Dell OptiPlex 3020 Specs | Motherboard

Dell OptiPlex 3020: Here at Techifad, we love reviewing Dell OptiPlex desktops because we think they are some of the best machines on the market. They are reliable, secure, trustworthy, and affordable. They are absolutely the best choice for you if you are looking for a durable office or home desktop.

So far, we have reviewed the:

• Dell OptiPlex 9010
• Dell OptiPlex 7010
• Dell OptiPlex 790

Now we are reviewing the Dell OptiPlex 3020. So yeah, we love Dell OptiPlexes.

Dell OptiPlex 3020: Performance

In terms of performance, the OptiPlex 3020 comes equipped with a robust Intel Core i5 3rd Gen Quad-Core processor. With this powerful processor, your Microsoft Office or similar software will run smoothly and without hitches.

Here is a summary of our 3020’s specs:

Processor	Intel® 4th generation Core™ i5 Quad-Core
Graphics	Integrated Intel® HD Graphics 4600
RAM	8GB
Storage	250GB SSD
Operating System	Windows 10 Pro x64

One might ask, “I know the OptiPlex 3020 can run Microsoft Office or similar programs, but can it handle HD gaming or run CAD or similar software?

In its factory state, the 3020 will be hard-pressed to do so. However, with some tweaks here and there, the OptiPlex 3020 can smoothly play the latest games in 1080p because it has a powerful processor.

The only problem lies on the graphics side because Dell did not equip OptiPlexes with powerful graphics cards suitable for gaming. Instead, OptiPlexes come with integrated graphics cards whose performance is average at best.

Only a rare few Mini-Towers have the option for pre-installing a discrete graphics card, for example, a GeForce GTX 1640 card. 

If you want to enjoy playing games, use CAD, etc. on the Dell OptiPlex 3020, you need to:

1. Buy a powerful Graphics Card, for example, NVIDIA, to pair with your default i5/i7 processor.
2. Upgrade your RAM to around 16 GB with which most games can run without problems.
3. Add a snappy SSD to your CPU to speed up data transfer speeds and consequently operations.

Dell OptiPlex 3020: Form Factors and Aesthetics

In terms of shape and sizes, the OptiPlex 3020 comes in four main form factors that are:

• Micro
• Small Form Factor (SFF)
• Mini-Tower (MT)

NB: The above form factors are arranged from the smallest to the largest.

If you have the space, we always recommend buying a larger form factor like a Mini-Tower. However, if you lack the space, and are looking for something more compact, choose the Small Form Factor or the Micro Form Factor.

Dell OptiPlex 3020: Motherboard

The Dell OptiPlex 3020’s motherboard is a proprietary board that cannot be later shifted to other computer cases that are not made or approved by Dell. Therefore,

In addition, the size of the OptiPlex 790’s motherboard varies according to the form factor or computer case size. Bigger form factors contain larger motherboards with space for more connectors and slots. For example, the mini-tower version has four drive bays whereas the micro version only has one drive bay.

Dell OptiPlex 3020: Networking

The OptiPlex 3020 comes with a built-in Intel Wireless 7260 that will handle most of your wireless connectivity needs. It provides:

• 802.11ac Wi-Fi.
• Bluetooth 4.0 LE.
• Mobile Hotspot Functionality.

Dell OptiPlex 3020: Pros

Durable Hardware

If the internal components are well maintained, they are guaranteed to last you for a long time without mishaps.

Budget-Friendly

The OptiPlex is one of the cheapest quality desktops you can find. In addition, with a few customizations, they can become one of the best budget gaming desktops for gamers and power users alike.

Easily Detachable Components

OptiPlex is a business desktop whose components are designed to be easily removable in organizations where repair staff has to fix or upgrade a large number of machines.

Ideal For Businesses and Organizations

The OptiPlex comes with built-in technologies that enable organizations to easily manage and control their wide network of machines. In addition, they come with extra features like Trusted Platform Module and Dell Data Protection to ensure the security of your business or private data.

Powerful Processor

The main highlight of the Dell OptiPlex 3020 is its powerful and reliable processor that is hard to find at a similar price point.

Dell OptiPlex 3020: Cons

Integrated Graphics

Although Intel Integrated Graphics Cards are getting better, their performance is still a far cry from discrete graphics cards like NVidia. This is mainly because integrated graphics cards have to share resources with the processor, such as memory, storage, etc. On the other hand, Discrete Graphics Cards come equipped with dedicated resources like video memory, storage, and sometimes cooling.

No Biometric Security Features

In these days of increasing hacker and malware sophistication, passwords and pin codes are no longer as secure as they used to be. That’s why PC users need to have more tight security measures such as fingerprints, facial recognition, etc. to curb infiltration methods such as keylogging and brute-forcing passwords.

Biometric security is also faster and convenient than manually typing in your passwords.

Thanks for reading.

Check out the specs listed below.

Feature	OptiPlex 3020 MT/SFF/Micro Technical Specifications
Processors	Intel® Core™ i5 Quad Core (84W for MT & SFF, 35W for micro)
Operating System Options	Windows 8.1 Standard 64 bit
Graphics	Integrated Intel® HD Graphics 4600
Memory	2 Long DIMM slots 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM
Hard Disk Drives	Up to 1TB, Supports Solid State Drives
Keyboards & Mice	Dell Standard Keyboard, Dell USB Mouse
Security	Dell Data Protection|Security Tools, Dell Data Protection|Encryption, Chassis lock slot support

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