Dell OptiPlex 5000 M vs. Dell OptiPlex M 7020 2024
Comparison and Differences
Differences between Dell OptiPlex 5000 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 5000 M is older and entered production in 2022.
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 5000 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 5000 M is slower by supporting RAM speeds of up to 3200 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. Both of the models have USB 3.1 ports which will allow you to exchange data with your peripherals at up to 10Gb/s. This is especially crucial if you are using external drives on a regular basis.
DisplayPort is crucial for any desktop machine. It is good to see that both models are featuring DisplayPorts. However, the Dell OptiPlex 5000 M 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 5000 M is the better choice.
The Dell OptiPlex M 7020 2024 comes with an HDMI port, while the Dell OptiPlex 5000 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 slots are located on the motherboard and it is where SSD, HDD and Optical Disk Drives are connected. Each of the two models being compared have 0 SATA slot(s). Keep in mind that having too few SATA slots might limit your options for connecting additional memory drives.
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 5000 M 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 5000 M 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
