Dell OptiPlex 7080M vs. Dell OptiPlex M 7020 2024
Comparison and Differences
Differences between Dell OptiPlex 7080M 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 7080M is older and entered production in 2020.
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 7080M 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 7080M 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
Both models have the same amount of USB ports for total count of 6. If this is not enough, using a USB hub is always a viable option. It's great that both of the models have USB 3.1 ports which will allow you to exchange data with your peripherals at up to 10Gb/s. But if you need maximum connectivity, go with the Dell OptiPlex 7080M as it has 4 USB3.1 ports (the Dell OptiPlex M 7020 2024 has 1).
DisplayPort is crucial for any desktop machine. It is good to see that both models are featuring DisplayPorts. However, the Dell OptiPlex 7080M comes with 2 ports, while the Dell OptiPlex M 7020 2024 has only 1. If you are planning to use multiple monitors, the Dell OptiPlex 7080M is the better choice.
The Dell OptiPlex M 7020 2024 comes with an HDMI port, while the Dell OptiPlex 7080M 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 7080M 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 2 M.2 slots while the Dell OptiPlex 7080M comes with just 2.
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 M 7020 2024 comes with a decent 90 Watt PSU, but the Dell OptiPlex 7080M has a more powerful one rated at 180 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
