Optiplex 4th Gen CPUs: which to buy?
Core i7 and Xeon comparisons
Choosing the right Optiplex CPU
Choosing the right CPU for your Dell Optiplex 9020 depends on your specific needs, whether it's for general productivity, content creation, or gaming. At the bottom of this article is a comparison of the options listed below:
i7-4790:
Cores/Threads: 4/8
Base Clock: 3.6 GHz
Boost Clock: 4.0 GHz
Integrated Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4600
i7-4770:
Cores/Threads: 4/8
Base Clock: 3.4 GHz
Boost Clock: 3.9 GHz
Integrated Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4600
i5-4690:
Cores/Threads: 4/4
Base Clock: 3.5 GHz
Boost Clock: 3.9 GHz
Integrated Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4600
i5-4590:
Cores/Threads: 4/4
Base Clock: 3.3 GHz
Boost Clock: 3.7 GHz
Integrated Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4600
i3-4130:
Cores/Threads: 2/4
Base Clock: 3.4 GHz
Integrated Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4400
E3-1231 v3:
Cores/Threads: 4/8
Base Clock: 3.4 GHz
Boost Clock: 3.8 GHz
No Integrated Graphics: Requires dedicated graphics card
Considerations:
i7-4790 vs. i7-4770: The i7-4790 is a slightly improved version with a higher base and boost clock. If the price difference is minimal, it may be a better choice.
i7-4790 vs. i5-4690: If you prioritize multitasking and content creation, the i7-4790's hyperthreading (8 threads) might be beneficial. For gaming, the i5-4690 is still a strong performer.
i5-4690 vs. i5-4590: The i5-4690 has a slightly higher base and boost clock, providing a modest performance boost.
i5-4590 vs. i3-4130: If you're on a tighter budget and mainly using your system for general tasks, the i3-4130 might be sufficient. For more demanding applications, the i5-4590 is a better choice.
Xeon E3-1231 v3: Similar to the i7-4770 but lacks integrated graphics. If you plan to use a dedicated graphics card, it offers a cost-effective alternative to the i7 CPUs.
Cooling Considerations:
Dell Stock Cooler: Adequate for stock clock speeds and normal usage. However it may lead to some thermal throttling on the higher TDP wattage CPUs such as the i7s.
CoolerMaster Hyper TX3 Evo: If you plan to overclock or want a quieter system, an aftermarket cooler is a good investment. The CoolerMaster Hyper TX3 Evo is a popular and budget-friendly option. It also doesn’t cause the motherboard to throw BIOS errors on start-up, which can happen with lower RPM fans.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, the best CPU for your Optiplex 9020 depends on your specific needs and budget constraints. For general productivity and gaming at 1080p, the i5-4690, i7-4770 or i7-4790 are solid choices, and the E3-1231 v3 provides a cost-effective alternative if you plan to use a dedicated graphics card.