Will an RTX 3050 fit in an OptiPlex 5040 SFF?

The MSI RTX 3050 is low-profile, but it’s also a dual-slot card. In this OptiPlex, the main PCIe x16 slot sits directly beside the power supply, so the card won’t fit there. It may fit in the PCIe x4 slot, although that can slightly reduce performance and leave very little airflow around the card. An 80 mm front intake fan would help with temperatures, but that may count as a modification.

I’d be careful about spending $300 or more on a low-profile RTX 3050. The 6GB model is modest for modern games and is usually poor value at that price. A used GTX 1050 Ti or Quadro P1000 around $50–$80 would be much more sensible for basic 1080p gaming, provided you confirm it includes the correct low-profile bracket.

Of the listed choices, the GT 1030 with DDR4 memory should be avoided unless the price drops dramatically. It’s very slow for gaming. The $389 RX 6400 is also far too expensive, and the Intel Arc A380 model shown is a regular small card rather than a guaranteed low-profile, single-slot replacement, so it may not fit the SFF case. The 1050 Ti is the safest plug-in option from that list, but $170 is still high for one.

There are low-profile RTX 3050 6GB cards that can work, but make sure the exact model is single-slot or otherwise leaves clearance beside the power supply. Some cards advertised as low-profile are still dual-slot. Also check that the card includes a short bracket and does not require an auxiliary power connector. For this older office PC, a reasonably priced used 1050 Ti or P1000 is generally the easier and better-value choice.