I recently received a Dell OptiPlex 7000 Small Form Factor desktop from my mother, who originally got it through work. I currently play on a PS5 and would like to move into PC gaming. With current hardware prices and possible parts shortages, I'm wondering whether this system is worth upgrading as my first gaming PC or whether I'd be better off building a new computer from scratch. What limitations should I expect, and what upgrades would actually be practical?
2 Answers
The biggest limitations are the power supply and the case. These SFF OptiPlex systems commonly use a proprietary 240-watt PSU, and the PCIe slot only supports half-height cards. That means you would need a low-profile graphics card with modest power requirements, and replacing the PSU with a standard gaming power supply may not be straightforward. It could work for entry-level 1080p gaming if you find a suitable low-profile GPU, but it won’t be a great foundation for a high-performance build. If you already own the computer, testing it with an affordable compatible GPU may be worthwhile; otherwise, a new build gives you much more flexibility.
Whether it’s worth upgrading depends heavily on the exact processor, RAM, storage, and games you want to play. For lighter esports and older titles, the OptiPlex could be a budget-friendly starting point. For newer demanding games, the low-profile card requirement and limited PSU will quickly become frustrating. I’d check the full specifications first, then compare the cost of a compatible GPU and any RAM or storage upgrades with the price of a new entry-level build. If the upgrade costs start getting close, building a standard-sized PC is the better long-term option.
Small correction: the power supply is generally 240 watts rather than 300 watts, which makes the graphics-card choices even more limited.