I recently received a Dell OptiPlex 7000 Small Form Factor desktop and would like to move from console gaming on a PS5 to PC gaming. I'm wondering whether this system can be upgraded into a capable starter gaming PC, especially while new parts may be expensive or difficult to find. Would adding a graphics card and other upgrades make sense, or would I be better off building a new PC from scratch?
2 Answers
If this is the computer you already have and your budget is limited, it’s reasonable to start with it rather than replacing everything immediately. Check the exact CPU, RAM, storage, and power-supply specifications first. A low-profile GPU may let you play many games at 1080p with reduced settings, but replacing the proprietary SFF power supply or installing a full-size graphics card may not be practical. Build new only if you want stronger performance and room for future upgrades.
The main limitations are the small case and its relatively weak power supply. This model uses a low-wattage supply—around 240 W—so you would need a low-profile graphics card that fits inside the chassis and stays within the available power budget. It can work as an affordable entry-level gaming system, but it won’t have the upgrade flexibility or performance of a standard new build.
The power supply is actually closer to 240 W rather than 300 W, which makes choosing a graphics card even more restrictive.