1 Rookie
•
4 Posts
0
23
September 14th, 2025 01:07
Graphics card upgrade for Dell Optiplex 9020 tower
Has an old NVIDIA 1050 now. No expert am I, appears to have extra slots that would seem to support a two-slot graphics card. Saw in another post, that a higher watt PSU would be needed; happy to purchase that and install, assuming no soldering needed.
Please advise.
Thank you.
No Events found!
redxps630
9 Legend
•
14.6K Posts
1
September 14th, 2025 03:18
yes you can upgrade to higher power standard ATX psu and use a 24 to 8 pin adapter for 9020 MT.
top cpu is i7-4790
For the Intel i7-4790, the GeForce GTX 1660 Super/Ti and the Radeon RX 6600 offer excellent 1080p performance without significant CPU bottlenecking, with the RX 6600 being a great value option. For slightly more power, the RTX 3060 or RX 6700 XT are solid choices but may experience some CPU bottlenecking in newer, CPU-intensive games. For higher resolutions like 1440p, the RTX 3060 Ti or RX 6700 XT are good options, but the i7-4790 will become a noticeable bottleneck in many games
redxps630
9 Legend
•
14.6K Posts
1
September 14th, 2025 15:01
Top cpu is i7-4790. Optiplex 9020 cannot support i9. You can find used i7-4790 or i7-4770 on eBay. The performance benefit of upgrade from i5-4570 to i7-4790 is not significant though. When you handle cpu there is a small risk of damaging socket pin if using improper technique. Always ground fingers or wear anti static wrist band when service pc.
(edited)
Joesmoe3
1 Rookie
•
4 Posts
0
September 14th, 2025 13:34
That’s great, THANK YOU !
My processor is an I5 - how hard to upgrade to a, say, I9 ? Where to get it ? Any “tricks” one needs to know ?
Joesmoe3
1 Rookie
•
4 Posts
0
September 14th, 2025 21:02
Based on your recommendation, I’ve ordered the RTX 3600, a 600w ATX PSU, cables to match, will see where this goes. Ran the 3DMark benchmark baseline on the current system, install the RTX 3600, run the benchmark again.
Thank you.
Would give you another badge, if I could. You’ve certainly earned them all and more.
(edited)
Joesmoe3
1 Rookie
•
4 Posts
0
September 16th, 2025 01:23
Next challenge. Not all ATX PSUs are created equal, and the one I purchased is a little longer than the original, and so far, I’m unable to slip it under the the spring-loaded plastic catch that retains the cover.
It would appear to be secured to the case with four rivets, and I do have the ability to drill out the rivets, insert the PSU, then replace the catch with four new rivets or small sheet metal screws.
BTW, I went with your mention of the RTX 3060. Of course, I have not yet applied power, but at least, from the form factor, it fits just by the hair of its chinny chin chin.
Back to the PSU - it has a “standard” 24 pin (20 + 4, it says) main power connection for the motherboard, and I have a 24 pin to 8 pin adapter cable due in tomorrow that should remedy that challenge.
redxps630
9 Legend
•
14.6K Posts
1
September 16th, 2025 16:27
Re: the one I purchased is a little longer than the original,
yes some are longer or deeper than the Dell oem. the cross section of ATX ought to be standard dimensions.
Re: spring-loaded plastic catch that retains the cover.
you can manually press down on the latch (with blue tip) to help install a longer psu. It may be a bit tricky but it can be done. 9020. 9010, 7010 MT all have same chassis design. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98CRsiD0nyo
(edited)