Dell OptiPlex 3090 M vs. Dell OptiPlex M 7020 2024

Comparison and Differences

Dell_OptiPlex_3090_M.jpg case front and back pannelDell_OptiPlex_M_7020_2024.jpg case front and back pannel
Model
Form factorMicroMicro
CPU optionsIntel Gen10 i3/i5/i7; Pentium; Celeron;Intel Gen 12&13&14 i3/i5/i7; Celeron; Pentium
ChipsetQ470Q670
Dedicated GPU *N.A.N.A.
RAMSODIMM DDR4-2666/2933SODIMM DDR5-5600
RAM slots22
RAM speed2933 MT/s5600 MT/s
RAM max64 GB64 GB
USB ports(4x) USB-A 3.0; (2x) USB-A 2.0;(2x) USB-A 2.0; (3x) USB-A 3.0; USB-C 3.1;
Video ports(2x) Display Port 1.4;Display Port 1.4a; HDMI 1.4b;
Other portsRJ45; Headset; Line-Out;RJ45(2.5GHz); Audio
Optional portsHDMI 2.0b/Displayport/VGA;HDMI 2.1/Displayport/VGA/PS2/serial/USB Type-C;
SATA ports10
PCI slotsN.A.N.A.
M.2 slotsM.2 2280/2230 M-key (PCIe 3.0 x4, NVMe); M.2 2230 (WiFi/BT) M.2 2230/2280 (PCIe 4.0 x4, NVMe); M.2 2230 (WiFi/BT)
Drive bays2.5in;2.5in;
PSU65 W65/90 W
Weight1.28 kg (2.82 lb)1.32 kg (2.91 lb)
Released20212024
Manuallinklink
Price**Check PriceCheck Price

** As an Amazon associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
* Dedicated GPU warning: Check if your particular power supply model has enough power. Additionally some PSUs don't come with an auxiliary PCIe power connector and you may need to buy a SATA to PCIe power adapter.

Differences between Dell OptiPlex 3090 M and Dell OptiPlex M 7020 2024

If you are looking for a more modern desktop, then you should go with the Dell OptiPlex M 7020 2024 which was released in 2024. The Dell OptiPlex 3090 M is older and entered production in 2021.

Both models have the same form factor, meaning reoughtly they have the same phiysical size and form.

Processor

Usually the newer the generation of the CPU, the better the performance and efficiency is. If your budget allows it, you should go with the Dell OptiPlex M 7020 2024 as it is running a newer generation CPU. This is not to say that Dell OptiPlex 3090 M is bad - it can still run some powerful CPUs, albeit being an older generation.

Memory

Both models have have equal amount of ram slots (2 RAM). Usually two RAM slots are more than enough for most cases. However, the count should be taken into account when planning how much and what combination of RAM you are going to need for your system.

The Dell OptiPlex M 7020 2024 is using the faster 5600 MT/s RAM. The Dell OptiPlex 3090 M is slower by supporting RAM speeds of up to 2933 MT/s. In addition, you will be able to install the same amount of RAM in both models, and most probably 64 GB of RAM will be enough for most people. However, if you will be needing more RAM, make sure to check other desktop models too.

Ports

In total the Dell OptiPlex M 7020 2024 has 6 USB ports. The Dell OptiPlex 3090 M is inferior in this regard and packs 5 USB ports. In any case, if you miss USB ports, you can always purchase a USB hub. What is nice about the Dell OptiPlex M 7020 2024, is that it has 1 USB 3.1 port(s) which allows transfer of up to 10Gb/s. Unfortunately, the Dell OptiPlex 3090 M has no such port, thus restricting your transfer speeds significantly. For people who want to use external drives on regular basis, this might be an issue.

The DisplayPort is usually the more popular video port used with desktops and laptops, while the HDMI is used predominantly in consumer electronics. That's why, it is good to see that both of the models come with a DisplayPort.

The Dell OptiPlex M 7020 2024 comes with an HDMI port, while the Dell OptiPlex 3090 M does not support the interface. Of course missing HDMI port is something that can be easily fixed with a good adapter (e.g. DisplayPort to HDMI).

SATA ports are placed on the system board and it is where you connect your HDD, SSD and Optical Disk Drives. More SATA slots will allow you to have more drives running at the same time. In this regard the Dell OptiPlex 3090 M is better equipped as it comes with 1 SATA slot(s), while the Dell OptiPlex M 7020 2024 has 0 slot(s).

An M.2 SSD can be several times faster than a SATA one. Thus, we are happy to see that both models support the M.2 interface. However, the Dell OptiPlex M 7020 2024 has 1 M.2 slots while the Dell OptiPlex 3090 M comes with just 1.

Make sure that the available M.2 slot supports the PCIe (also called NVMe) interface. This is important as there are M.2 slots which support only the inferior SATA III interface. For comparison, the SATA III interface has max speeds of 6Gb/s, while the PCIe 3.0 x4 will support speeds up to 32Gb/s!

Power Supply

Having a Power Supply Unit with high power rating is important, if you are going to use components which require extra power. The Dell OptiPlex 3090 M comes with a decent 65 Watt PSU, but the Dell OptiPlex M 7020 2024 has a more powerful one rated at 90 Watts. Choosing either one depends on your specific requirements and use case. Also don't forget that some models might have more than one PSU option - try to always get the most powerful one, especially if you plan to upgrade to a powerful GPU.

Motherboard

Dell_OptiPlex_3090_M_motherboard.jpg motherboard layoutDell_OptiPlex_M_7020_2024_motherboard.jpg motherboard layout