Dell OptiPlex 5090 SFF vs. Dell OptiPlex Tower Plus 7020 2024
Comparison and Differences
Differences between Dell OptiPlex 5090 SFF and Dell OptiPlex Tower Plus 7020 2024
If you are looking for a more modern desktop, then you should go with the Dell OptiPlex Tower Plus 7020 2024 which was released in 2024. The Dell OptiPlex 5090 SFF is older and entered production in 2021.
If you are looking for the smaller form factor the Dell OptiPlex 5090 SFF is the right one for you. It is smaller than the Dell OptiPlex Tower Plus 7020 2024 and will fit more easily under your desk.
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 Tower Plus 7020 2024 as it is running a newer generation CPU. This is not to say that Dell OptiPlex 5090 SFF is bad - it can still run some powerful CPUs, albeit being an older generation.
Memory
Both models have have equal amount of ram slots (4 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 Tower Plus 7020 2024 is using the faster 4400 MT/s RAM. The Dell OptiPlex 5090 SFF 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 128 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 10. 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 Tower Plus 7020 2024 as it has 2 USB3.1 ports (the Dell OptiPlex 5090 SFF has 1).
DisplayPort is crucial for any desktop machine. It is good to see that both models are featuring DisplayPorts. However, the Dell OptiPlex Tower Plus 7020 2024 comes with 3 ports, while the Dell OptiPlex 5090 SFF has only 2. If you are planning to use multiple monitors, the Dell OptiPlex Tower Plus 7020 2024 is the better choice.
None of the models has an HDMI port. If your monitor supports only the HDMI interface, you will need to buy an adapter. Such adapters are cheap so nothing to worry about.
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 4 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 Tower Plus 7020 2024 has 1 M.2 slots while the Dell OptiPlex 5090 SFF 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 5090 SFF comes with a decent 300 Watt PSU, but the Dell OptiPlex Tower Plus 7020 2024 has a more powerful one rated at 500 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
