Dell has released the OptiPlex line for desktop computers that are ready to use for various purposes. These desktop computers are usually aimed for corporate, government, and education uses. However, some Dell OptiPlex models are now also available for the consumer market. Below, we are going to discuss about Dell OptiPlex 980 vs 990, two desktop computer models that may appear very similar to each other. So, what is actually the difference between Dell OptiPlex 980 and Dell OptiPlex 990? Which one does give the best features and performance? Find your answer below!
Chassis Design
First of all, note that Dell OptiPlex 980 and Dell OptiPlex 990 provide different chassis models. Dell OptiPlex 980 is only available in mini tower (MT), midsize desktop (DT), and small form factor (SFF) chassis models. There is no ultra small form factor chassis for this desktop computer.
If you are looking for an ultra-compact system unit, Dell OptiPlex 990 can be a more suitable option. Like Dell Optiplex 755 vs 780, it is available in four chassis models, which are mini tower (MT), midsize desktop (DT), small form factor (SFF), and ultra small form factor (USFF). You should choose the USFF model if you want it to fit in a very tight space or behind your display monitor.
Chipset Type
The most important difference between Dell OptiPlex 980 vs 990 is the chipset. The older Dell OptiPlex 980 was released in 2010, so it was designed to work with the Intel processors at that time. It has the Intel Q57 Express chipset. The Intel Core i7 2600K processor is already powerful enough for most uses, even for today’s gaming.
On the other hand, the newer Dell OptiPlex 990 was released in 2011, so unsurprisingly it has been intended to work with the latest processors at that time. It works with the Intel Q67 Express chipset, which is more powerful. However, do you really need the extra power? You can benefit from the higher processing power if you use the computer for heavy-duty activities that utilize all of the cores, for example video rendering.
Internal 3.5” Drive Bay
The next notable difference between Dell OptiPlex 980 and Dell OptiPlex 990 mini tower models is the internal 3.5 drive bay. Dell OptiPlex 980 has the 3.5 external drive bay, which many people find it very useful and handy.
On the other hand, Dell OptiPlex 990 has eliminated the feature. Instead, this model comes with one extra internal 3.5 drive bay, which is also very useful. It is there for maintenance purposes. If your hard drive goes into a “blue screen of death” during usage, you can disconnect your optical drive and connect the cables to the failed drive. Afterward, you can install a ghosted replacement drive. Start your computer and copy the data in your old drive to the new one.
Conclusion
Dell OptiPlex 990 is indeed a better value for the money. It has a newer, more powerful chipset. The additional internal 3.5 drive bay is handy for maintenance purposes. It is available in the USFF chassis, which is a good choice for a limited space.
