Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT
Specification and Upgrade Options
The Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT is a pre-built business desktop computer first released in 2021. The motherboard is using the Q570 chipset and supports 11th gen Intel Core processor, and 128GB of DIMM DDR4-2666/2933/3200 memory.
If you are looking for a system with maximum upgradability, Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT is a good option. Models in this category usually have 4x PCIe slots, several drive bays and better cooling.
Can you upgrade Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT to play games?
Yes, you can upgrade Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT for gaming with better processors, graphics card, memory, and storage devices. However, like many other business pre-built PCs, this model may have proprietary elements like the power supply, the chassis or the power connector, which can make it difficult for users to install aftermarket PSUs to support better GPUs. You can also find that there is space constrains inside the chassis, making it difficult to accommodete larger GPU to boost the gaming performance.
Does Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT support Windows 11?
Yes, Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT is compatible with Windows 11. According to Windows 11 specification, all models that have Intel 8th Gen processors (or newer) with TPM 2.0 support and a UEFI BIOS with Secure boot, are eligible to upgrade form Windows 10 to Windows 11 through Windows Update.
Processor
The Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT supports Gen11 Intel Core technology on a Q570 chipset. 11th generation Intel Core CPUs (Rocket Lake) focus on higher IPC and strong single-core performance. While core counts are lower than newer generations, high-end models remain capable for gaming, programming, and virtualization tasks.
Best CPUs for Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT upgrade:
| Model | Cores (Threads) | Base frequency | Turbo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core i5 11500 | 6(12) | 2.7 GHz | 4.6 GHz |
| Core i5 11600 | 6(12) | 2.8 GHz | 4.8 GHz |
| Core i7 11700 | 8(16) | 2.5 GHz | 4.9 GHz |
| Core i7 11700F | 8(16) | 2.5 GHz | 4.9 GHz |
| Core i9 11900 | 8(16) | 2.5 GHz | 5.1 GHz |
| Core i9 11900F | 8(16) | 2.5 GHz | 5.1 GHz |
GPU upgrade
The Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT can safely support GPUs with suggested PSU of 360W, but more powerful cards require a PSU upgrade. With the stock PSU model, it supports up to an GeForce GTX 1660 Super
GPU upgrade options for Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT with the stock 360W power supply:
| GPU | Power consumption | Memory | Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super | 130 W | 6 GB DDR6 | *SATA to PCIe adapter |
| NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti | 125 W | 6 GB DDR6 | *SATA to PCIe adapter |
| NVIDIA GTX 1070 | 145 W | 8 GB DDR5 | *Dual SATA to PCIe adapter |
| NVIDIA RTX 3050 | 130 W | 8 GB DDR6 | *Dual SATA to PCIe adapter |
GPU compatibility in the Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT depends on several hardware constraints. The physical space available inside the chassis determines the maximum GPU length, height, and thickness that can be installed. In addition, the installed power supply unit (PSU) must provide sufficient wattage and the required PCIe power connectors for the selected graphics card.
Before you begin shopping for a new GPU, it is important to check the power supply unit (PSU) currently installed. This is because the Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT is often sold with different PSU wattages depending on the original configuration.
Memory
Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT supports up to 128 GB of DIMM DDR4-2666/2933/3200 RAM across four DIMM slots, with memory speeds up to 3200 MT/s and dual-channel support depending on the installed configuration.
Actual supported memory capacity and memory channels may vary depending on the installed CPU and chipset.
Typical Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT memory configurations include 8 GB for everyday productivity and 16 GB for gaming, heavier multitasking, or professional workloads.
Wi-Fi Support
Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo card with the on-board M.2 2230 (Wi-Fi/BT) slot. The card contains a Wi-Fi module that supports various Wi-Fi standards, as well as a Bluetooth module. It is small circuit board that is designed to fit into a dedicated slot on the motherboard.
Keep in mind that the card is not always included and you have to install one yourself.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless adapter upgrades for Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT:
| Model | Speed | Frequency | Interface |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi 6E (Gig+) Kit | 3000 Mbit/s | 2.4GHz / 5GHz | NGFF M.2 A/E Key |
| Rekong AX210 | 3000 Mbit/s | 2.4GHz / 5GHz | NGFF M.2 A/E Key |
| Gigabyte GC-Wbax200 | 2400 Mbit/s | 2.4GHz / 5GHz | PCIe |
| TP-Link Archer TX50E | 2400 Mbit/s | 2.4GHz / 5GHz | PCIe |
| TP-Link Archer T9UH | 1300 Mbit/s | 2.4GHz / 5GHz | USB 3.0 |
Ports
Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT provides a fixed set of external I/O ports for connecting peripherals and displays. Port availability and versions determine supported data transfer speeds and display capabilities.
USB ports
Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT includes ten USB ports in total in the following configuration - USB 3.1 Type C; (x5) USB-A 3.0; (x4) USB-A 2.0;The model include three USB 3.1 ports supporting up to 10 Gb/s transfer speeds.
Video ports
Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT features four DisplayPort 1.4 outputs, suitable for modern digital displays.
HDMI output is provided via two HDMI 2.0b ports.
Motherboard video outputs require a CPU with integrated graphics. Systems equipped with a dedicated GPU must use the video ports on the graphics card instead.
SSD storage - M.2 sockets and SATA ports
The Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT comes with four SATA port(s) for connecting storage devices.
Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT has also one M.2 socket(s) that supports PCIe NVMe (PCIe 3.0 x4) or SATA M.2 drives with speed of up to 4 GB/s. This configuration works very well for both gaming and work related tasks.
The M.2 PCIe SSD connector in combination with an NVMe drive allows for higher transfer rates, compared to the old SATA interface. In some situations, NVMe device connected to the M.2 PCIe socket can be more than 5 times faster.
*Keep in mind that some M.2 connectors may not support SATA SSDs. Check the motherboard manual to confirm compatibility.
Best PCIe NVMe drives for Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT storage upgrade:
| Model | Form factor / Interface | NAND type | DRAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung 980 PRO SSD | M.2/x4 PCIe 4.0/NVMe | TLC | Yes |
| CORSAIR MP600 PRO | M.2/x4 PCIe 4.0/NVMe | TLC | Yes |
| SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus | M.2/x4 PCIe 3.0/NVMe | TLC | Yes |
| Western Digital Black SN770 | M.2/x4 PCIe 4.0/NVMe | TLC | Yes |
| Kingston A2000 | M.2/x4 PCIe 3.0/NVMe | TLC | Yes |
Power Supply
The Dell OptiPlex 5090 MT comes with a 360 Watt PSU. Having a power supply with high power rating is important, especially if you are doing upgrade with addtional components, like dedicated GPU and more HDDs. Will this 360 W be enough, it all depends on your specific use. Please keep in mind that some models might have more than one PSU option. Whenever possible get the most powerful one, as it might make future upgrades easier.
