Optiplex 9010 GPU compatibility

pixelherodev · August 24, 2018

I have an old-ish Dell Optiplex 9010. I've managed to scrap together three hard drives (even if I can only fit two in at once), and 12GB of DDR3 RAM. It has a 4th-generation Intel Core i5 CPU. While I should probably clean the inside of the case, in general the computer works really, really well (though I have admittedly been having trouble with the WiFi on the Android x86[_64] drive).

Of course, there's just one thing missing: a graphics card.

Now, I've done my research, and this is what I've found: my PSU outputs a measly 250 Watts, so I can't get one too powerful (not that I really need much anyways). Furthermore, any prospective card must be able to obtain all of its needed power through PCIe, as the PSU doesn't have any unused cables right now, and it's one of those oldfangled PSUs that has cables sticking out instead of exposing ports to connect cables to (a horrifying concept, I know :P). It can't be too big physically due to lack of space. Lastly, it can't be too expensive. If I buy a graphics card, I'd have an absolute price cap of $150 no exceptions, preferably cheaper.

So now I have a few questions: first off, is getting a graphics card really worth it? I mostly use this computer for software development, and being able to play with e.g. OpenCL would definitely be awesome, but game-wise I'm not sure I'd get that much out of it. As I've never really used a graphics card before, I'm curious as to whether or not it's really worth the cost. Secondly, is AMD really terrible with drivers on Windows? I use both Windows and Gentoo regularly so I;d need a card that works well with both Windows and Linux.

Basically, is it worth getting a graphics card, and if so, do you have any recommendations?

Thanks in advance!

Edited August 24, 2018 by pixelherodev
Unclear reference

flibberdipper · August 24, 2018

Depending on your budget, you can't go wrong with a 1050 2GB or a 1050ti. I fully plan on getting the latter in Zotac's low profile flavor to upgrade my 7010 DT (which has an i7 3770, 16GB of RAM, and a 240 watt PSU for reference).

And you will really notice the speed boost in games if it has the typical workstation-y card in it (aka HD 5450/6450/7570 or a GT610).

Fasauceome · August 24, 2018

The gtx 1050 is the kind of card that's excellent to throw into one of these systems. It's not power hungry, it's cheap, and it's effective. Bidding for one on eBay will get you some cheap options, and they're so easy to set up. If you do very light gaming, I'd recommend the GT 1030 even. Significantly lower power draw, extremely common in low profile and small form factor, and can often be silent, shipping with just a heat sink and no fan because the chip doesn't get that hot. Regardless, it's a huge upgrade from the integrated graphics, reducing the thermal load on the CPU package and therefore increasing chip lifespan.

pixelherodev · August 24, 2018

Alright, thanks! I've gotten the 1050 TI recommended to me before by some friends but was looking for a secondary opinion. I'll take a look at the 1030, it might be enough for me.

Thanks!

pixelherodev · August 24, 2018

Anyways, I'm disassembling and cleaning it tonight (also trying to get a bit more familiar with the internals so that I'm prepared if something goes wrong), so I'll do more research tomorrow.

Thanks again!

Dufsao14 · August 24, 2018

Of course a GPU is worth it!!

Well... It is if you end up gaming or working with graphic design. As tmcclelland455 said, a low profile 1050 / 1050 Ti takes power from the PCIe slot/s on your Mobo and is a good budget GPU to start off with!

In terms of compatibility, Windows will almost always be indefinitely supported with graphics cards, most Linux systems have wide support for most GPUs and generally when one isn't supported, there will be a Universal driver that can still use the hardware!

Basically, you cant go wrong with having a budget GPU in your system, a Low Profile 1050 / 1050 TI would be a good place to start with one because they only use the PCIe slot for power and they should be compatible with Windows and Linux.