Dell OptiPlex 990 DT
Specification and Upgrade Options
The Dell OptiPlex 990 DT is a balanced business desktop tailored for environments that need full performance without the bulk of a full tower. Released in 2011, it utilizes the Q67 chipset to drive 2th gen Intel Core processors and up to 16GB of DIMM DDR3-1333 memory. It strikes a practical balance between size and utility, offering support for low-profile GPUs to handle multi-monitor setups or entry-level gaming.
The Desktop form factor, just like the Tower, comes with 4x PCIe slots but low profile ones. Often manufacturers will use the same motherboard as the Mini Tower model. Usually Desktop form factor PC will have the same height as a Tower but with a lower profile.
Can you upgrade Dell OptiPlex 990 DT to play games?
Yes, you can upgrade Dell OptiPlex 990 DT 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 990 DT support Windows 11?
No, Dell OptiPlex 990 DT does not meet the Windows 11 hardware requirements. According to Windows 11 specification, all models with Intel 7th Gen CPU or older are not officially supported. Processor with TPM 2.0 and a UEFI Secure boot BIOS is also required in order to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 through Windows Update.
However, anyone with PC that does not pass the upgrade test can download the official Windows 11 ISO, make a bootable flash drive, and install the OS manually.
Processor
The Dell OptiPlex 990 DT supports Gen2 Intel Core technology on a Q67 chipset. 2nd generation Intel Core CPUs (Sandy Bridge) vary widely in performance depending on the specific model. Lower-end CPUs are best suited for office productivity, basic computer programming, and lightweight home lab use. Higher-end quad-core i7 models can handle basic virtualization, small homelab setups, and entry-level emulation, while gaming is limited to older or less demanding titles even when paired with a modern GPU.
Best CPUs for Dell OptiPlex 990 DT upgrade:
| Model | Cores (Threads) | Base frequency | Turbo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core i5 2500 | 4(8) | 3.3 GHz | 3.7 GHz |
| Core i7 2600 | 4(8) | 3.4 GHz | 3.8 GHz |
| Core i7 2700K | 4(8) | 3.5 GHz | 3.9 GHz |
GPU upgrade
The Dell OptiPlex 990 DT can safely support GPUs with suggested PSU of 250W, but more powerful cards require a PSU upgrade. With the stock PSU model, it supports up to an GeForce GTX 1650 Low Profile
GPU upgrade options for Dell OptiPlex 990 DT with the stock 250W power supply:
| GPU | Power consumption | Memory | Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMD RX 460 | 90 W | 4 GB DDR5 | *SATA to PCIe adapter |
| NVIDIA GTX 1060 | 118 W | 3 GB DDR5 | *SATA to PCIe adapter |
| NVIDIA GTX 1650 Super | 100 W | 4 GB DDR6 | *SATA to PCIe adapter |
GPU compatibility in the Dell OptiPlex 990 DT 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 990 DT is often sold with different PSU wattages depending on the original configuration.
Memory
Dell OptiPlex 990 DT supports up to 16 GB of DIMM DDR3-1333 RAM across four DIMM slots, with memory speeds up to 1333 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 990 DT memory configurations include 8 GB for everyday productivity and 16 GB for gaming, heavier multitasking, or professional workloads.
Wi-Fi Support
Dell OptiPlex 990 DT doesn't come with any on-board Wi-Fi support. In that case, you have two options to upgrade this model with Wi-Fi. You either use an external USB Wi-Fi adapter (wireless network dongle) or a PCIe-based wireless adapter.
The USB dongle is much more convenient and easy to install, but has less space for a decent antenna and can have thermal problems. On the other hand, the PCIe based adapter is much more powerful, more reliable, and has better antenna, but it is harder to install.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless adapter upgrades for Dell OptiPlex 990 DT:
| 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 990 DT 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 990 DT includes eight USB ports in total in the following configuration - (10x)USB-A 2.0; with no USB 3.1 ports available.
Video ports
Dell OptiPlex 990 DT features one DisplayPort 1.2 output, suitable for modern digital displays.
No HDMI output is available on the motherboard.
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 990 DT comes with three SATA port(s) for connecting storage devices.
Unfortunately, the Dell OptiPlex 990 DT has no M.2 PCIe soket and you have to rely on the available SATA ports to connect your drives.
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.
Power Supply
The Dell OptiPlex 990 DT comes with a 250 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 250 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.
