Desktop: Upgrading OptiPlex 3070 SFF

Background

Some time ago I bought an old used Dell OptiPlex 3070 SFF to use as a Minecraft server. This computer costed me 1249 SEK.

The computer came with an i3 8100 processor, and 8 GB of ram, using an NVMe with 128gb of storage.

I wanted to focus on budget and performance primarily. 

Upgrades

The first upgrade was actually an ancient HDD from the Windows XP era that I had laying around, it was seated in the computer and it worked just fine. The practical use of this drive is backup storage of my Minecraft world. For doing this backup I have made a PowerShell script.

The second upgrade was two sticks of DDR4 RAM, each using 16GB. They were both designed to run at 2666 mhz. However it turns out that Dell OptiPlex 3070 does not offer Extreme Memory Profiles (XMP) in the BIOS. In other word, you cannot manage the RAM from the BIOS. These ones I bought for 751 SEK.

The third upgrade was an i7 8700k processor, this required me to take out the HDD and the CPU-cooler. During this operation I also noticed a lot of dust build up, so I took the time to vacuum and apply new cooling paste. This one I bought for 1271 SEK.

How to install i7 8700k in the OptiPlex 3070 is pretty straightforward. Open up the side panel, move the HDD, loosen the CPU-cooler by untightening the screws with springs on. Lift the cooler to the side and remove the current CPU. Place the i7 8700k into the CPU holder, apply enough thermal paste and tighten the mechanism. Then put the computer back in the reverse order.

All these upgrades were practically plug and play. The total cost so far has been 3271 SEK.

Future potential upgrades

Next upgrades might be a better NVMe and Low Profile GPU.

Some of the GPUs that has been recommended by Bing AI are:

NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 730 (2GB GDDR5)

AMD® Radeon™ R5 430 (2GB GDDR5)

RX 550 (2GB GDDR5)

Meanwhile this forum recommends these:

RX 6400 Low profile, 4 GB DDR6

GTX 1050 Ti Low profile, 4 GB DDR5

GTX 1650 Low profile, 4 GB DDR5

RTX A2000 Low profile, 6/12 GB DDR6

It is important to look at the power supply as a bottleneck, some of these GPU - albeit low profile - might draw too much power for the PSU to keep the entire setup running. So my focus will be on getting a lower wattage with as much performance as possible, for the lowest price.