My Current System Setup:
❯ doas inxi -F
System:
Host: Mulder Kernel: 6.9.8-zen1
arch: x86_64 bits: 64
Console: pty pts/1
Distro: NixOS 24.11 (Vicuna)
Machine:
Type: Desktop System: Dell
product: OptiPlex 7010 v: 01
serial: 692CK02
Mobo: Dell model: 0YXT71 v: A02
serial: /692CK02/CN722003CH02BP/
UEFI: Dell v: A21 date: 12/21/2015
CPU:
Info: quad core
model: Intel Core i5-3470 bits: 64
type: MCP cache: L2: 1024 KiB
Speed (MHz): avg: 2336
min/max: 1600/3200 cores: 1: 3022
2: 1597 3: 3129 4: 1597
Graphics:
Device-1: Intel Xeon E3-1200 v2/3rd
Gen Core processor Graphics
driver: i915 v: kernel
Device-2: AMD Lexa PRO [Radeon
540/540X/550/550X / RX
540X/550/550X] driver: amdgpu
v: kernel
Device-3: Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam
driver: snd-usb-audio,uvcvideo
type: USB
Display: server: Xwayland v: 24.1.1
driver: gpu: i915 tty: 43x17
resolution: 1920x1080
API: EGL v: N/A drivers: N/A
platforms: N/A
API: OpenGL Message: GL data
unavailable in console for root.
Audio:
Device-1: Intel 7 Series/C216 Family
High Definition Audio
driver: snd_hda_intel
Device-2: AMD Baffin HDMI/DP Audio
[Radeon RX 550 640SP / 560/560X]
driver: snd_hda_intel
Device-3: SteelSeries ApS Arctis 7X
driver: hid-generic,snd-usb-audio,usbhid
type: USB
Device-4: Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam
driver: snd-usb-audio,uvcvideo
type: USB
API: ALSA v: k6.9.8-zen1
status: kernel-api
Network:
Device-1: Intel 82579LM Gigabit Network
driver: e1000e
IF: eno1 state: up speed: 1000 Mbps
duplex: full mac: f8:b1:56:c8:07:53
Device-2: Intel Wi-Fi 6E
AX210/AX1675 2x2 [Typhoon Peak]
driver: iwlwifi
IF: wlp3s0 state: down
mac: 7a:49:06:31:73:6d
IF-ID-1: br-1ef669237062 state: down
mac: 02:42:16:12:5c:d2
IF-ID-2: br-4c8c44f14072 state: down
mac: 02:42:a6:ab:5f:68
IF-ID-3: br-57e2b1475916 state: down
mac: 02:42:78:1d:d4:da
IF-ID-4: br-5994d76afa93 state: up
speed: 10000 Mbps duplex: unknown
mac: 02:42:e6:c9:91:bf
IF-ID-5: br-7e11fd6dedfb state: down
mac: 02:42:d4:9d:07:82
IF-ID-6: docker0 state: down
mac: 02:42:32:99:a0:ac
IF-ID-7: tailscale0 state: unknown
speed: -1 duplex: full mac: N/A
IF-ID-8: us-chi-wg-001 state: unknown
speed: N/A duplex: N/A mac: N/A
IF-ID-9: veth50fb293 state: up
speed: 10000 Mbps duplex: full
mac: 4e:2b:4f:86:83:17
Bluetooth:
Device-1: Cambridge Silicon Radio
Bluetooth Dongle (HCI mode)
driver: btusb type: USB
Report: hciconfig ID: hci0 state: up
address: 00:1A:7D:DA:71:15 bt-v: 4.0
Drives:
Local Storage: total: 1.14 TiB
used: 611.49 GiB (52.2%)
ID-1: /dev/sda vendor: Samsung
model: SSD 860 EVO 1TB size: 931.51 GiB
ID-2: /dev/sdb vendor: Samsung
model: Type-C size: 239.02 GiB
type: USB
Partition:
ID-1: / size: 898.51 GiB
used: 454.19 GiB (50.5%) fs: ext4
dev: /dev/sda2
ID-2: /boot size: 511 MiB
used: 365.7 MiB (71.6%) fs: vfat
dev: /dev/sda1
Swap:
ID-1: swap-1 type: partition
size: 17.08 GiB used: 2.03 GiB (11.9%)
dev: /dev/sda3
Sensors:
System Temperatures: cpu: 53.0 C
mobo: N/A gpu: amdgpu temp: 44.0 C
Fan Speeds (rpm): N/A gpu: amdgpu
fan: 3080
Info:
Memory: total: 16 GiB
available: 15.51 GiB
used: 6.98 GiB (45.0%) igpu: 64 MiB
Processes: 352 Uptime: 11h 48m
Init: systemd Shell: Bash inxi: 3.3.34
One Option I am considering, is upgrading the cpu, memory, and the storage because I don’t play any games on my desktop. It mainly just runs a few servers like nginx,mysql, WordPress, Homebridge,Home Assistant, and Plex. With basic browsing and video watching.
I am running NixOS with hyprland on Wayland.
Might have a game plan for my Dell Optiplex 7010 DT instead of buying just a new gpu https://a.co/d/7lCBqrR I don’t get a new gpu because it’s not a huge priority. I would buy one upgrade at a time. What do you think?
I think I might have a game plan. What do you think? Instead of a new gpu I work on cpu,memory,storage,etc?
Complete Upgrade Plan with Storage Expansion and Display Adapters
Current System Specifications
• CPU: Intel i5-3470
• Memory: 16GB (4x4GB) DDR3 1600 MT/s
• GPU: AMD Radeon RX 550 (considering removal)
• Integrated Graphics: Two onboard DP 1.1 ports via Intel
• Storage: Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SSD
• Additional Devices: Bluetooth USB adapter, 256GB flash drive plugged in 24/7, PCIe Asus WiFi card
Recommended Upgrades
1. Upgrade CPU to Intel Core i7-3770
• Cost: $100 - $150
• Benefits:
• Significant boost in processing power with 4 cores and 8 threads.
• Improved handling of multi-threaded applications and services (e.g., Plex, MySQL).
• Approximately 20-30% performance increase over the i5-3470.
2. Upgrade RAM to 32GB
• Cost: $100 - $150
• Benefits:
• Increased multitasking capabilities.
• Faster performance in memory-intensive tasks (e.g., Plex server, databases).
• Future-proofing to handle increasing memory demands over time.
3. High-Capacity PCIe Storage Using a SATA Expansion Card and HDD
• PCIe SATA Expansion Card:
• Cost: Approximately $20 - $40
• Benefits: Adds multiple SATA ports, allowing connection of additional drives.
• Seagate IronWolf Pro 6TB HDD:
• Cost: Approximately $150 - $200
• Capacity: 6TB
• Speed: 7200 RPM
• Interface: SATA 6Gb/s
• Benefits: Large storage capacity, reliable for continuous operation.
4. Active DP to HDMI Adapters and HDMI Cables
• Cable Matters Active DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter:
• Cost: Approximately $20 - $30 each (Total for 2: $40 - $60)
• Benefits: Supports 1080p at 60Hz, ensuring stable and high-quality connections for dual monitors.
• 12 Feet HDMI Cables:
• Cost: Approximately $10 - $15 each (Total for 2: $20 - $30)
• Benefits: Adequate length for connecting monitors in most setups, ensuring flexibility in monitor placement.
Budget Breakdown with DP to HDMI Adapters and HDMI Cables
Upgrade Component Cost Range (Min - Max) Total Cost (Selected)
Intel Core i7-3770 CPU $100 - $150 $150
32GB RAM (2x16GB DDR3) $100 - $150 $150
PCIe SATA Expansion Card $20 - $40 $40
Seagate IronWolf Pro 6TB HDD $150 - $200 $200
2x Active DP to HDMI Adapters $40 - $60 $60
2x 12 Feet HDMI Cables $20 - $30 $30
Total Cost $430 - $630 $500
Implementation Plan
1. Purchase Upgrades: Select and buy the components based on the detailed budget plan.
2. Install Upgrades: Follow installation guides or seek professional help if needed.
3. Configure System:
• CPU and RAM: Install and configure in BIOS if necessary.
• HDD with PCIe SATA Card: Install the PCIe SATA card, connect the HDD, format, and configure in your operating system for Plex usage.
• Active DP to HDMI Adapters and HDMI Cables: Connect the adapters to the onboard DP ports and use the HDMI cables to connect the monitors.
• Plex Configuration: Set up Plex to use the new HDD for media storage.
Conclusion
By following this plan, you can upgrade your Dell Optiplex 7010 DT to handle large 1080p and 4K video files on your Plex Media Server within your $500 budget. This ensures your system is well-equipped for local and remote streaming, maximizing both storage capacity and system performance. The addition of the active DP to HDMI adapters and long HDMI cables ensures a reliable and flexible monitor setup.