Turning a Dell Optiplex 7060 into a Gaming Powerhouse with eBay Parts!

Hey everyone, this is ETA Prime. Today, we’re going to embark on an exciting transformation: converting the Dell Optiplex 7060, a normal business PC, into a powerful 1440p gaming machine! I’ve been itching to investigate this kind of update, especially in light of the recent decrease in cost for these Optiplex variants. Let us investigate how we can revitalize this small system. 

The Base System: Dell Optiplex 7060

We are using the Dell Optiplex 7060 compact form factor model for this project. Depending on the setup, these may cost anywhere from $100 to $179 to purchase. For $130 shipping, I received a unit that included a 256GB m.2 SSD, 16GB of RAM, and an Intel Core i7-8700. Even though it wasn’t a stripped-down model, it serves as a reliable foundation for our modification.

With its six cores and twelve threads, the i7-8700 is still powerful even though it is many generations old. It’s showing to be fairly capable, but the GPU needs to be increased in order to meet the 1440p gaming requirements.

Choosing the Right GPU

It is difficult to incorporate a strong GPU into a small form factor (SFF) chassis given its limitations. Dual-slot GPUs typically won’t fit, so we need to find a way to combine power and size. Though the customized A2000 and RX 6400 are also viable possibilities, I went with the low-profile RTX 4060.

For its size, the RTX 4060 provides excellent performance, making it a good choice for 1440p gaming. But it needs an 8-pin PCIe connector, so we have to reconsider how we have our power supply configured.

Power Supply and Case Modifications

The 200W Dell power supply that comes with the device has a proprietary connector, therefore it doesn’t meet the specifications for the RTX 4060. Consequently, I utilized a 400W Flex power supply from Bea as it is sufficiently small and modular to fit inside the Optiplex’s casing. The previous power supply can be replaced with this affordable one, but it may require a few small tweaks to fit well.

The RTX 4060’s fitment into the SFF case presented the next difficulty. Using a low-profile card was the answer, but doing so meant taking off the GPU bracket. With careful cable management and positioning, everything fits in place with few adjustments.

Installation and Setup

After installation, the configuration appeared orderly and effective. The cables for the modular power supply were neatly tucked behind the hard drive bracket. I couldn’t wait to turn the system on and check its functionality.

Performance Testing

After everything was set up, I tested the Windows 11 system. For a system this size, the i7-8700 and RTX 4060 worked together to produce remarkable performance. It’s now a strong contender for 1440p gaming, not just a good workstation. With its ease of handling contemporary games, the RTX 4060 provided a notable improvement over earlier or less powerful GPUs.

The Foundation: Dell Optiplex 7060

This makeover is perfect for the small form factor (SFF) office PC, the Dell Optiplex 7060. With 16 GB of RAM and a 256 GB M.2 SSD, we were able to get this system for about $130, which is a great price for a basic machine. Even though it may not be the newest and greatest, the Optiplex 7060 has a strong foundation thanks to its Intel i7-8700 CPU, which has 6 cores and 12 threads and is still rather powerful for its age.

Powering Up: Graphics and Power Supply

The GeForce RTX 4060 is this build’s primary feature. Because of the Optiplex SFF case’s limited capacity, the low-profile design of the card is essential. It would normally be difficult to install a dual-slot GPU, so we went with this little powerhouse instead.

In order to accommodate the RTX 4060, we had to make certain changes. We changed the 200W standard power supply that came with the Optiplex with a 400W Flex ATX power supply since it is small enough to fit within the case without requiring any significant adjustments. The RTX 4060 requires an 8-pin PCIe connector, which this power supply offers.

Performance and Benchmarks

Even with the RTX 4060, the i7-8700 maintains a strong lead despite its age. Here is an overview of the system’s functionality:

• Benchmark 6: Geekbench 1,530 on a single core and 6,153 on a multi-core. These results are better than many fourth- and sixth-generation CPUs and are respectable for an older CPU.
• 3DMark Fire Strike: 2,819 was the score attained.
• 3DMark Time Spy: 8,875, a score.

Gaming Benchmarks:

• Cyberpunk 2077: The machine achieves an astounding 73 frames per second on 1080p Ultra without DLSS. Enabling DLSS and frame generation makes 1440p gameplay remarkably fluid, with frames per second reaching the mid-90s.
• Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart: Performance is good while running at 1440p High with frame generation turned on. If you’d want, you can even force it to operate at Very High frame generation settings.
• Forza Horizon 5: 1440p Ultra settings utilize the 144Hz monitor to provide a fluid experience that runs smoothly.
• Mortal Kombat 1: The game plays perfectly in 1440p Ultra.
• Fallout 4: 1440p Ultra settings are smooth, however the average FPS dropped below 60 on High settings.
• Horizon Forbidden West: The game runs smoothly at 1080p Very High with DLSS Balanced and frame generation, while 1440p might be more taxing.

Temperatures and Cooling

• CPU: 79°C on average, reaching a maximum of 91°C during prolonged gaming sessions. Considering its age, the i7-8700’s thermal performance is respectable.
• GPU: The triple-fan cooler of the RTX 4060 allows it to maintain a temperature of 66°C on average and 69°C at its highest.

Final Thoughts

This makeover of the Optiplex 7060 demonstrates that you may have great gaming performance without going over budget. This little office PC becomes a powerful 1440p gaming machine with the addition of the RTX 4060 and a small power supply. Even though the system is marginally hindered by the older i7-8700, the performance is still amazing considering the cost and work required.

This project is definitely worth taking into consideration if you’re looking for a cheap gaming setup or simply want to breathe new life into an outdated office PC. Upgrading to an Optiplex model with a CPU from the tenth generation or higher could provide even more power for those who want it.

If there is anything else you would like to see running on this configuration, please let me know. Feel free to check out the links in the description for all the pieces utilized in this build. I appreciate your time, and I’ll see you in the next one!

Video review of From Office PC to Gaming Beast: Dell Optiplex 7060 Makeover with i7-8700 & RTX 4060!