Dell Optiplex 9020 Small Desktop Computer Review
If you are looking for a small desktop computer that can handle your everyday tasks and more, you might want to consider the Dell Optiplex 9020. This compact machine offers a powerful performance, a solid build quality, and a variety of connectivity options. In this review, we will take a closer look at the features, pros, and cons of the Dell Optiplex 9020, and compare it with some of its competitors.
Performance
The Dell Optiplex 9020 comes with an Intel Core i5-4570 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD. These specifications make it capable of running multiple applications smoothly, handling complex tasks, and booting up quickly. The SSD also improves the durability and reliability of the system, as it has no moving parts and is less prone to failure.
The Dell Optiplex 9020 can handle various tasks, such as web browsing, office work, video editing, gaming, and more. To give you an idea of its performance, here are some benchmarks:
- Cinebench R15: 477 points
- PCMark 10: 4027 points
- 3DMark Fire Strike: 1529 points
- Geekbench 5: 852 single-core, 3012 multi-core
As you can see, the Dell Optiplex 9020 delivers a respectable performance that can meet most users’ needs. However, it is not the most powerful small desktop computer on the market, and it may struggle with some demanding applications or games.
Drawbacks and Limitations
The Dell Optiplex 9020 is not without its drawbacks and limitations. One of the main issues is the limited upgradeability. The small form factor limits the space and compatibility for adding or replacing components. For example, the power supply unit is only 255 W, which means you cannot install a high-end graphics card or other power-hungry devices. The motherboard also has only two RAM slots and one PCIe x16 slot, which limits your options for expanding the memory or adding other cards.
Another issue is the noise level. The Dell Optiplex 9020 has a small fan that can get loud under heavy load or in warm environments. This can be annoying or distracting for some users, especially if they are working in a quiet setting.
A third issue is the lack of an optical drive. The Dell Optiplex 9020 does not have a DVD or CD drive, which means you cannot use discs for installing software, playing media, or burning files. You will have to rely on external drives or online sources for these purposes.
How to Overcome These Limitations
Despite these drawbacks and limitations, there are some ways to overcome them or mitigate their impact. Here are some suggestions:
- If you need more storage space or faster performance, you can replace the SSD with a larger or faster one. You can also add an external hard drive or use cloud storage for backup or extra space.
- If you need more graphics power or want to play games, you can use an external GPU enclosure that connects via Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C. This will allow you to use a dedicated graphics card that can boost your gaming performance and enable VR support.
- If you need more RAM or want to upgrade the processor, you can replace them with compatible ones. However, you will have to check the specifications and compatibility carefully before doing so.
- If you need an optical drive, you can buy an external one that connects via USB. This will allow you to use discs for various purposes.
Alternatives
The Dell Optiplex 9020 is not the only small desktop computer on the market. There are several alternatives that offer different features, pros, and cons. Here are some of them:
- HP EliteDesk 800 G1: This small desktop computer has similar specifications to the Dell Optiplex 9020, but it has a slightly larger form factor and a higher power supply unit (320 W). It also has four RAM slots and two PCIe x16 slots, which offer more upgradeability options. However, it also lacks an optical drive and has a higher noise level.
- Lenovo ThinkCentre M93p: This small desktop computer has a smaller form factor than the Dell Optiplex 9020, but it has lower specifications (Intel Core i5-4570T processor, 4 GB of RAM, and a 500 GB HDD). It also has an optical drive and a lower noise level. However, it has less storage space and performance than the Dell Optiplex 9020.
- Apple Mac Mini: This small desktop computer has a different operating system (macOS) than the Dell Optiplex 9020, but it has higher specifications (Apple M1 chip, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD). It also has a sleek design and a low noise level. However, it has less compatibility and upgradeability than the Dell Optiplex 9020.
Conclusion
The Dell Optiplex 9020 is a small desktop computer that offers a good performance, a solid build quality, and a variety of connectivity options. It can handle most everyday tasks and some complex ones, but it has some drawbacks and limitations, such as limited upgradeability, noise level, and lack of an optical drive. However, there are some ways to overcome these limitations or mitigate their impact. There are also some alternatives that offer different features, pros, and cons. The Dell Optiplex 9020 is a good choice for users who need a compact and reliable machine that can meet their needs, but they should also consider their preferences and requirements before buying it.
