The Dell OptiPlex 9020 is a powerful business computer because it comes with a quad-core processor and 8GB of memory. However, it only has a 500-GB hard drive, and the power supply unit is on the weak side. This small business computer performs, but it lacks the storage and expansion potential of the best PCs in our review. Discover more in Dell OptiPlex 9020 SFF desktop computer i7-4790 review.
Specifications – Dell OptiPlex 9020 SFF desktop computer i7-4790
GENERAL
- TypePersonal computer
- Product Form FactorMini tower
- Packaged Quantity1
- Platform TechnologyIntel vPro Technology
- ManufacturerDell, Inc.
PROCESSOR / CHIPSET
- CPUIntel Core i7 (4th Gen) 4790 / 3.6 GHz
- Max Turbo Speed4 GHz
- Number of CoresQuad-Core
- Chipset TypeIntel Q87 Express
- Processor Main FeaturesIntel Turbo Boost Technology 2
CACHE MEMORY
- Installed SizeL3 cache – 8 MB
- Cache Per Processor8 MB
- TypeL3 cache
- Per Processor Size8 MB
- Installed Size8 MB
RAM
- Memory Speed1600 MHz
- Configuration Features2 x 4 GB
- TechnologyDDR3 SDRAM
- Installed Size8 GB
STORAGE
- Typenone
MEMORY
- Max Supported Size32 GB
- Form FactorDIMM 240-pin
- Slots Qty4
DISPLAY
- Typenone.
HARD DRIVE
- Interface TypeSATA
- Spindle Speed7200 rpm
- TypeHDD
- Interface ClassSerial ATA
- Installed Qty1
- Capacity500 GB
HARD DRIVE (2ND)
- Typenone
STORAGE CONTROLLER
- TypeSerial ATA
- Installed Qty1
HARD DRIVE (3RD)
- Typenone
OPTICAL STORAGE
- Drive TypeDVD-Writer
- TypeDVD-Writer
PROCESSOR
- Installed Qty1
- Max Supported Qty1
- TypeCore i7
- Processor Numberi7-4790
- Generation4
- ManufacturerIntel
- Clock Speed3.6 GHz
OPTICAL STORAGE (2ND)
- Drive Typeno optical drive
STORAGE REMOVABLE
- Typenone
HEADER
- BrandDell
- Product LineDell OptiPlex
- Model9020
- Packaged Quantity1
- CompatibilityPC
NETWORKING
- Data Link ProtocolEthernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
- Ethernet Controller(s)Intel I217-LM
MONITOR
- Monitor TypeNone.
MISCELLANEOUS
- FeaturesIntel Anti-Theft Technology (iAT), Intel Identity Protection Technology (Intel IPT), Intel Trusted Execution Technology (Intel TXT), Setup Password
- Compliant StandardsCECP, China RoHS, RoHS, WEEE
- Security Slot TypeKensington security slot
SYSTEM
- Typepersonal computer
- Platform TechnologyIntel vPro Technology
- Hard Drive Capacity500 GB
GRAPHICS CONTROLLER
- Graphics ProcessorAMD Radeon R5 240
- Video InterfacesDVI, DisplayPort
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
- Width6.9 in
- Depth16.4 in
- Height14.2 in
CHASSIS
- Form Factortower
- Manufacturer Form Factormini tower
MANUFACTURER WARRANTY
- Type3 years warranty
MAINBOARD
- Chipset TypeIntel Q87 Express
PRINTER
- Typenone
ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS
- ENERGY STAR CertifiedYes
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
- Form Factortower
- Weight20.72 lbs
POWER
- Typepower supply
OPERATING SYSTEM / SOFTWARE
- OS Provided: TypeMicrosoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit Edition
- OS ProvidedMicrosoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit Edition + Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit License
HARD DRIVE (4TH)
- Typenone
VIDEO OUTPUT
- Graphics ProcessorAMD Radeon R5 240
- Graphics Processor SeriesAMD Radeon R5
- Video InterfacesDVI, DisplayPort
SERVICE & SUPPORT
- Type3 years warranty
SERVICE & SUPPORT DETAILS
- Typelimited warranty
- Full Contract Period3 years
GENERAL
- ManufacturerDell, Inc.
Dell OptiPlex 9020 SFF desktop computer i7-4790 comparison
| Dell Optiplex 9020 Mini Tower Desktop i7 i7-4790 Quad-Core | Dell Optiplex 9020 Mini Tower Desktop PC, Intel Core i7-4770 | Dell Optiplex 9020 Mini Tower Desktop PC, Intel Core i7-4770 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Memory Size | 16 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| CPU Model | Core i7-4790 | Intel Core i7 | Intel Core i7 |
| CPU Model Manufacturer | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| CPU Speed | 3.6 GHz | 3.40 GHz | 3.40 GHz |
| Graphics Coprocessor | AMD Radeon HD 8490 | Integrated Graphics | — |
| Graphics Description | dedicated | Integrated | dedicated |
| Hard Disk Size | 2 TB | 1 TB | 512 GB |
| Hardware Platform | PC | PC | PC |
| Item Dimensions | 16.40 x 6.90 x 14.20 inches | — | — |
| Item Weight | 20.68 lbs | — | — |
| Operating System | Windows 8.1 Pro | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Pro |
| Processor Count | 4 | — | — |
Dell OptiPlex 9020 SFF desktop computer i7-4790 review
Design
The PC measures a compact 7 by 1.5 by 7 inches (HWD), so it gives you the full power of an enterprise-class desktop in a box that can be hidden behind a monitor or bolted under a desk.
VESA & Stand
The system comes with a Micro VESA mount to help you hide it under a user’s desk or mount it to a wall behind an HDTV. This is notable, because other competing desktops like the Lenovo M93p Tiny, don’t pack in a VESA mount. Other options include a monitor stand ($42) that effectively turns the system into an all-in-one desktop by mounting the PC between the display and an articulated arm that can be bolted to your desk, and an all-in-one mount ($25) that locks the PC to the back of a standard LCD.
Storage
It’s easy to open the case door and upgrade components, like replacing the 2.5-inch, 128GB solid-state drive (SSD), or adding to the existing 8GB of DDR3L memory (one SO-DIMM slot is free). Everything in the chassis is removable in minutes, including the processor and motherboard. Our review unit came with Windows 8.1 Pro standard, but you can downgrade to Windows 7 Professional on the same license. Dell covers the PC with a 3-year warranty, including onsite service (after remote diagnosis).
Ports
Using a DisplayPort splitter and the built-in VGA port, you can support up to three displays, a perfect setup for mutlitaskers or users who need to assimilate a lot of data quickly. You’ll find headphone and microphone jacks on the front, along with a pair of USB 3.0 ports that favor aesthetics over convention by being black instead of blue, but they are still full speed. The back of the system has a DisplayPort, an Ethernet port, four more USB 3.0 ports, and a connector for a Wi-Fi antenna. Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11ac Wi-Fi provide wireless connectivity.
Dell OptiPlex 9020 SFF desktop computer i7-4790 performance review
On multimedia tests like Handbrake (1 minute 27 seconds) and Adobe Photoshop CS6 (4:25), the Optiplex 9020 Micro beat the Acer Aspire AXC-605-UR11 (4:37 on Handbrake; 4:41 on CS6), the Lenovo M93p Tiny (4:53 on CS6), and the admittedly less expensive Apple Mac mini (3:13 on Handbrake; 5:27 on CS6), showing the benefits of the Core i7 processor when you need to deal with heavier workloads. The Lenovo P300 is again the top dog, but not by as large a margin as on the productivity tests. If you don’t need workstation-grade ISV certification for number crunching and graphics arts work, the Optiplex will do nicely.
The Optiplex 9020 Micro has an Intel Core i7-4785T, which is a high-end quad-core processor with Intel HD Graphics 4600 built in. This CPU helped the system achieve a good score of 3,062 points on the PCMark 8 Work Conventional test, which is competitive with the Maingear Spark, but significantly ahead of competing mini PCs like the Polywell i2304-i5 and the Zotac Zbox Sphere OI520 Plus($410.99 at Office Depot® & OfficeMax®). The Optiplex 9020 was, however, beaten by the Xeon-equipped Lenovo ThinkStation P300 SF, in the same test. The Optiplex 9020 Micro’s 3D test scores are on par for a mini PC with integrated graphics, so you won’t be doing much gaming on this business PC.