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Can I use a pci e riser cable on my small dell?

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Hello everyone, Just wondering if I could use a pci-e riser cable to effectively use a full sized vid card outside my dell optiplex box. I know I would have to get the proper psu cables outside it as well, but can I use one of these as a extension cord in a sense? I understand I might have to modify the box as well. Thoughts?
Thanks.
 
in theory it could work, but could also have a bunch of issues.

i feel like for the cost, you could probably get a better case that fits a normal sized GPU...
 
If you didn’t plan to go high end than low profile GPUs are a option like the GTX 1050 Ti Low Profile
 
The box is one of those really small ones and a gpu of any kind really is out of the question. This is only a tinkering/try for fun kind of thing, as even putting the guts in a full case is quite the procedure. I've got a gtx 560 (twin frozr) kicking around I just wanted to try with it was wondering if anyone had done anything like this.
 
Even the Dell USFF can fit Low Profile GPUs.

I was able to fit a low profile GPU is this deal with no issues for my wife

A21203B1-D0CA-4D20-A1D8-8A15BDF16D47.jpeg


Options for Low Profile

R7 250
R7 250X
GT 1030
GTX 1050
GTX 1050 Ti <———- Best Option and over 50% faster than your current GTX 560 Ti while consuming much less power
 
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Hello everyone, Just wondering if I could use a pci-e riser cable to effectively use a full sized vid card outside my dell optiplex box. I know I would have to get the proper psu cables outside it as well, but can I use one of these as a extension cord in a sense? I understand I might have to modify the box as well. Thoughts?
Thanks.
Simple answer: Yes, as long as the current PSU can supply enough power for the system and GPU.
If the SFF Dell uses a riser card in a single port to enable the use of two cards, then removal of the riser card and modification of the case can be done to allow the full height card to stand up and protrude from the case.
Some cases such as the one pictured above may allow a full height, dual slot card to be used laying down in the case above the I.O. ports.
 
I was able to mod a Lenovo M58P small form factor PC to house a "full size" GPU...had to relocate the HDD, and mounted the GPU in its ace using a PCIe x16 extension. Everything was mounted internally. Took a bit of work to make the mounting bracket but nothing too difficult. I was only able to use GPU with length around 10 inch.
 
Forget a riser, just cut a hole in the side of the case, lop off the end of the card brackets, and have the card hanging out the side of the case.

I mean, if you're going to go ghetto Frankenstein, go big or go home lol.
 
Forget a riser, just cut a hole in the side of the case, lop off the end of the card brackets, and have the card hanging out the side of the case.

I mean, if you're going to go ghetto Frankenstein, go big or go home lol.
He could put the card in a shoebox with a fan blowing into it.
 
I literally just shared a method which would not be "ghetto" or a hackjob, but I guess you all can ignore that...if you want photos, OP, let me know.
 
Idk but i've heared so much that those pci e risers can kill the GPU's performance .
 
Idk but i've heared so much that those pci e risers can kill the GPU's performance .
Most of that is from non powered and bad quality risers
 
I'd first go to dell forums and see what cards will and will not work in your model.. you cant just put any car in a /some dell models . look around and see how many bought nice cards thinking they were going to upgrade and end up out of money and a new paperweight card

better do your home work on that these are not open aftermarket motherboards or bios there dells proprietary

if by rule your dell came with up to win-7 may find nothing above say a NVidia 750 [not 750ti ] and sometimes just only up to a 600 series for example

like I say do your home work first

''I've got a gtx 560 (twin frozr) kicking around ''

sorry I miss read that as 960 [poor ol eyes] I think its a compatible card , but still cant hurt to be sure befor you spend extra money to look at a blackscreen

sorry
 
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I literally just shared a method which would not be "ghetto" or a hackjob, but I guess you all can ignore that...if you want photos, OP, let me know.
We're not ignoring you, the OP simply said he wanted to have the GPU outside the case. If he likes your idea better, he'll use yours... if he doesn't care and is doing this ghetto style... he'll use mine. Or he'll use someone else's idea. No need to be offended.
 
Thanks all so much for your help! I'm going to try a few things.
 
Not sure if this is relevant to the OP of the thread at this point...but here's how I fit a full size GPU into a similar build using a PCIe extension. This one is a Lenovo M58P running a BSEL modded Q6600+gtx 650, but I've done the same thing on several of these smaller form factor OEM PC.

18342701_10154521155098085_2662863452299200866_n.jpg
 
Not sure if this is relevant to the OP of the thread at this point...but here's how I fit a full size GPU into a similar build using a PCIe extension. This one is a Lenovo M58P running a BSEL modded Q6600+gtx 650, but I've done the same thing on several of these smaller form factor OEM PC.

View attachment 109227
Hi, i have one Lenovo M58p too, mine running a q8400+gt730 128 bits (the worse one) and i like to upgrade to a full size gpu. Can you post more photos of your rig? I wanna see more details if possible. Thanks!
 
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