Dell Optiplex 780 Upgrade Options

It's not said what size or form factor you have.  I'm linking the Optiplex 780 Tech Guide for your upgrade options as far as RAM and CPU.

It helps to know why you want to upgrade the PSU.  Hopefully you have an MT.  We need to know size first.

Motherboard swaps are near impossible.  Dell is very proprietary.  This includes swaps between different Dell models.  One really has to be an expert to do it.  As for swaps with other brands, Dell is proprietary down to the front panel wiring, fan wiring, MB screw holes, etc.  Within Dell, MB connections vary and so does rear panel layouts.

If you want an I5 or I7, go with either - 7010/7020/9010/9020.  The 3010/3020 is less expandable.  Research the CPU's they come with and you'll find the I7's faster.  3010 has lower watt PSU as compared to the other XX10's.  XX20's a little higher.  All are shoppable online and have downloadable tech guides.

I haven't used 'Browse files to attach' option yet, so I'm including image here just in case:

Yes, the factory MB supports SSD's - SATA type for the 780.

Hi bradthetechnut,

Thanks for your reply and time.

what i have is a Dell Optiplex 780 Desktop(DT) Version Size(The 2nd one in your image).  I got this from my company eshop for discounted price of 13.3 USD. so i thought of upgrading. so yesterday i tear down just to check what's in it and just to clean it up.

*What are my options to upgrade in this same motherboard? Max which processor i can use.

*If possible can i upgrade/swap a LGA 1151 motherboard to board an i3/i5/i7 processor for future proof.

Download the 780 Tech Guide, search with "processor," and it'll take you to the processor section of the Tech Guide.  Top listed CPU is Q9650 by the way.  If you want to see if users attempted any otbers, Google "optiplex 780 max processor."  Some Dell Community threads will probably come up.

As for MB swaps, my answer is still the same as above.  MB's that can take I3/I5/I7 are a completely different generation.  960/980 was another generation, the next generation from 320 thru 780.  Then came another, 390/790/990 - no USB 3.0 by the way.  Then another, 3010 thru 9020.  If I missed a couple, oh well, that's just from the top of my head.

It sounds like you really want an I3/I5/I7.  I still suggest an I7.  Some I3's are dual core, notably the older ones.  A PC with an I7 has hardly a difference in cost compared to I5.  Many good deals on ebay on refurb 7010/7020/9010/9020.  Amazon is a little higher.  Newegg is another option; just to name 3.  

In receiving kudos in this thread which is very nice, I'm adding an update.

Another way to see what others are using in their PC's is userbenchmark.  Example, Google:  "Optiplex 780 userbenchmark"  Pick the option that comes up that's userbenchmark.

Upgrade a core 2 quadcore from 6600 to 9600 High is  poor Best , and memory 4x4 L , yes 16 GB , y have my old 780 MT , and You have SSD , it's slow ? Last update fiur SSD in raid 1+0 o 5 .actualice a un cpu Q6600-9600 , 16 GB memory  tipo L , y cambie sus HD por SSD , si no le basta compré 4 SSD y cambie a raid 20 o 5. Ya No hay más que hacer ,

Hi ,I have Dell Optiplex 780 I love this pc but motherboard is not working..could you suggest me replacement motherboard or same motherboard, please advise me if any option within upgrade..I love this pc ..thank you