We UPGRADED the $69 Gaming PC and it ROCKS!
# Building a Budget Gaming PC: A Step-by-Step Journey
In the final episode of our 69 gaming PC saga, we took on an ambitious project to transform an old Dell Optiplex into a decent gaming machine. We bought the system for just $27 on eBay and added a 30 graphics card, achieving playable frame rates in casual and esports games. However, we weren’t satisfied with our initial setup and decided to take our project further by upgrading the system with more budget-friendly parts.
## The Initial System and Upgrades
Our journey began with an old Dell Optiplex, which we purchased for $27 on eBay. Despite its age, we saw potential in this machine. We added a 30 graphics card, which allowed us to achieve playable frame rates in various games. However, we quickly realized that our system was far from optimal.
The next step was to take advice from our own experiences and the community to improve the system further. Our goal was clear: to undercut the cost of building a new gaming PC (which is around $350-400 for decent performance) while achieving smooth 1080p frame rates at medium settings.
## Upgrading the Graphics Card
The first major upgrade we tackled was the graphics card. Given that our original GTX 650 had a broken fan, it was limiting us to 720p and low settings. We tested three different GPUs: the GTX 750 Ti, GTX 950, and GTX 1050 Ti. Each of these cards offered better performance than the GTX 650, but we were surprised by how much more power-efficient they were.
One notable benefit was that many of these newer GPUs didn’t require an external power adapter—unlike our old GTX 650, which needed a SATA-to-PCIe power cable. However, even with this improvement, we still needed to use a PCIe riser card, which added some complexity to the build.
After testing, we found that the GTX 750 Ti provided significant improvements in games like Overwatch and Rocket League. While frame rates weren’t perfect, they were playable at 1080p. However, our CPU usage remained consistently high, indicating that our system was still bottlenecked by the processor.
## Upgrading the CPU
With the GPU upgrade showing promise, we knew the next logical step was to address the CPU bottleneck. Our original Intel Core 2 Duo from 2007 was no match for modern gaming demands. According to Intel’s compatibility list, the most powerful CPU for our motherboard was the Core i7 Quad QX9650. However, Dell had never validated this processor with our specific Optiplex model.
Thankfully, we found a compatible CPU through Free Geek, a local non-profit electronics recycling outfit. We received an Intel Core 2 Quad 9550, which offered quad-core performance at a fraction of the cost. This upgrade made a massive difference in game performance, especially in competitive titles like CS:GO and Rocket League.
## Storage Upgrade
Another critical upgrade was moving from a hard drive to an SSD. We installed a Corsair Force LE SSD, which transformed the system’s responsiveness. Opening applications and switching tabs felt almost instantaneous, making this old machine feel nearly new again.
## RAM Upgrade Challenges
The final step was upgrading our RAM. Our Dell Optiplex supported only 4GB of RAM in two DIMMs, but we had some DDR3 sticks lying around. We decided to add another 4GB stick, bringing the total to 8GB. Despite initial concerns about compatibility and hardware locks, the upgrade went smoothly. However, we noted that the improvement in gaming performance was minimal, likely due to the limited impact of upgrading from 4GB to 8GB on modern games.
## Conclusion
Our journey of transforming a $27 Dell Optiplex into a decent gaming PC has been nothing short of remarkable. By carefully selecting budget parts and strategically upgrading components, we achieved smooth 1080p gaming at medium settings for under $120. The final system includes:
- **Dell Optiplex**: $27
- **Intel Core 2 Quad 9550 CPU**: $30
- **GTX 750 Ti GPU**: $60
- **Corsair Force LE SSD**: $30
While we encountered a few challenges, such as the CPU compatibility issue and limited RAM upgrade benefits, the overall success of this project proves that PC gaming doesn’t have to be expensive. With some patience, research, and a willingness to experiment, anyone can build a decent gaming rig on a budget.
## Final Thoughts
Our experience highlights the importance of doing thorough research before diving into upgrades. While not everyone might want to tackle such an ambitious project, it’s worth noting that PC gaming is more accessible than many people think. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, you can create a powerful gaming machine without breaking the bank.
As we wrap up this saga, our old Optiplex now stands as a testament to what can be achieved with persistence and creativity. It’s a reminder that even decade-old hardware can still hold its own against modern gaming demands—provided you know how to optimize it properly.