Transforming a 13 Year Old PC Into a Gaming Rig.

In this Instructable I will be transforming a 13 year old Dell OptiPlex 755 into a gaming PC.

Before transformation:

-4gb of RAM

-64mb of VRAM

-Intel Core 2 Duo processor @ 2.40GHz

After transformation:

-8gb of RAM

-2gb of VRAM

-Intel Core 2 Duo processor @ 2.40GHz

-480gb SSD

Supplies

IMPORTANT: Do NOT order these exact parts for your PC, they are not universal. I am simply putting these here so you can see what I used and the general price.

Total: Approximately $215 (The reason this is approximate is because I already had some of these parts lying around so I had to estimate their price)

Step 1: Take a Look at the Components

The first step in doing a PC makeover is to evaluate the parts that it has currently. Take the side panel off the computer and check to see if there is a GPU, RAM, and a hard drive. In my case, it had RAM but no hard drive or GPU. Next, remove the screws to the CPU cooler and gently lift it off to see if there is a CPU.

Step 2: Gut the Computer

While you have the CPU cooler off, remove the dvd drive (this may be held on by screws or a metal pull tab) and the hard drive enclosure. Be sure to disconnect all wires leading to the dvd drive and hard drive enclosure.

Note: I will not reinstall the dvd drive because I will install the RGB light control in it's place.

Step 3: Remove the Motherboard

To remove the motherboard, you will need to remove between 7 and 9 screws (the number of screws varies based on the type of motherboard).

IMPORTANT: Disconnect any wires connected to the motherboard!

Step 4: Organize the Wiring

This step is mostly for appearance. I didn't like all the different colored cables strewn all over the inside of the computer so to clean it up, I wrapped up the wires for the separate components in black electrical tape. If you don't mind messy wires, then you can skip this step.

Step 5: Reinstall Motherboard

To reinstall the motherboard, set the motherboard back in place and refasten the screws and wires.

Step 6: Install the New RAM

The RAM should have a tab on both sides of it. Push the tabs down and gently lift up on the RAM. Repeat for the other 3 slots. To install the new RAM, place the RAM in the slots (it should line up with a groove in the slot) and gently apply pressure to each side of the RAM while pushing the tabs in.

Step 7: Install the Hard Drive

To install the hard drive you will need the hard drive enclosure, the SSD adapter, and the SSD (Note: I am not using the SSD in the pictures because it has not been shipped yet, it is the same steps though). Step 1: place the SSD in the top shelf of the adapter and fasten it with the provided screws (Tip: Slide the SSD as far back as possible into the adapter so there is space for the wires later). Step 2: Push the bottom of the adapter onto the fixed nubs in the hard drive enclosure. Step 3: Pull out the jointed nubs on the top of the enclosure while pushing the adapter in (it should snap in place). Step 4: Reinstall the hard drive enclosure into the computer and connect the SATA cables.

Step 8: Lights

(This step is optional)

If you want your PC to look extra epic, then you can install rgb strip lights. Since every computer is different it is hard to write instructions on this. The basic process consists of taking the paper off the adhesive and sticking it inside you're computer wherever you want. As long as the lights are plugged into a usb outlet by it's cord then it will work. (My apologies for the lack of detail and pictures in this step, I am not very good at applying strip lights so I don't have any tips on it)

Step 9: The GPU, to Be Continued...

As you may have guessed by the title, the GPU also has not been shipped yet. I will be sure to update this as soon as it arrives. In the meantime, thank you for visiting our Instructable! If you liked it, be sure to add it to your favorites so you can get the latest update on the GPU. Also, if you have any questions, feel free to comment below.

(Note: This project has been discontinued indefinitely due to technical issues.)