Optiplex Desktops

[CBIVTI22]

Back in July I acquired two 3020 SFFs for free from my workplace. I was told neither of them had any power. I did some quick tests, and I was able to get both of them running without issue. I upgraded the BIOS on both of them to A20. Then I stuck them away in storage until I could figure out what to do with them. Now, I would like to take one of them and upgrade it in the cheapest way possible. I'll be using reputable brands in my search. I won't be turning it into a gamer either (though it is certainly possible.) Let me know what you all think about my proposal:

• For the Processor, it currently has an i3-4160. I have a spare i5-4590 that I can put in, which should give me a little bit of a boost. The heatsink is slightly bigger than what's there now but will still fit inside.
• Currently, there is no RAM installed. For testing, I had to pull 2 sticks out of my 9020 and verify. I found some Crucial DDR3L-1600 with  the same specs as the SN Hynix memory that usually comes with Dells. I found some for about $25, which should work, I've used Crucial before in other builds with no issues. I used to have a Dell Latitude laptop with 2x256 MB and it worked fine. 
• For storage, I could get away with a 250Gb SSD for $20, but considering there's only one SATA port (and yes, I do plan on using the Optical Drive), I think in this case it's probably better to spend the extra $10 and go with 500GB.
• Finally, a Windows 10 Key for about $30.

Grand total for everything is about $85. What do you all think? Would there be any conflicts? I wont be using the PCIe expansion slots (I may put in a USB 3.0 expansion card later on, as it only comes with 2 USB 3.0 ports)  BIOS battery is good (verified with tester), so no need to replace. Thanks in advance!

[rdunnill]

OptiPlex 3020SFFs tend to be bundled with Windows Professional licenses, as they are office machines. Isn't yours? 

I bought mine from a scrapper, minus CPU, memory and storage device. I originally reconstituted it with a dual core, but it now sports a 4690 and copper heatsink. I think the memory is Kingston Value. The SSD is a 1tb M.2 SATA 3 in an adapter. This arrangement has been working well for some years now.

Oh, and it's configured with Windows 11, which installed after the "Registry hack." Originally, I installed vanilla Windows 10 (which activated without issue), but I just HAD to try it with Windows 11. Works well! 

As a 3020 SFF owner, I think your proposal is well thought out. 

[redxps630]

Re: Grand total for everything is about $85. What do you all think

use a free Win 7 pro key to activate Win 10 will save you $30.

any ddr3-1600 or pc3-12800U would work. 3020/9020 not picky w ddr3 ram.  I would buy/use the cheapest major name brand (Hynix, Samsung, Micron, Elpida Crucial etc.) on eBay.  Buying lot of ddr3 instead of just two sticks often gives you a much better deal.

regular or low voltage ddr3 both work.  For 3020 max is 2x8 gb.  I use 2x8 gb in one of my 9020.

$30 for 2x8 gb ddr3 12800U seems to be market price now.

[CBIVTI22]

I don't think I have any Win7 Pro keys. I had an Ultimate key somewhere, but has been lost.

Yup, I found some Crucial memory for $22. Was originally going to do 8GB but if they're that cheap, heck with it, just put 16GB in, lol. I'll look into lots as well, that way I can also put memory into the other 3020, and if I acquire some more PCs in the future. I think the 30/70/9010s also take them...? And it appears that the 3040 can take it as well.

[CBIVTI22]

I looked for a key but couldn't find one. Even tried doing a DOS prompt command hack and yielded nothing. I suspect that the original packed version of Windows was wiped at some point (it probably had 7 or and a clean install of Win10 was put on. Usually any PCs I pick up, I try to have at least a CPU and some starter RAM, but in this case, I got these with the CPU, no RAM, and stupidly, the HDD. I thought about putting in a 4690 (as it's the fastest i5 it can take) but there's really not much difference between the 4590 and 4690.  And i'm going for cheap, as this PC I will probably use as a logger.. maybe music storage.

[CBIVTI22]

Update:  Got the RAM Sticks in. Paid about $19 for a 2x8GB Kit. All is working well, so far. (Verified in BIOS setup)  Just waiting on the SSD and mounting bracket, so it will fit into the caddy. 

And so much for this being a cheap project; I caved in and bought an i5-4690 for $20. I'll use the bigger heatsink (DPN: RD6XX) since the smaller one (DPN: VHKV3) is only meant for the i3s, I believe.  I've maxed out the RAM... might as well max out the processor as well. 

Will post photos once I'm done with the project.

[redxps630]

VHKV3 Assembly,Heatsink,Fan,Slim Form Factor,Mainstream,9020.

RD6XX ASSY,HTSNK,FAN,SFF,PRFMC,9020. prfmc=performance

hard to tell the difference between the two without comparing them side by side. RD6XX has performance letter on plastic shroud.

Both VHKV3 and RD6XX use same R98RJ fan.  Both use pancake Aluminum core heatsink. What makes one performance and the other mainstream?

PerformanceMainstream
one user adds there is a better optiplex XE2 SFF heatsink and fan with copper cold plate J9G15 ASSY,HTSNK,FAN, PRFMC,SFF,XE2.  It is c/w 3020 sff.

[CBIVTI22]

The heatsinks are slightly different. The smaller one is about 3/4" thick while the Performance one is a little over an inch thick. I looked up both service tags just to check and confirm. The first picture is from the PC I'm working on, and the second pic is from the other 3020SFF I have in storage.

Plastic shrouds side by side. "Performance" on the left.Heatsink measures about 3/4" thick

This heatsink out of another 3020SFF measures a little over an inch thick.

> J9G15 ASSY,HTSNK,FAN, PRFMC,SFF,XE2.  It is c/w 3020 sff.

I might consider that for my 9020!

[redxps630]

Cooling		Heatsink + fan, SFF, PRFMC Small Form Factor Chassis Mainstream Heatsink (95watts)	MSRP: $18.99 Dell RD6XX
Cooling		Heatsink + fan, SFF Small Form Factor Chassis Mainstream Heatsink (65watts)	MSRP: $17.99 Dell VHKV3

Apparently only $1.00 in difference. I guess because this is a mass produced pc, $1 saved on one pc equals a lot of money saved for Dell.

[CBIVTI22 · Accepted solution]

The project is complete! So, how much did this actually cost?

Memory: $19

CPU: $20

SSD: $34

USB 3.0 PCIe card: $20

USB Wi-Fi Adapter: $17

Total: $110

Okay, maybe a little more than what I wanted to spend, but still, a nice cheap PC that'll do great for everyday things. For some reason, I didn't need a Win10 Key, as I got Pro installed with no issues. I also did a little registry hack to make it look like it was installed at the Dell Factory. I swapped out the DVD-ROM drive for the burner, and replaced the missing rubber feet. All and all, not a bad little PC; should give me years of reliable service. 

3020 SFF Front3020 SFF Back with Wi-Fi USB adapter.Before registry hack.After registry hack.