It is not advised to spend too much money upgrading this over a decade 2008 system, as it is cheaper to purchase a more capable Second Hand Business Desktop than a new OS License. This PC can run Windows 7 64 Bit pretty well. It can run Windows 10 64 Bit if this PC has enough RAM (>4 GB) and a SSD. Without the SSD it may run but poorly as the Hard Drive is cranked up to continuous 100 % Disc Usage.
System Upgrades
Service Manual
Memory Upgrade:
This system supports 8 GB of RAM 2×(2×2 GB Modules)
amazon.com Crucial CT2KIT25664AA800
amazon.co.uk Crucial CT2KIT25664AA800
Solid State Drive 3.5 “
Upgrading to a Solid State Drive
BIOS
Windows 10
If you have previously bought a Windows 7 Retail or Windows 8.x Retail License then your key will work with Windows 10. If you were an early adopter and had activated your system with Windows 10 Insider Build 10130 you can clean install Windows 10 Pro without a Product Key.
I advise installing Windows 10 without a Product Key before buying a License which will give you time to evaluate it. With Windows 10 there is no trial, instead your Desktop and Settings will be watermarked and you will be unable to personalise some user settings but otherwise it’ll be fully functional. You can also activate Windows 10 with a Windows 7 Key or Windows 8.x Key.
OS Updates
System Utilities
Chipset
Video
- ATI AutoUpdate [Variant A]
- nVidea AutoUpdate [Variant B]
Communication
- Conexant D850 Driver
- Conexant D850 Utility
- Conexant D850 Application
- Conexant D850 Diagnostics Utility
Wireless
- Dell Wireless Cards [Variant A]
- ASUS WL-138g PCI WLAN Card [Variant B]
Audio
- Realtek ALC888 HD Audio [Variant A]*
- Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer [Variant B]
* See instructions for using the Unofficial Realtek Czech drivers website.
Card Reader
Dell Media Card Reader with Integrated Bluetooth Module (CAB-200), Media Card Reader 19-1 with Integrated Bluetooth*
Input
- Logitech Setpoint [Not all systems have a Dell/Logitech Keyboard]
This is a very comprehensive guide, well done. The real fly in the ointment with the 630i motherboard is its use of an nVidia motherboard chipset, rather than an Intel one. Still, as long as it is in good operational condition, the 630i with Core2 Quad can still give someone a decent level of service at a smallish investment. The board has a standard ATX form factor, which mean its can be installed in something much smaller than Dell's monster chassis. Not sure whether the heart sink/fan from the 630i can be mounted in typical ATX chassis. Better to use one with a copper core, either Intel or CoolerMaster or similar.