Dell OptiPlex 5080M vs. Dell OptiPlex 7090 M

Comparison and Differences

Dell_OptiPlex_5080M.jpg case front and back pannelDell_OptiPlex_7090_M.jpg case front and back pannel
Model
Form factorMicroMicro
CPU optionsIntel Gen10 i3/i5/i7; PentiumIntel Gen10&11 i3/i5/i7/i9;
ChipsetQ470Q570
Dedicated GPU *N.A.N.A.
RAMSODIMM DDR4-2666/2933SODIMM DDR4-2666/2933/3200
RAM slots22
RAM speed2933 MT/s3200 MT/s
RAM max64 GB64 GB
USB portsUSB 3.1 Type C; (5x) USB-A 3.0;USB 3.2 Type C; (3x) USB-A 3.1; (x2) USB-A 3.0;
Video ports(2x) Display Port 1.4;(2x) Display Port 1.4; (2x) mini Display Port 1.4;
Other portsRJ45; Headset; Line-Out/In; RJ45; Audio; Line-Out/In;
Optional portsHDMI2.0b/DP1.4/VGA/USB Type-C (DP Alt Mode); Serial; Serial+PS2; (2x) WiFi antenna;Serial; PS2 port; VGA port; DisplayPort 1.4/HDMI 2.0/USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C
SATA ports10
PCI slotsN.A.N.A.
M.2 slotsM.2 2280/2230 M-key (PCIe 3.0 x4, NVMe); M.2 2230 (WiFi/BT) M.2 2280/2230 M-key (PCIe 3.0 x4, NVMe); M.2 2280/2230 M-key (PCIe); M.2 2230 (WiFi/BT)
Drive bays2.5in2.5in
PSU90/130 W90/130/180 W
Weight1.38 kg (3.04 lb)1.38 kg (3.05 lbs)
Released20202021
Manuallinklink
Price**Check PriceCheck Price

** As an Amazon associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
* Dedicated GPU warning: Check if your particular power supply model has enough power. Additionally some PSUs don't come with an auxiliary PCIe power connector and you may need to buy a SATA to PCIe power adapter.

Differences between Dell OptiPlex 5080M and Dell OptiPlex 7090 M

If you are looking for a more modern desktop, then you should go with the Dell OptiPlex 7090 M which was released in 2021. The Dell OptiPlex 5080M is older and entered production in 2020.

Both models have the same form factor, meaning reoughtly they have the same phiysical size and form.

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 7090 M as it is running a newer generation CPU. This is not to say that Dell OptiPlex 5080M is bad - it can still run some powerful CPUs, albeit being an older generation.

Memory

Both models have have equal amount of ram slots (2 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 7090 M is using the faster 3200 MT/s RAM. The Dell OptiPlex 5080M is slower by supporting RAM speeds of up to 2933 MT/s. In addition, you will be able to install the same amount of RAM in both models, and most probably 64 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 6. If this is not enough, using a USB hub is always a viable option. Both of the models have USB 3.1 ports which will allow you to exchange data with your peripherals at up to 10Gb/s. This is especially crucial if you are using external drives on a regular basis.

The DisplayPort is usually the more popular video port used with desktops and laptops, while the HDMI is used predominantly in consumer electronics. That's why, it is good to see that both of the models come with a DisplayPort.

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 ports are placed on the system board and it is where you connect your HDD, SSD and Optical Disk Drives. More SATA slots will allow you to have more drives running at the same time. In this regard the Dell OptiPlex 5080M is better equipped as it comes with 1 SATA slot(s), while the Dell OptiPlex 7090 M has 0 slot(s).

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 7090 M has 1 M.2 slots while the Dell OptiPlex 5080M 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 5080M comes with a decent 130 Watt PSU, but the Dell OptiPlex 7090 M has a more powerful one rated at 180 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

Dell_OptiPlex_5080M_motherboard.jpg motherboard layoutDell_OptiPlex_7090_M_motherboard.jpg motherboard layout