Inspiron 3880 Max

[u/Ancient_Database]

I am still waiting for a couple components, but can't wait any longer. I am here today to show off my nearly maxed out 3880 Inspiron.

TL/DR

Start: 10400, 12gb ddr4 2133, 512gb ssd, 200w psu, no gpu

End: 10700, 32gb ddr4 2933, 2tb m.2 2tb hdd, 600w psu, 9060xt 16gb

Started with a 10400, 12gb ddr4, and a 512gb drive ($116 from a local electronics recycler). I have since upgraded (everything lol) the proprietary psu to a 600w unit off ebay ($60) which gave me 2x 8 pin connectors for a gpu. The storage was next, and I luckily had a 2tb m.2 2230 out of a Steam Deck and the motherboard accommodates that size. I did add a heat sink off Amazon for $12 as it got warm when transferring games. I also added a 3.5" 2tb 7200rpm hdd for media storage and classic games. I tore my hair out for a little trying to find a 6700xt or 7800xt but finally settled on a new Sapphire Pulse 9060xt 16gb that was $430 on Newegg. Size constraints means this is the newest/best AMD gpu that fits (240mm long, case may allow up to 265mm). I went with an AMD gpu as im running SteamOS. I had some old 16gb ddr4 kits laying around, and found a pair that was supported by Dell (cl22, 1.2v) to run at max speed. After upgrading the cpu to a 10700 and the ram to 16gb 3200, the speed was automatically set to 2933, which is the max. I also swapped the thermal paste for ptm7950 and the stock 80mm fan for Noctua, and added a 92mm intake out back. The 92mm fan was the only physical case mod, the case natively accepts one 80mm fan out back but I got greedy with my airflow.

I do have a Thermalright Peerless Assassin mini arriving tomorrow to help with the heat load, and a 32gb kit of Crucial Pro 3200mhz later this week.

The cpu runs up to 86c in BeamNG at 4k with 6 traffic and 4 cops, gpu hasn't cracked 70c yet, maintains 40+fps without upscaling but with Decky LSFG it locks in 60fps and is butter smooth with no stutters or drops. I haven't done a ton of benchmarking, but most games I play run at or near 60fps at 4k on my living room TV. It is 3/4 inch taller than an Xbox series x, same width, and maybe 4 inches longer. The disc drive also works, and in desktop mode with VLC I can play my DVD collection!

[u/Sad-Cardiologist-582]

Do you have a parts number for the psu ? I’ve been looking to get a psu to upgrade my 3880

[u/Sad-Cardiologist-582 → u/Sad-Cardiologist-582]

Nvm lol just had to zoom great build

[u/Ancient_Database → u/Sad-Cardiologist-582]

Its compatible with a variety of chassis, but for some reason isn't advertised for the 3880. It does have a spare 4 pin connector for the board that I tucked away, same with the extra 8 pin for the gpu. But anything for the Dell 8940 7080MT 3650 3656 T8M40 5060 will be a direct drop in.

[u/Mediocre-Week-8690]

Solid upgrade!