I have a Dell OptiPlex 7050 and realize it was not designed as a gaming PC. I am not trying to run demanding new releases, but I would like to play a few Steam games without major performance problems. My budget is around $300–$500, and I use an Acer UM.HX2AA.003 monitor. Which upgrades would make the most sense, especially for graphics, memory, and storage?
1 Answer
Before choosing parts, confirm the exact chassis size, current CPU, installed RAM, and power supply. The 7050 has several versions, and that determines which GPU will fit. It can be upgraded for basic gaming, but once you install the maximum practical parts, there is not much room left to improve it. Spending several hundred dollars on a heavily limited system may be less worthwhile than saving toward a newer build.
I’m new to PC hardware, so I wasn’t sure what information mattered. I’ll check whether mine is the small-form-factor version and find the CPU, RAM, and power-supply details before buying anything.