When it comes to business computers, the Dell OptiPlex is among the best. Targeting government, education, and healthcare sectors, among others, the OptiPlex has always been Dell’s flagship business-oriented computer since its introduction in 1993. This computer model comes standard with Intel CPU, Gigabit Ethernet, display ports, Intel graphics card, Nvidia or AMD, Windows professional edition, data protection software, and management features like Intel vPro. Customers can even customize the configuration of the components and software before buying their products. To cater to different business needs, Dell has versatile form factors – tower, small form factor, micro form factor, and all-in-one, to name a few. It has continually adapted with technology, going through the evolution from desktop workstations to All-in-One (AIO), integrating the latest technology at the time of the series’ introduction.
A Little Throwback
Dell has released countless OptiPlex models since this model was first introduced in 1993. Dell is known to change models every 12 to 18 months, probably to keep up with the latest trends in technology. Little is known about the OptiPlex early releases. Most, if not all, of these releases are already phased out. But it is the success of the first generation that propelled OptiPlex to what it is today.
Dell kickstarted the OptiPlex series in August 1993, back in the days when floppy disk drives were still a thing. The first generation of OptiPlex, OptiPlex GX1, came with a floppy disk drive, a 350MHz or 400MHz Intel Pentium II processor, a maximum of 768 MB of RAM, and SGRAM Matrox video modules. All components were enclosed in the classic beige chassis. The OptiPlex GX1 also had a variety of form factors, such as small form factor, low-profile desktop, midsize desktop, and mini-tower.
Two years later, in 1995, the second-generation Dell OptiPlex GXL was introduced. There is not much difference between this model and the first-gen model, except for the midnight-gray chassis with flip-up doors or clamshell cases. Like the first-gen model, this model also has a variety of form factors offering expandability for the internal bays.
Capacitor Controversy
Dell faced controversy with some GX270, SX270, GX280, and GX240 systems that were produced in 2003 and 2004. Faulty capacitors from Nichicon that bulged or leaked over time were used on the motherboard, causing the PC machines to shut down. Dell carried out an out-of-warranty coverage for the motherboard replacement of the affected systems. The warranty was valid for five years from the date of purchase, or until January 31, 2008, whichever came first.
BTX Series
Hardware components were constantly upgraded with new model releases, with CPU ranging from Intel Pentium or Celeron to Intel Dual Core, higher storage capacity, up to 16GB of RAM, and a faster graphics card. Dell also started integrating expansion slots for PCI cards onto the motherboard.
When the BTX (Balanced Technology Extended) form factor for motherboards emerged, Dell was among the first companies to implement it. For OptiPlex, it started with a limited number of GX280 in 2005, the majority of which were still made using the old casing. The BTX technology was fully implemented in all GX520 and GX620 series. The use of BTX technology continued until 2009 in the OptiPlex 780. Since BTX did not fare as well in the market, Dell transitioned back to ATX and Micro ATX succeeding models.
Going Further Sustainably
Aside from transitioning back to ATX, Dell also switched to more eco-friendly casings. Casings for the OptiPlex Series 4 and onwards are built with 35% recycled plastics. The 24-pin power connector was also changed to the 8-pin connector. Furthermore, the PATA interface was totally phased out in all Series 4 models, and the SATA II or III interfaces were used for storage. RAM is also expandable up to 32GB. The model later adopted Intel core microarchitecture i3, i5, and i7 for CPU, though Pentium and Celeron are still supported.
Series 4 also marked the beginning of the AIO form factor for OptiPlex. In mid-2012, the AIO form factor for OptiPlex 3010 and OptiPlex 9010 was introduced with 1600×900 display resolution. The AlOs, released in 2014 like the OptiPlex 9030, had a higher screen resolution of 1080p with an optional touch screen.
Slimmer But Tougher
Dell continued to enhance OptiPlex models with hardware upgrades. For optimum performance, newer generations of Intel processors were installed, integrating up to Core i9. RAM is expandable up to 64GB and a slot for M.2 2280 SSD was added to the internal bay. The majority of the All-in-One displays have 1080p IPS screens, but some models offer 4K resolution as an option. The 3840×2160 panel is also available for OptiPlex 7760. Because portable desktops were becoming a trend, bigger form factors were eliminated from the Series 5. Only the mini-tower, small form factor, microform factor, and all-in-one were retained.
OptiPlex XE
Dell has a special version of desktop computers designed for equipment manufacturers and Retail/POS systems, as well as other industries that require heavy-duty computers with long-life platforms, such as healthcare and banking. The rugged, industrial-grade desktop can withstand higher temperatures and has dust and water dripping protection. This model was first introduced in 2010 as the OptiPlex XE. The more expandable and less complex successor, OptiPlex XE2, was released in 2013. The third generation, the OptiPlex XE3, is the highest-performing and most expandable industrial-grade PC, released in 2018.[2]
OptiPlex Today
As with previous generations, the 2020 releases of the OptiPlex systems come with numerous hardware upgrades. The latest generations are equipped with 10th-generation Intel processors and up to 128GB of RAM for mini-tower and small form factors. Expandability continues to be its signature feature, with two slots for SSD, two slots for 3.5” HDD, and two slots for 2.5” HDD in small form factors, mini-towers, and microform factors. The AIOs come with a 2230/2280 SSD and a 2.5” HDD slot.
Dell also introduced the more compact ultra-form factor with its flagship OptiPlex 7070 Ultra. The super-sleek desktop can be hidden behind a monitor stand to function like an AIO but unlike an AIO, the components can still be upgraded like a traditional desktop.
The OptiPlex has been in the market for 27 years and Dell continues to be the leading brand in the corporate world. The legacy of the OptiPlex systems as the best performing and most reliable business-oriented desktop continues, not compromising on productivity, flexibility, and expandability despite shrinking form factors.
