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Optiplex upgrade
OptiPlex 7050 Tower
Does Dell sell a motherboard compatible with an Optiplex 7050 tower that will run Win 11 and use memory and NVme drive from the original MB that has an Intel Core i7-6700 (QC/8MB/8T/ 3.4GHz/65W) chip set ?
Chino de Oro
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October 30th, 2024 02:39
An OptiPlex motherboard that can support 8th gen processors will start at $250 USD. For example of an OptiPlex 7060 board here https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-bare-motherboard-assembly-intel-q370/apd/1tj2k/pc-accessories. That is just the cost of a motherboard. You may get a whole refurbished/used system for the same price.
Besides compatibility issue, upgrade path with Dell parts and accessories is not a feasible plan. It's better to get a newer system or just install Windows 11 to your 7050, although it is not officially supported.
redxps630
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October 30th, 2024 03:47
you would need to mod the 7050 MT case back in order to fit a 7070 MT board inside. psu and ddr4 ram can be reused.
7050
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redxps630
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October 30th, 2024 03:47
7070
redxps630
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October 30th, 2024 04:05
IO shield is not removable and not identical. so would need to cut it out
7050
redxps630
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October 30th, 2024 04:05
7070
redxps630
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October 30th, 2024 04:11
also need a 7070 MT front bezel to replace 7050.
not sure of sata power cable pinout. safer to get a 7070 one too.
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Omaha2u
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October 31st, 2024 02:51
Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like the best option is to run Win 11 on an unsupported platform, or purchase a newer system. The amount of time and effort to do the required physical modifications to get newer parts to fit really isn't feasible.
Chino de Oro
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October 31st, 2024 03:00
Good choice. You can perform a clean installation of Win 11 on the 7050 without any bypass. However, I suggest to use Rufus to create the installer and select your preferred options as the new Windows 11 24H2 will enabled Bitlocker automatically.
(edited)
bradthetechnut
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October 31st, 2024 03:08
And Chino is correct. 8th gen starts with the 7060, not the 7070. Redxps got locked on the 7070 somehow.
redxps630
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October 31st, 2024 03:29
the 7040-7070 MT tower has a clam shell chassis which is a revamp of old Dell Dimension case. it is not a very good design
for a new system or upgrade consider 7071 tower for 9th gen or 7080/7090 for 10/11th gen. these sport a better new tower case design. Dell has also increased max psu to 500w in these newer models.
PS
7070 8/9th gen
7060 8th gen
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redxps630
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October 31st, 2024 03:41
eBay deal on
New Optiplex 7071 Chassis w Motherboard 97YXY & Power Supply H7X3F H260EBM-00
just install your own cpu and ssd/Windows 11
https://www.ebay.com/itm/185799022703?
(edited)
Chino de Oro
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October 31st, 2024 03:46
OP still has another year to think about Windows 11 machine option. As of now, the choice of no cost upgrade path can be explored and will extending service life of the existing 7050.
Since it's an OS swap, clean installation can help to avoid many issues from upgrade method.