Upgrading a Dell small tower computer

[mthrockmor]

Today I picked up a used, Dell Optiplex 760 is the small (though not the smallest) case. I have not plugged it in and thus unable to pull a report. When I pop the case open the only thing I see that I understand is one label that says
"Barracuda 7200.10
80 Gbytes"

I am told this was a very generic Dell that was used by a big corporation, nothing special. Is anyone familiar with this model? In general, is it worth trying to upgrade this? Can it be upgraded?

Thanks in advance!

boo

[Chalenge]

It does not support the ATX form PSU, so you can change the CPU, replace memory, put in a larger HDD, and maybe a better GPU, but the PSU will limit how much power the GPU will get. You can still get MBs for $20, so that might tell you a little something.

I would use it for book keeping, email, or maybe give it to a school kid.

[mthrockmor]

So I can update it and it will be good at surfing the Web but nothing more?

Boo

[Chalenge]

You can probably put a faster CPU in it, like up to a Q9650 for instance (or E8400). The problem is the power supply is not likely to have enough juice to power even a GTX 9800, which will likely be the minimum for AH3. You can check out how the power supply is mounted, but I am betting that you cannot put anything larger in. So, what you said is pretty close to reality. Graphically intense games are going to be tough.

[Drane]

This shows how someone upgraded a similar Dell computer.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/299280-32-dell-optiplex-upgrade

[Chalenge]

Thanks Drane, now that I see how tight it would be I would not recommend it. Air flow is going to kill the GPU and drives.

[SirNuke]

You may as well give this computer to the poorest people you know.