Optiplex 3020 SFF - Upgrading CPU + RAM

Question

Hi all,   I just recently got ahold of an Optiplex 3020 SFF (for free, because the ebay seller lied about the processor it came with) and I was wondering what my options might be to increase its ability. Ideally, I would actually like to use a Xeon as I'm planning on using it for multiple server applications. I specifically have my eyes on the Xeon E3-1226 v3. My main question is, will this be a viable upgrade? This motherboard uses the LGA1150 socket and H81 chipset (as evidenced by the fact that it currently has a Pentium G3250 installed), but I'm not sure if just matching the socket and chipset will be enough to ensure the computer works. I'm aware I might need to upgrade the CPU cooler.    I'm also interested in upgrading the RAM, but I'm fairly certain I can slot in any old DDR3 that's compatible with the processor (correct me if I'm wrong). Additionally, I'm wondering if there's anywhere I can get better documentation for this machine? Aside from the 2-page spec sheet, I haven't been able to find anything in-depth, even if I search by specific part numbers.   Thank you for the help!

redxps630 · Accepted Answer

Xeon haswell cpu works in 3020. Evidence on user benchmark Xeon E3-1245 v3 https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/32700864

Xeon E3-1241 v3 https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/37161004

Xeon E3-1220 v3 https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/33907675

1230 v3, 1231 v3. You should have no problem w 1226 v3.

Any desktop ddr3 satisfying Non-ECC dual-channel 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM will do.

Dell documentation is scant, but you can ask questions on this forum. 3020 user experience is extensive.

tibi500cid · Answer

I had many of these.

You can put 2x8GB DDR3-1600MHz 1.5Volt RAM modules into it, preferably SK-Hynix or Micron (plenty of that on ebay) and an Intel Core i5-4590 CPU.

That would be a pretty fast machine this way.

speedstep · Answer

Xeon E3-1226 v3 is 84W and may not have microcode support in bios (EVER). So I cannot say IF it will work or not. You did not mention which size model. Optiplex models come in 6 different sizes.

MT (Mini Tower)
DT (Desktop)
MFF (Micro Form Factor)
SFF (Small Form Factor)
USFF (Ultra Small Form Factor)
AIO (All-in-One)

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/optiplex-3020-desktop/docs

officialnsa · Answer

Thank you so much! Do you believe it would still work in the Small Form Factor? I assume the motherboard would remain compatible across the 3020 models, but I also wanna make sure the CPU cooler can handle the load (as the spec sheet says the Pentium 3020 SFF is only rated for a 65W processor)

officialnsa · Answer

Thanks! I was looking at Xeons because they’re pretty cheap used and I plan to run multiple serverside applications (one or two simple websites and multiple minecraft servers) so the Xeon core count would be great, but I’ll take a look at the 4590. Thank you again !

officialnsa · Answer

My bad! I only mentioned it my acronym—I have the Small Form Factor model, with a Pentium G3250. I have a suspicion that the Pentium model has a weaker CPU cooler as it is listed as 65W in the spec page as opposed to the Core models which are rated for 84W, but I’m not sure.

redxps630 · Answer

no such option as 65w vs 84w cooler in 3020 SFF. I believe there is only one type of generic OEM cooler in SFF which is rated to handle cooling of core i5/7 and pentium haswell. It is the same type Dell uses for XPS 8300-8900 and Optiplex 790, 3010, 3020 MT/SFF. All aluminum base. The only catch in SFF is there is a shroud to direct air flow in the small case, whereas no such shroud in MT.

3020 SFF manual

cpu spec Intel® 4th generation CoreTM i5 Quad Core (84W for MT & SFF, 35W for micro), CoreTM i3 Dual Core, Pentium® Dual Core and Celeron® Dual Core (65W for MT & SFF, 35W for Micro)

what you read above in spec is TDP of cpu not the rated max TDP of OEM cooler.

CPU compatible across all 3020 form factor.

officialnsa · Answer

Excellent information, thank you so much!

bradthetechnut · Answer

Optiplex 3020 Tech Guide

Optiplex Desktops

Was this post helpful?