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January 27th, 2023 03:00
"DS: What is the longest you have kept a Optiplex?"
How long have you kept an your system up & running? If you have kept it running longer than 5 years what do you use it for?
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JOcean
9 Legend
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12.6K Posts
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January 27th, 2023 04:00
I don't have one..yet but the Optiplex series are very hot right now for upgrading and mods for gaming. The 3020MT especially is being sold because of it's upgrade path for PSU, GPU, SSD. And when paired with a PSU upgrade and a GPU upgrade makes a very acceptable gaming system and this on a computer approaching 10 years old. And for more proof check YouTube videos for 3020 tutorials and reviews, there are a ton of them.
CBIVTI22
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112 Posts
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January 27th, 2023 09:00
The longest Optiplex I had was the GX270 SFF, from 2007 to 2020. Had a Pentium 4 2.67 GHz processor, 4GB RAM, 250 GB PATA HDD., and Windows XP. Its main use was for audio editing, though I did try to dabble into video editing. I currently have a 9020SFF as the replacement (i7-4790, 32GB, 1.5 TB total ssd, Radeon RX6400) which I use for audio editing and lite gaming. I also have a 9020USFF (i7-4790S, 16GB, 1TB SSD) as a travel/office PC. Soon I will have a working 3020 SFF and a 9020 MT.
Also notable was the Optiplex 200 SFF, which I had from 2001-2009.
csc2ya
2 Posts
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January 27th, 2023 12:00
Refurbished Optiplex 7010 SFF from an amazon seller. Came with a 240GB SSD, and 16GB of memory. Running windows 10 pro.
I've upgraded it to a 1TB SSD (for os and programs), and a 2TB HDD (for data)
I've also upgraded the memory to 32GB, which I believe is the maximum amount that will work in it.
I've also put an Nvidia GT1030 2GB GPU in it. Works well enough for what I use it for, which is mainly internet use, and also listening to music.
bradthetechnut
7 Technologist
7 Technologist
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8.8K Posts
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January 29th, 2023 18:00
I certainly haven't had my Optiplex's as long as some others, but here's what I had and have.
The 755 excelled and so does the 7010. That's ok if some consider them just general purpose, but for me, they're more than that. And they're more than that for gamers that modify them.
I use to use the 790 for some backup and software 64-bit Win10 won't run. But since last year, I've been using cloud storage for my phone and I haven't needed the older software since at least 2021.
The 790 is the only PC I ever had without modifying it. When it's first turned on, there's a brief, bad clunky sound like fan blades hitting plastic or metal. I think it's the HDD that used to be in the 755. If that's the case, eventually, I'll just replace HDD with an SSD; add 4GB RAM for a total of 8GB, and put Win10 on it.
What I do consider more general purpose is the series of Optiplex's in between the 2014 (or so) era of 70XX's and 90XX's and the current ones. The series I'm referring to were not only smaller, but more difficult to modify, including upgrading the low-watt PSU's. Some do still turn them into gaming machines though. And with their CPU's still run apps faster and are good for work. The newest Optiplex's are much more awesome with available higher-watt PSU's, numerous CPU options, and more GPU options.
Who put a quarter in me? I have lots of quarters. : )>
redxps630
9 Legend
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14.2K Posts
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January 27th, 2023 06:00
Optiplex 7010 MT and 9020 SFF, i7-3770 and i7-4790 respectively. Memory 16GB. Sata ssd. Windows 10/11 Pro latest version. Works great. Not as fast as i7-8700 but still pretty good for general purpose.
bradthetechnut
7 Technologist
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8.8K Posts
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January 29th, 2023 17:00
First, in reply to JOcean: 3020 = 16GB max spec RAM, 2 DIMMs. 7010/7020/9010/9020 have 4 DIMMs. 7010/9010 = 16GB max spec RAM. 7020/9020 = 32GB max spec RAM. I say "max spec" and not just "max" due to the above models being acceptive of higher GB RAM. BIOS is better on the 7020/9020 than the 3020.
I bet one of the things that make the 3020 hot is initial low cost. I do wonder how much people stick into them due to the age. One OP wanted to put $350 into a 3010 or 3020. With that amount, I suggested a couple of G5 towers to look at that were on eBay for around $350.
bradthetechnut
7 Technologist
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8.8K Posts
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January 29th, 2023 18:00
I think you'll still have some fun with it like I did the 755 and 7010.
JOcean
9 Legend
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12.6K Posts
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January 29th, 2023 18:00
Thanks for that information. I have seen the 16GB max for the 3020 and have yet to see anyone that installed 32GB on the 3020. The 3020 is the bargain basement system right now compared to the other models you mentioned. I have seen them generally in the $130 range Canadian which is a great starting point before upgrades.
EDIT:Having said that I just browsed to Memory.Net and they guarantee 100% compatibility with 32GB of RAM. So it may be worth a try when I get the 3020 Tower.
bradthetechnut
7 Technologist
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8.8K Posts
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February 3rd, 2023 20:00
How to Perform a BIOS or CMOS Reset and Clear the NVRAM on Dell Computers When you do this, replace the size 2032 battery with a new one.
How to Run a Power Supply Unit Self Test On a Dell Desktop or All-in-One Computer Dell BIST Test Video
If still no luck, what was installed for a replacement PSU? What your having does sound like a PSU problem. The first step I gave is still necessary as a part of troubleshooting as a bad battery can cause boot problems.
elpenot
1 Message
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February 3rd, 2023 20:00
I have Optiflex 3040MT bought mid 2017 i liked it very much but since original PSU was broken last year and replaced one, just earlier 4months ago may be more... I can not Start it by my own will. Sometimes it will turn On if I leave it for two days or more since I fortunatley power On. If I am lucky to turn it On the Power Led is white for 2 to 4 hours depend on how many days standby or did not used, after the white color of the Power Led will turn to solid orange after how many hours. If I shutdown at orange light state, the next day I can not turn the PC On, I will wait for a few days. When I try to turn On the next day after shuted down, the Power Led has orange blinked 2,2 patern. I checked it on Dell Support but unfortunately the Motherboard or PSU and cabling any of this was defected. My OptiFlex 3040MT almost 7 years. I try to find solution on this to save my favorite Dell PC. If anyone who experiencing the same problem please tell me what was your solution. Thanks in advance
bradthetechnut
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8.8K Posts
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February 4th, 2023 14:00
Thanks to @Dell-KodySwenson for all of the accepted solutions. : )
tibi500cid
2 Intern
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146 Posts
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February 5th, 2023 05:00
Optiplex 7010 DT with an i5-3570 and 4x4GB DDR3.
Still running today.
JOcean
9 Legend
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12.6K Posts
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February 5th, 2023 18:00
Thanks @bradthetechnut and yes I was aware of that. It is going to be the basis for a budget general use and light gaming system. The 3020 is a good chassis to begin with and the cost is very easy on the pocketbook. A PSU upgrade here and a GPU upgrade there and a nice little system.
bradthetechnut
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February 5th, 2023 18:00
Hi @JOcean - I don't know if you got your 3020 MT yet. Just a little fyi - It has no USB 3.0 ports in the front, but does have 2 of them in the rear.
mparadise
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February 8th, 2023 13:00
Ironically enough I came here for similar information. I have some 7040s and some Tesla P4s. I am trying to find out if they are compatible. I'd like to use them as workstations. We do some Premier pro and other Adobe work, but not enough for me to get all high powered workstations. On another note. I see you are using the 10100 to game with. With the prices falling for gpus, we bought a cheap 10400, put an nvme in with a rx 2080 and it is plenty fast. All for a fraction of current gaming pc cost.