

I also ordered a Moddiy 24-pin to 8-pin converter. The only thing left is a power supply.

Some pictures of the 970:

Spoiler

 

[stil7z]

Just came across this post as I am also currently upgrading a 9020MT. 

 

I'd like to point out that ssd. I used velcro command strips to mount mine. I put the HDD on the bottom slot and mounted the ssd to the underside of the top of the drive bay.

 

Also from the last photo I see you have that orange sata cable in the wrong port (It has slower speeds) follow the cable from the original HDD to the port its connected to. There are two ports there one is blue and one is black I believe. You want the ssd hooked up over there.

 

I've already got 32gb of ram in mine at 1600mhz. Waiting on a 1650 super in the mail, should arrive on Monday or Tuesday coming up.

I'll be using a sata to 6-pin power cable to hook it up. No psu upgrade.