Graphics card help

**ma junior** · April 16, 2009, 10:54 AM

Hello one question, which graphics card will fit in a dell optiplex gx520 model, we need to know before we set out to get one

**cracks2** · April 17, 2009, 01:46 AM

from what I can see the optiplex gx520 comes in three flavors:

1) Mini-Tower
2 Full Height PCI
1 PCIe x1 Full Height

2) Desktop
2 Low-Profile PCI (With Optional Riser to convert 1 PCI into 2 PCI Variable Height)

3) Small Form Factor (SFF)
1 Low Profile PCI

Once you know the model to can search for a card with the corresponding slot and profile. Eg: PCIe / PCI, FullHeight / LowProfile.

**ma junior** · April 17, 2009, 09:37 AM

i have the desktop one with low profile pci, i dont mind cutting the chassis to get it to fit but that is last resort

**cracks2** · April 17, 2009, 11:40 AM

Just search for a low profile card, there's not as much choice but they are sold.

**SirVulf** · April 17, 2009, 02:36 PM

keep in mind that you won't be able to cut the chassis on the Small or Ultra Small form factors. Full sized PCI cards have larger brackets and their PCB is larger. So you wouldn't be able to close the case anyways. If you go the Desktop or the Mid Tower size case then you should be ok with a full size card. You can contact Dell Chat support by going to http://support.dell.com, clicking the Chat link on the right, enter in your info, and chat away. It's way easier than calling them.

All you need to ask is if your case supports a full size PCIE graphics card. Keep in mind that you will also need to remember to upgrade your PSU. PSU's in Dell systems usually are designed to support basic components and not Enthusiast hardware. You WON'T be able to upgrade your PSU properly since the Opti's don't use standard PSU sizes or bolt holes. I think the 520's have 320W PSUs.

**cracks2** · April 17, 2009, 03:57 PM

Originally Posted by SirVulf

keep in mind that you won't be able to cut the chassis on the Small or Ultra Small form factors. Full sized PCI cards have larger brackets and their PCB is larger. So you wouldn't be able to close the case anyways. If you go the Desktop or the Mid Tower size case then you should be ok with a full size card. You can contact Dell Chat support by going to http://support.dell.com, clicking the Chat link on the right, enter in your info, and chat away. It's way easier than calling them.

All you need to ask is if your case supports a full size PCIE graphics card. Keep in mind that you will also need to remember to upgrade your PSU. PSU's in Dell systems usually are designed to support basic components and not Enthusiast hardware. You WON'T be able to upgrade your PSU properly since the Opti's don't use standard PSU sizes or bolt holes. I think the 520's have 320W PSUs.

Good one mate!

I totally forgot to mention the importance of the power supply

**ma junior** · April 18, 2009, 09:33 AM

Dell chat support is only available on weekdays and there's no graphics option in the troubleshooting section, can you please list some graphics cards that are low profile and are >256mb or equal to, i dont mind