Can you upgrade the GPU of Dell Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF to play games?

Yes, but with limitations. The Dell Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF allows for gaming upgrades, but due to its compact size, it only supports Low Profile (LP) graphics cards. You will likely be limited to GPUs that draw power directly from the PCIe slot (usually 75W).

Does the Dell Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF support Windows 11?

No, the Dell Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF does not officially support Windows 11 because it uses a 2th Gen Intel CPU (8th Gen or newer is required). However, you can still install Windows 11 manually using the official ISO.

What is the maximum RAM for Dell Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF?

The Dell Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF supports up to 16 GB of DIMM DDR3-1333 memory. It typically features four DIMM slots for expansion.

Does the Dell Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF have an M.2 SSD slot?

No, the Dell Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF does not feature an M.2 PCIe slot for NVMe drives. Storage upgrades are limited to standard SATA hard drives or SSDs.

What processors does the Dell Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF support?

The Dell Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF supports Gen 2 Intel Core processors using the Q65 chipset.

Does the Dell Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF have a USB-C port?

No, the Dell Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF does not include a built-in USB-C port.

What video ports does the Dell Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF have?

The Dell Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF comes equipped with the following on-board video ports: 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x VGA.

How many monitors can Dell Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF support?

The Dell Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF can support up to 2 monitor(s) simultaneously via its on-board motherboard ports. Please note that using these ports requires a processor with integrated graphics (iGPU). If you install a dedicated graphics card, the number of supported monitors will depend on the card's specifications.

When was the Dell Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF released?

The Dell Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF was first released in 2011.

Does the Dell Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF have a slot for a Wi-Fi card?

No, the Dell Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF does not have a dedicated M.2 slot for a Wi-Fi card on the motherboard.

Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF

Specification and Upgrade Options

The Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF is a compact business desktop engineered for space-constrained offices and users who value desk real estate. First brought to market in 2011, it features the Q65 chipset, supporting 2th gen Intel Core processors and up to 16GB of DIMM DDR3-1333 memory. Despite its small footprint, it remains a capable daily driver that can even support a low-profile graphics card for enhanced visual performance.

The Small Form Factor (SFF) is an in-between model. It has less space for the larger form factors (Mid tower, Mini tower, and Desktop), but it is still easily upgradable. Usually the SFF come with 2x PCIe slots, so fitting a low profile graphics card is possible.

Specification

Model
Form factor	Small
CPU options	Intel Gen2 i3/i5/i7; Celeron; Pentium;
Chipset	Q65
Dedicated GPU *	GeForce GTX 1650 Low Profile
RAM	DIMM DDR3-1333
RAM slots	4
RAM speed	1333 MT/s
RAM max	16 GB
USB ports	(10x)USB-A 2.0;
Video ports	DisplayPort 1.2; VGA;
Other ports	RJ45; Hdph; (2x) Mic; Line-Out; Line-In; PS2/COM; Serial; Parallel;
Optional ports	N.A.
SATA ports	3
PCI slots	PCIe 2.0 x16; PCIe 2.0 x4; PCIe 2.0 x1;
M.2 slots	N.A.
Drive bays	3.5in; 2.5in; 5.25in(slim);
PSU	240 W
Weight	5.70 kg (12.57 lb)
Released	2011
Manual	link
Price**	Check Price

* 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.
** As an Amazon associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Can you upgrade Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF to play games?

Yes, you can upgrade Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF 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 790 SFF support Windows 11?

No, Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF 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 790 SFF supports Gen2 Intel Core technology on a Q65 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 790 SFF 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

To upgrade the GPU of OptiPlex 7040 SFF, a low-power, low-profile graphics card must be used. Currently, the most reasonable GPU option is AMD's Radeon RX 6400 low profile. This model has a good price point, delivers decent FPS, and does not require any addtional hardware upgrades.

The low power requirements of this model make it the perfect option for an SFF gaming build. The RX 6400 low does not need any additional power from the PSU and can rely solely on the power delivered by the PCIe slot (75W).

GPU upgrade options for Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF with the stock 240W power supply:

GPU	Power consumption	Memory	Req.
RX 6400 Low profile	50 W	4 GB DDR6	Works with no additional hardware changes
GTX 1050 Ti Low profile	75 W	4 GB DDR5	Works with no additional hardware changes
GTX 1650 Low profile	75 W	4 GB DDR5	Works with no additional hardware changes
RTX A2000 Low profile	70 W	6 GB DDR6 12 GB DDR6	Works with no additional hardware changes

Keep in mind that these low-profile, low-power GPUs can be quite noisy and may run hot when under full load.

Memory

Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF 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 790 SFF memory configurations include 8 GB for everyday productivity and 16 GB for gaming, heavier multitasking, or professional workloads.

Wi-Fi Support

Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF 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 790 SFF:

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 790 SFF 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 790 SFF includes ten USB ports in total in the following configuration - (10x)USB-A 2.0; with no USB 3.1 ports available.

Video ports

Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF 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 790 SFF comes with three SATA port(s) for connecting storage devices.

Unfortunately, the Dell OptiPlex 790 SFF 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 790 SFF comes with a 240 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 240 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.