How to Fix/Upgrade My Dell Optiplex 9010?

Ted Kul on 14/03/2022 - 11:18
Last edited 14/03/2022 - 16:47

Hi everyone,
I have a problem.
I bought a Dell Optiplex 9010 with core i7 about 5 years back, and upgrade a mini NVIDIA card on it (probably 1060?). It works well enough for my basic design stuff + play games.
Now the power button seems broken, everytime I need to turn it off I have to resort to put computer to sleep, then turn on. Otherwise have to shut down totally using master power board.
When it shutdown normally, pressing the button doesnt turn it on. I have to unolug then plug the electric cable again, to jumpstart it.
EDIT: Now the computer seems running quite slower, maybe due to I have to keep it on for a long time. (I avoided turning off totally due to the hassle of pull out the plug and put in again to cut off the power, then have to push power button a few times to start it). That's why I also think about buying a new one. So yes I want to fix it - but it maybe not enough, since my computer is a bit slow now. I'm worried there may be more trouble down the line.

Should I buy another new set, or bought a similar one and bring over the whole system?

My requirements:
- 16gb ram
- quick and strong enough to take on the dit heavy PDF, some basic design stuff and play some games.
- i have a 256gb SSD already but more is better.
- saving on electricity
- smaller better
- total budget ideally less than $500
- no need to upgrade screen, keyboard or mouse.

Computing Computer Dell Desktop Computer

Comments

  • CrispyChrispy on 14/03/2022 - 11:46
    +3

    Should I buy another new set, or bought a similar one and bring over the whole system?

    Could you explain this a bit more? Bit confused by what you're asking. You might be able to find a replacement switch for your PC's power button.

    • Muzeeb on 14/03/2022 - 11:52
      +2

      Same - I read the post all keen to help but by the end I had no friggin' idea what the actual question was.

      • Ted Kul on 14/03/2022 - 13:21

        Now the computer seems running quite slower, maybe due to I have to keep it on for a long time. (I avoided turning off totally due to the hassle of pull out the plug and put in again to cut off the power, then have to push power button a few times to start it). That's why I also think about buying a new one.
        So yes I want to fix it - but it maybe not enough, since my computer is a bit slow now. I'm worried there may be more trouble down the line.

        • Muzeeb on 14/03/2022 - 14:23

          Sounds like you need to perform a fresh OS install as well

  • wasdw246 on 14/03/2022 - 12:02
    +1

    How do u turn it on, If the power button is broken?
    Just asking to understand the problem a bit better, as you’re not describing it well.
    Maybe you can provide a video.

    It’s very likely we can help you, so you don’t need to buy a new pc.

    Ps: if you have a mini nvidia card in your sff dell pc, it’s likely it’s actually a 1050

  • AndyC1 on 14/03/2022 - 12:07
    +2

    Take the Dell apart and look at the switch and then go onto Jaycar web site and see if you can find the same switch and replace it. Allot cheaper than a new/used PC.

    If you cannot find one on the jaycar web site then take the wiring loom out that has the switch on it and take it to a computer store and ask if they have the same switch.

    Worst case you will need to replace the switch with a different size switch and either cut the case or glue the switch in. Still allot cheaper than a new/used PC.

    If this is too hard then you can always take the PC to a computer store and ask them how much it will cost to replace the switch. Still cheaper than a new/used PC… notice taken allot out as they may charge you a min $$$.

  • resisting the urge on 14/03/2022 - 12:08
    +1

    Power button troubles are usually a sticky button, (case fitment, button fitment, fluff contamination, wear)

    At worst this means removing the casing, inspecting the button, cleaning, refitting and maybe using some silicon spray lubricant.

    Can also be a faulty microswitch- again, easy to hoic another from an donor PC and replace.

  • elgrande on 14/03/2022 - 12:11
    +2

    Why don't you upgrade it and sell it on Facebook marketplace "in this form"

  • bdl on 14/03/2022 - 13:02
    +1

    Mine has been doing in later patch levels of Windows 10, I found disabling the network wake functionality on the network card seems to have fixed it. Settings and disable "allow this device to wake computer". Otherwise everytime I would shut it down it would wake a few seconds afterwards.

    I also found with my 1050ti gpu I needed to disable power management on the GPU otherwise the machine would reinitialise the graphics randomly (I think as it tried to switch in/out of power saving mode).

    • Ted Kul on 14/03/2022 - 16:49
      +1

      Seems it help me solve the problem turning it off!
      Thank you so much!
      When it shutdown normally, pressing the button doesnt turn it on. I have to unplug then plug the electric cable again, to jumpstart it.

  • Ted Kul on 14/03/2022 - 13:20

    Thanks everyone for your replies!

    Now the computer seems running quite slower, maybe due to I have to keep it on for a long time. (I avoided turning off totally due to the hassle of pull out the plug and put in again to cut off the power, then have to push power button a few times to start it). That's why I also think about buying a new one.

    • scrimshaw on 14/03/2022 - 13:46
      +1

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/687233

      Intel i5 6500 (faster than Core i7 4000 series by about 10 to 20 percent depending on workload)
      16GB RAM DDR4 memory (faster than DDR3)
      256GB SSD (format your old SSD and install it into your new system to double the storage)

      Less than $300. Free shipping. Still have $200 in your budget to buy a graphics card.

    • Gunther on 14/03/2022 - 15:06
      +1

      Leaving it on for a long time, isn't causing it to to slow down…..

      Just fix the power button, and clean install Windows. It will feel like a whole new machine!

  • a20c87 on 14/03/2022 - 22:30

    Hi, in my younger days I used to be tech support for a company that was extremely tight on spending. There were about 150 old Dell machines that needed to keep alive/working.

    In the spirit of OzBargain, I'd like to provide suggestions on how to fix the issues you are facing so you could potentially save money.

    The computer is having issues powering on

    The OptiPlex 9010 model is almost 10 years old. That makes me think that the power supply might be on its way out. I would recommend performing the Dell Built-in Self Test (BIST) to diagnose the health of the power supply. If it's bad, you may be able to find donor parts on eBay, Gumtree, etc.

    Another component that might be getting old is the CMOS battery. This can also impact the computer booting up. It's located on the motherboard and looks like one of those coin-shaped batteries. You should be able to find a cheap replacement on eBay. It's like replacing a battery in a remote. Pop out the old one and insert the new one in (while the computer has no power connected). There would be guides on YouTube for how to do this including replacing the power supply.

    I have never personally seen any issues with the power button (mentioned earlier in this thread), but you never know.

    The computer is running slower
    Backup your data externally. Wipe the drive and install a fresh copy of Windows. There are also videos on how to do this on YouTube. Then install Dell Command Update which will help automatically download and install the drivers, BIOS, etc. to help your machine run better.

    Also, if the inside of the case is dusty, please clean it. Dust can clog up the fans which can make the machine run hot and thermal throttle.

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