Dell 745 SFF possible upgrades?

iJamie

iJamie

New Member
Literally as the title states, I want to upgrade my Dell 745 SFF.

These are the current specifications:
CPU: Intel Pentium D 945 3.40 & 3.39GHz
MoBo: WF810 0WF810
RAM 2GB DDR2
Graphics card: Intel Q965/Q963 Family Express Chipset

I know the RAM can be upgraded to 4GB, but that won't happen until I upgrade my OS to 64-bit. I'm still using the 32-bit XP OS. The question I'm asking is what could I upgrade, there is some discussion about upgrading the CPU to the Q6700 but I'm worried the PSU wattage on this will cause bottle-necking? If you need chassis dimensions and bay dimensions, just ask.

I don't need much power but I would like to maximize the computers performance if possible. I will be using Microsoft Office frequently, the Adobe CS5 collection, various text-editors for website design, XAMPP and other basic programs. I don't play games but I would like a decent video card for video quality.
 
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cpu will cost more than a arm and a leg to buy, id suggest saving dough and starting fresh, it would be more cost effective.
 
FuryRosewood said:
cpu will cost more than a arm and a leg to buy, id suggest saving dough and starting fresh, it would be more cost effective.
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The problem with that is I'm not really experienced enough to build an entire build from scratch, I'm really not sure what I would need...
I was looking around at specifications and I was quite keen on this build, I'm sure I could get help with it.

Intel I3 2100 Processor
8192MB(8GB) DDR3 RAM
2000GB SATA II HDD
1GB Geforce GT 520 DDR3
 
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A q6700 is going to set you back an easy $120+.
Your power supply will take it, but there isn't really much room power wise for a decent graphics card. You have a 275 watt supply.

I was bidding on 2 q6700's for awhile for my 745 mini towers.
But in the end I got a deal on some new parts and rebuilt my HP.
 
745's will see 3.5GB of RAM with XP 32-bit. There's no real need for more memory unless you're doing something that requires it.
 
voyagerfan99 said:
745's will see 3.5GB of RAM with XP 32-bit. There's no real need for more memory unless you're doing something that requires it.
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I'm aware of that one, thanks though.

MyCattMaxx said:
A q6700 is going to set you back an easy $120+.
Your power supply will take it, but there isn't really much room power wise for a decent graphics card. You have a 275 watt supply.

I was bidding on 2 q6700's for awhile for my 745 mini towers.
But in the end I got a deal on some new parts and rebuilt my HP.
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Do you mean 1 quad 6700 or 2? I'm fully aware that it would be easier and more beneficial to upgrade an entirely new build but I've sort of come to love this little case, it's small and I can take it with me places.
 
I was bidding on q6700's on fleabay and they go for $120+ each.
A q6600 can be had for $75-85. It is a great cpu just runs about 200mhz slower.
It will blow away the Pentium D, get either one if you can get a good price.
If you don't game there are some low wattage cards that you can use, I'd go for the cpu first.
 
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MyCattMaxx said:
I was bidding on q6700's on fleabay and they go for $120+ each.
A q6600 can be had for $75-85. It is a great cpu just runs about 200mhz slower.
It will blow away the Pentium D, get either one if you can get a good price.
If you don't game there are some low wattage cards that you can use, I'd go for the cpu first.
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What card would you recommend, I was looking at the GT 430 which is like £45 I believe, would that fit my Mobo? I believe I can only use Micro ATX compatible cards, is that correct?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133356
 
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I don't know what your budget is, but look into what a cpu will run you first.
That will be the biggest boost you will get right away.
Also when you move up to a q6600-q6700 the fsb will jump from 800 to 1066.
Your ram is probably PC2-6400 which will limit you to 800 fsb speed.
It may be cheaper in the end to put new MB, CPU and RAM combo into your case.
 
John, Quite a few guys have put the Q's in.
If the bios is up to date they will run.
But I do agree on updating the mb, cpu, ram ect.
You can get into a much newer system for about $200 not including a PS and vid card.
 
MyCattMaxx said:
John, Quite a few guys have put the Q's in.
If the bios is up to date they will run.
But I do agree on updating the mb, cpu, ram ect.
You can get into a much newer system for about $200 not including a PS and vid card.
Click to expand...

I think for what it's going to cost me I will be better of buying a new build.
 
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