Dell OptiPlex

Dell OptiPlex 755 (Ultra Small Form Factor), mounted on the back of a monitor

OptiPlex is a line of desktop computers from Dell aimed at the corporate, government and education markets. The systems typically contain Intel CPUs, beginning with the Pentium and currently with the Core i7 (as of early-2016) although Dell sells some models with AMD CPUs as well. Business-oriented components, such as Gigabit Ethernet and software such as data protection utilities, often come standard with the Optiplex.

Capacitor issues

Older OptiPlex models (mostly produced in 2003 and 2004), notably the GX270, suffered from frequent failures due to faulty capacitors supplied by Nichicon. These capacitors would bulge and leak, resulting in product failure after only a few years of use. Leaked internal documents allege that Dell knew that the computers were likely to fail, and continued to ship them.^[1]

Name

OptiPlex is a portmanteau of "opti" (meaning optimal) and "plex" (meaning parts or units.)^[2]

Chassis

The newest OptiPlex models break from Dell's proprietary form factors and follow, for the most part, the ATX standard, usually to the Mini-ITX form factor for SFF computers, and MicroATX form factor for DT and MT computers.

The OptiPlex series comes in various sizes which have evolved as the style of chassis has changed.

Classic beige

In the classic beige chassis:

Chassis	Height	Width	Depth	5.25" external bays	3.5" external bays	internal bays
NX1 Specific	9.27 cm (3.65 inches)	33.71 cm (13.27 inches)	34.93 cm (13.75 inches)	none	none	(1) 3.5" HDD
Small form Factor	9.14 cm (3.6 inches)	31.75 cm (12.5 inches)	37.8 cm (14.9 inches)	1 slim optical	1.44 floppy	(1) 3.5" HDD
Low-profile desktop	10.9 cm (4.3 inches)	40.9 cm (16.1 inches)	43.7 cm (17.2 inches)	1	1.44 floppy	1
Midsize desktop	16.5 cm (6.5 inches)	41.9 cm (16.5 inches)	44.5 cm (17.5 inches)	2	1.44 floppy	2 HDD
Mini-tower	44.5 cm (17.5 inches)	20.6 cm (8.1 inches)	43.7 cm (17.2 inches)	3	1.44 floppy	2 HDD

Midnight-gray

In the recent midnight-gray chassis (with the flip-up door) (Transformer cases):

Chassis	Height	Width	Depth	5.25" external bays	3.5" external bays	internal bays
Ultra Small Form	24.7 cm (9.9 inches)	24.2 cm (9.7 inches)	8.5 cm (3.4 inches)	1 media bay (modules common with Latitude series)	none	(1) 3.5" HDD
Small form Factor	9.0 cm (3.57 inches)	31.9 cm (12.54 inches)	35.4 cm (13.93 inches)	1 slim optical	1 slim floppy	(1) 3.5" HDD
Small Desktop	10.6 cm (4.2 inches)	38.9 cm (15.3 inches)	43.2 cm (17 inches)	1	1.44 floppy	(2) 3.5" HDD
Mini-tower	42.5 cm (16.7 inches)	18.1 cm (7.13 inches)	44.7 cm (17.6 inches)	2	(1) + 1.44 floppy	2 HDD

BTX (matrix cases)

Current model BTX chassis:

Chassis	Height	Width	Depth	5.25" external bays	3.5" external bays	3.5" internal bays
Ultra Small Form (Matrix Trinity case)	26.4 cm (10.375 inches)	8.9 cm (3.5 inches)	25.3 cm (9.95 inches)	1 D-module bay	none	1 HDD
Small form Factor (Matrix Cypher Case)	9.26 cm (3.65 inches)	31.37 cm (12.35 inches)	34.03 cm (13.40 inches)	1 slim optical	1 slim floppy	(1) 3.5" HDD
Small Desktop (Matrix Neo Case)	11.4 cm (4.5 inches)	39.9 cm (15.7 inches)	35.3 cm (13.9 inches)	1	1	(2) 3.5" HDD
Mini-tower (Matrix Smith Case)	41.4 cm (16.3 inches)	18.5 cm (7.3 inches)	43.9 cm (17.3 inches)	2	1	2 HDD

The OptiPlex 960 introduces a new style of cases, made to be eco-friendly with recyclable plastics. They are named after various rock bands (Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, Mr. Big).

Models, in relative chronological order

Model	Chipset	CPU	FSB	RAM type	RAM speed	RAM Max	Chassis	Comments	USB
XL 5xxx	Intel 82434NX PCI	Pentium 75, 90, 100, 120, 133	50/60/66 MHz	SIMM, 4	70 ns		ex, XL 575, XL 5133	From 8 to 64 MB (64 MiB) of RAM. 1995/1996
XM 5xxx	Intel 82430NX PCIset	Pentium 75, 90/120, 100/133	50/60/66 MHz	SIMM, 4	70 ns		6 x 16 x 16	S3 Vision 864, 1 MB standard, upgradable to 2 MB.
XMT 5xxx	Intel 82430NX PCIset	Pentium 75, 90/120, 100/133	50/60/66 MHz	SIMM, 4	70 ns		16.40 x 7.75 x 17.40	S3 Vision 864, 1 MB standard, upgradable to 2 MB.
GXL 5xxx	Intel 82430FX PCIset	Pentium 90, 120, 150, 100, 133, 166, 200	60/66 MHz	SIMM, 4	60-ns EDO or 70-ns fast-page mode			midsize
GXM 5xxx	Intel 82430FX	Pentium 90, 120, 150, 100, 133, 166, 200	60/66 MHz	SIMM, 4	60-ns EDO		4 x 17 x 17	S3 (Trio64V+) PCI, 2 MB.
GXMT 5xxx	Intel 82430FX PCIset	Pentium 90, 120, 150, 100, 133, 166, 200	60/66 MHz	SIMM, 4	60-ns EDO	128MB	16.4 x 7.75 x 17.4	S3 (Trio64V+) PCI, 2 MB.
GL and GL+	Intel 82430FX PCI	Pentium 75, 90/120, 100/133/166	50/60/66 MHz	SIMM, 4	60 ns EDO or 70 ns fast-page mode		4 x 17 x 17	S3 764-P (Trio64), 1 MB standard, upgradable to 2 MB.
GM and GM+	Intel 82430FX PCIset	Pentium 75, 90/120, 100/133/166	50/60/66 MHz	SIMM, 4	60 ns EDO		6.0 x 17 x 17	S3 764-P (Trio64), 1 MB standard, upgradable to 2 MB.
GMT and GMT+	Intel 82430FX PCIset	Pentium 75, 90/120, 100/133/166	50/60/66 MHz	SIMM, 4	60 ns EDO		16.4 x 7.75 x 17.4	S3 764-P (Trio64), 1 MB standard, upgradable to 2 MB.
Gs, Gs+	Intel 430FX PCI	Pentium 133, 166, 200	66 MHz	SIMM, 4	60-ns EDO		low-profile, midsize chassis	S3 (Trio64V+) PCI, 2 MB, Gs+ contains onboard Ethernet.
GXpro	Intel 82440FX PCIset	Pentium Pro 180, 200	60 or 66 MHz	SDRAM, 4	PC66		midsize, minitower
GXpro	Intel 82440FX PCIset	Pentium Pro 180, 200	60 or 66 MHz	DRAM, 4	60 ns EDO		midsize, minitower	60ns EDO DRAM DIMM	USB
GXi	Intel 430HX PCIset	Pentium 133-200, Pentium MMX 166-233	66 MHz	3.3v EDO DIMM, 4	60-ns EDO		Low-profile, Midsize, and Mini tower	S3 86C765 (Trio64V+)	USB
Gn/Gn+	Intel 430TX PCIset	Pentium MMX 166-233	66 MHz	SDRAM, 2	PC66		low-profile, midsize, minitower
N	Intel 430TX PCIset	Pentium MMX 166-233	66 MHz	SDRAM, 2	PC66		3.65 x 13.27 x 13.75	S3 Trio64V2 86C785, 2 MB.
GXa	Intel 82440LX PCI/AGP	Pentium II Klamath 233, 266, 300, 333	66 MHz	SDRAM, 3	PC66		Low-profile, Midsize, and Mini tower	GXa accepts slot 1 Pentiums up to 333 MHz	USB 1.1 x2
NX	Intel 82440LX PCI/AGP	Pentium II 266-333	66 MHz	SDRAM, 3	PC66		3.65 x 13.27 x 13.75	ATI 3D Rage Pro AGP controller, Video memory 2-MB standard (upgradable to 4 MB) SGRAM
G1	Intel 440BX AGP set	Pentium II 266-333, 350-450 or Celeron 266-400	66 MHz OR 100 MHz	SDRAM, 2	PC100		Low-profile, Midsize, and Mini tower	Introduced in June 1998.[3] Along with the IBM 300PL, one of the most widely used business desktops of the 1999–2005 era. GX1 machines used Slot 1 Pentium II and Pentium III CPUs.
E1	Intel 440EX AGPset	Celeron 266-400 slot1	66 MHz	SDRAM, 2	PC100		low-profile and minitower
NX1	Intel 440BX PIIX4e	Pentium II 266, 333, 350-450 MHz OR Pentium III 450	66/100 MHz	SDRAM, 3	PC100		3.65 x 13.27 x 13.75	on-board ATI Rage Pro (AGP 2X) graphics, 4 MB standard (upgradable to 8 MB) SGRAM. FIRST PIII MODEL.
GX1	Intel 440BX PIIX4e	Pentium II 266, 333, 350-450 or Pentium III 450-600	66 or 100 MHz	SDRAM, 3	PC100		SFF, low-profile, midsize, mini tower	GX1 machines used Slot 1 Pentium II and Pentium III CPUs.	USB 1.1 x2
GX1p	Intel 440BX AGPSet	Pentium II 400, 450 or Pentium III 450-600	100 MHz	SDRAM, 3	PC100		midsize and minitower
GC	Intel 810e	PIII or Celeron	66/100 MHz	SDRAM, 2	PC100		SFF
GX100	Intel 810	Celeron Mendocino and Coppermine	66/100 MHz	SDRAM, 2	PC100		SFF, low-profile, minitower	Socket 370. No AGP slot. Some motherboards do not accept the Coppermine Celeron.	USB 1.1 x2
GX110	Intel 810e	Pentium III Coppermine	66/100 MHz	SDRAM, 2	PC100		SFF, low-profile, midsize (370 only), minitower	Slot1 or Socket 370 CPU.	USB 1.1 x2
GX115	Intel 815E	Pentium III or Celeron	100/133 MHz	SDRAM	(PC100)/PC133		SFF, low-profile, minitower
GX200	Intel 82820 PCCI/AGP	Pentium III	100/133 MHz	RAMBUS, 2	PC800		SFF, low-profile, midsize, minitower
GX300	Intel 820 PCI/AGP	Pentium III	100/133 MHz	RAMBUS, 2	PC600/PC800		minitower	1 or 2 CPUS, typically Slot1.
GX400	Intel 850	Pentium 4	400 MHz	RAMBUS, 4	PC800		Mini tower	Black classic style chassis. Socket 423
GX150	Intel 815E	Pentium III or Celeron	100/133 MHz	SDRAM, 2	PC133		SFF, desktop, mini tower	First to have new midnight-gray chassis	USB 1.1
GX50	Intel 810 OR Intel 810E	Pentium III or Celeron	66/100 MHz	SDRAM, 2	PC100		SFF, desktop, mini tower	No AGP slot. Models up to 800 MHz have the 810, 850 MHz and up have 810E
GX240	Intel 845	Pentium 4 1.5-2.0 Willamette OR 2.2-2.8 Northwood	400 MHz	SDRAM	PC133 (ECC or non-ECC)		SFF, desktop, minitower	First socket 478 model OptiPlex. Also contains no onboard video, must have AGP card.	USB 1.1
GX260	Intel 845G	Pentium 4 or Celeron	400/533 MHz	DDR 200/266	PC2700	2 GB	SFF, SD, SMT	PATA only no SATA Socket 478	USB 2.0 x6 (4 rear, 2 front)
GX60	Intel 845GL OR Intel 845GV	Celeron	400 MHz	DDR	PC2100 OR PC2700		SFF, desktop, mini tower	No AGP or PCI Express slots. 845GV supports PC2700 and 533 MHz FSB CPUs.	USB 2.0
SX260	Intel 845G	Pentium 4 1.5-2.0 Willamette OR 2.0-2.6 Northwood OR Celeron	400/533 MHz	DDR, 2	PC1600/PC2100		Ultra Small Form
L60	Intel 845GL	Pentium 4 or Celeron	400 MHz	DDR, 2	PC2100
GX270	Intel 865G	Pentium 4 and P4 w/HT or Celeron	400/533/800 MHz Socket 478	DDR, 2 SFF board and 4 other boards 333/400	PC2100/PC2700		SFF, SD, SMT	SATA+PATA Intel graphics or dedicated 8x AGP card. The GX270 made from Apr 2003 to Mar 2004 came under fire in 2005 for having faulty Nichicon electrolytic capacitors. When they fail, these capacitors are easily recognised by an X mark across the top and a bloated or split appearance.[4]	USB 2.0 x8
SX270	Intel 865G	Pentium 4 and P4 w/HT or Celeron	400/533/800 MHz	2xDDR	PC2700/PC3200		Ultra Small Form	Optional stand and cable cover. 2.5" PATA HDD.
160L	Intel 845GV	Pentium 4 or Celeron	400 MHz	DDR	PC2100/PC2700		minitower	Basically the business-oriented version of the Dell Dimension 2400, with a different face plate.
170L	Intel 865-GV	Pentium 4 or Celeron	400/533/800 MHz	2xDDR	PC2700/PC3200		desktop or minitower	Basically the business-oriented version of the Dell Dimension 4600, except that 2 of the RAM slots, the AGP slot, one of the SATA ports have been removed, and the case has a different face plate.
GX280	Intel 915	Pentium 4 and P4 w/HT	400/533/800 MHz Socket 775	DDR2, 2 SFF board and 4 other boards	DDR2 400/DDR2 533		SFF, SD, desktop, SMT, minitower	PS/2 connectors available only via optional accessory card that includes 9-pin serial connector. Intel or PCIe x16 Graphics. Offered in both ATX and BTX chassis. (SFF is ATX only).	USB 2.0 x8
SX280	915G	Pentium 4 or Celeron	533/800 MHz	DDR2	DDR2 400		Ultra Small Form 8.9 cm (3.5 inches), 36.1 cm (14.2 inches), 26.4 cm (10.375 inches)	DVI-I port. No PS/2.
210L	Intel 915GV	Pentium 4 or Celeron	533/800 MHz	DDR2, 2	DDR2 400/DDR2 533		desktop or minitower	integrated Intel Graphic Media Accelerator 900.
GX520	Intel 945 Express	Pentium 4, or Celeron	533/800 MHz Socket 775	DDR2, 2	DDR2 400/DDR2 533	4 GB (3.5 GB Usable)	SFF, desktop, minitower BTX.	integrated Intel Graphic Media Accelerator 950.
GX620	Intel 945 Express	Pentium 4, Pentium D, or Celeron	533/800 MHz Socket 775	DDR2, 4	DDR2 533/DDR2 667	4 GB (3.5 GB Usable)	USFF, SFF, desktop, minitower BTX.	The latest models contain a trusted platform module. Note that USFF cable cover increases the dimensions of the machine (available in standard and extended sizes). Motherboard is same as GX520, but includes 4 DIMM slots and 1 PCI Express slot. PS/2 connectors available only via optional accessory card that includes 9-pin serial connector.	USB 2.0
320	ATI Radeon Xpress 1100 Professional	Intel Pentium D, Pentium 4 with HT, Celeron D, Core 2 Duo (800/1066 FSB)	800 MHz	DDR2, 2	DDR2 533	3 GB	desktop, minitower	BIOS glitch only allows for up to 3 GB or RAM, versus the typical 4 GB	USB 2.0 x6 (4 rear, 2 front)
745	Intel 965 Express	Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Pentium D, Pentium 4 HT, Celeron D, Celeron 4xx - bios update may be required	533/800/1066 MHz	DDR2, 4	DDR2 533/DDR2 667/DDR2 800	4 GB, 8GB	USFF, SFF, desktop, minitower	USFF Does not support 2GB/800 memory units. A 2GB/800 memory unit will slow down to 667. USFF only has 2 DIMM slots and maximum 4GB memory. Does not support 45 nm processors Bios in MT correctly identifies and runs Xeon X3220	USB 2.0 x 8
330 (Late 2007)	Intel G31 Express Chipset	Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Pentium Dual Core, Celeron D	533/800/1066 MHz	DDR2, 2	DDR2 533/DDR2 667/DDR2 800		DT, MT
360 (Late 2008)	Intel G31 Express Chipset	Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Pentium Dual Core, Celeron D	533/800/1066 MHz	DDR2, 2	DDR2 533/DDR2 667/DDR2 800		DT, MT
740	nVIDIA Quadro NVS 210S Chipset with NVIDIA nForce 430 MCP	AMD Athlon 64 X2, AMD Athlon 64, AMD Phenom	1066 MHz	DDR2, 4	DDR2 533/DDR2 667/DDR2 800		MT, DT, SFF	Proprietary front panel connector and BTX formfactor
755 (Mid 2007)	Intel Q35 Express	Intel Core 2 Duo, Quad, Celeron	800/1066/1333 MHz	DDR2, 4	DDR2-667 and DDR2-800	4 GB, 8 GB	MT, DT, SFF, USFF	USFF only has 2 DIMM slots and maximum 4GB memory.	USB 2.0 x7 (5 rear, 2 front)
760 (Late 2008)	Intel Q43 Express	Intel Core 2 Duo, Quad, Celeron	800/1066/1333 MHz	DDR2/3, 2/2	DDR3 800/1066, DDR2 667/800	16 GB	MT, DT, SFF, USFF	USFF only has 2 DIMM slots and maximum 4GB memory.
780 (Late 2009)	Intel Q45 Express	Intel Core 2 Duo, Quad, Pentium Dual Core, Celeron	800/1066/1333 MHz	DDR3, 2(USFF)/4(others)	DDR3 1066/1333	16 GB	MT, DT, SFF, USFF	USFF chassis was released separately and resembles the OptiPlex 960 case and maximum of 8 GB RAM due to 2 DIMM slots.	USB 2.0 x8 (6 rear, 2 front)
960 (Late 2008)	Intel Q45 Express	Intel Core 2 Duo, Quad	800/1066/1333 MHz	DDR2, 4	DDR2-800	8 GB	MT, DT, SFF
980 (Early 2010)	Intel Q57 Express	Intel Core i3, i5, i7	1066/1333 MHz	DDR3, 4	DDR3-1333	16 GB	MT, DT, SFF		USB 2.0 x 10
160	SiSM671	Intel Atom 230 or 330	533 MHz	DDR2, 2	DDR2-667	4 GB	Tiny Desktop
380 (Late 2009)	Intel G41 Express	Intel Core 2 Duo, Quad, Pentium Dual Core, Celeron	800/1066 MHz	DDR3, 2	DDR3-1066	8 GB	MT, DT, SFF
XE (Early 2010)	Intel Q45 Express	Intel Core 2 Duo, Pentium Dual Core, Celeron	800/1066/1333 MHz	DDR3, 4	DDR3-1066	8 GB	DT, SFF	Intel AMT features disabled, has option for dust cover and external power button, designed for retail POS market
390 (Mid 2011)	Intel H61 Express	Intel Core i3, i5	1066/1333 MHz	DDR3, 2	DDR3-1066	8 GB	MT, DT, SFF, USFF	Chassis similar to 9xx OptiPlex
790 (Early 2011)	Intel Q65 Express	Intel Core i3, i5, i7	1066/1333 MHz	DDR3, 4	DDR3-1066/DDR3-1333	16 GB	MT, DT, SFF, USFF	Chassis similar to 9xx OptiPlex	USB 2.0, optional USB 3.0 PCIe card
990 (Early 2011)	Intel Q67 Express	Intel Core i3, i5, i7	1066/1333 MHz	DDR3, 4	DDR3-1333	16 GB	MT, DT, SFF, USFF	Chassis similar to 9xx OptiPlex
580 (Early 2010)	AMD 785G	AMD Sempron, Athlon II X2, AMD Athlon II, AMD Phenom		DDR3, 4	DDR3-1333	16 GB	MT, DT, SFF	Chassis similar to 7xx OptiPlex	USB 2.0
3010 (Mid 2012)	Intel H61 Express	Intel Core i3, i5, Pentium, Celeron	1066/1333 MHz	DDR3, 4	DDR3-1600	8 GB	MT, DT, SFF, USFF, All-in-one	Chassis similar to 9xxx OptiPlex	USB 2.0
3011 (Mid 2013)	Intel B75 Express	Intel Core i3, i5, Pentium, Celeron	1066/1333 MHz	DDR3, 2	DDR3-1600	8 GB	All-in-one		USB 2.0, 3.0
7010 (Mid 2012)	Intel Q77 Express	Intel Core i3, i5, i7, Pentium, Celeron	1066/1333 MHz	DDR3, 4	DDR3-1600	16 GB	MT, DT, SFF, USFF	Chassis similar to 9xxx OptiPlex	USB 2.0, 3.0
9010 (Mid 2012)	Intel Q77 Express	Intel Core i3, i5, i7, Pentium	1066/1333 MHz	DDR3, 4	DDR3-1600	32 GB	MT, DT, SFF, USFF, All-in-one	Chassis similar to 9xx OptiPlex	USB 2.0, 3.0
9020 (Mid 2013)	Intel Q87 Express	Intel Core i3, i5, i7, Pentium	1066/1333 MHz	DDR3, 4	DDR3-1600	32 GB	MT, SFF, USFF, Micro	Chassis similar to 9xx OptiPlex	USB 2.0, 3.0
XE2 (Mid 2013)	Intel 8 Series Express	Intel Core i3, i5, i7, Pentium	1066/1333 MHz	DDR3, 4	DDR3-1600	32 GB	MT, SFF	Chassis similar to 9xx OptiPlex	USB 2.0, 3.0
3020 (Late 2013)	Intel H81 Express	Intel Core i3, i5, Pentium, Celeron	1066/1333 MHz	DDR3, 4	DDR3-1600	16 GB	MT, SFF, Micro	Chassis similar to 9xxx OptiPlex	USB 2.0, 3.0
7020 (Mid 2014)	Intel Q87 Express	Intel Core i3, i5, i7, Pentium	1066/1333 MHz	DDR3, 4	DDR3-1600	16GB	MT, SFF	Chassis similar to 9xxx OptiPlex	USB 2.0, 3.0
3030 (Early 2014)	Intel H81	Intel Core i3, i5, Pentium, Celeron	1066/1333 MHz	DDR3, 2	DDR3-1600	16GB	All-in-one		USB 2.0, 3.0
9030 (Mid 2014)	Intel Q87 Express	Intel Core i3, i5, i7	1066/1333 MHz	DDR3, 2	DDR3-1600	16GB	All-in-one		USB 2.0, 3.0
3040 (Late 2015)	Intel H110	Intel Core i3, i5, Pentium, Celeron		DDR3L	DDR3L-1600	16GB	MT, SFF, Micro		USB 2.0, 3.0
5040 (Late 2015)	Intel Q170	Intel Core i3, i5, i7		DDR3L	DDR3L-1600	16GB	MT, SFF		USB 3.0
7040 (Late 2015)	Intel Q170	Intel Core i3, i5, i7		DDR4	DDR4-2133	32GB	MT, SFF, Micro		USB 2.0, 3.0
Model	Chipset	CPU	FSB	RAM type	RAM speed	RAM Max	Chassis	Comments	USB

References

1. Oates, John. "Secret docs reveal Dell knew PCs were faulty". The Register.
2. Neese, Pat (2007-12-31). "OptiPlex 170l". email. Opti is from the word optimum and plex means parts or units. OptiPlex is a portmanteau, which is a combination of two words.
3. Davis, Jim (1998-06-08). "Compaq, Dell ship new computers". cnet news. Cnet. Retrieved 2008-10-08. The company is expanding its PC lineup today with desktop PCs for businesses that will now include the G1 and E1 lines.
4. Singer, Michael (2005-11-10). "PCs plagued by bad capacitors"

External links

• Dell PCs Buying Guide Dell's official PC buying guides site.
• Dell USA: OptiPlex desktop machines intended for medium and large businesses
• Dell Support for more information about specifications.