Dell Optiplex Computing - Fox Engineering Inc.

We're a big fan of Dell's Optiplex business-class computers when upgrading desktop computing, mostly due to the ability to swap out components without tools, obtaining parts in the secondary marketplace, and the robust market for these business class computers that come off lease / depreciation providing very clean devices. One can find these professionally recycled often Microsoft authorized refurbished computers on Amazon, at Microcenter, on eBay, and most likely other places too.

However, we generally find the various models / model numbers somewhat confusing and would like to use this page to perhaps help bring a little order to the confusion. For purposes of discussion, I'll only be covering the Intel processor family which is the one I work with exclusively.

Terms used here:

Previously used: someone used the computer before and desires to sell it. Most likely tested by them to see if it works, may have removed the OS.
Refurbished: A more professional testing of the computer, generally replace the main storage drive, perhaps adjust memory (maybe remove some of it to sell at lower price), perform a thorough cleaning of the device, and install/reinstall the operating system.
Authorized Refurbished: Similar to refurbished but done so via a Microsoft Certified dealer who usually supplies a new product key.

Optiplex Series: The basic motherboard and chassis layout and support infrastructure. The series appears to change every few years with minor tweaks taking place every product cycle. Most often the case remains stable during the series, the processor changes within the series, the port layouts may change too. We're also seeing an evolution of the display connections from VGA in the early days, to HDMI and Display Port in later evolutions.

Windows 11 Supported: Microsoft has released Windows 11 and supported configurations which includes Intel 8th generation and later processors; also requires TPM 2.0.
Windows 11 NOT Supported: Systems with TPM 2.0 and Intel 7th generation and earlier may run Windows 11 in non-supported mode...maybe no monthly updates.

Additional Note:

Please pay careful attention to the number and location of USB ports. Generally the 30X0 series have 4 USB ports in the rear...and that may be a limiting factor in its usage since keyboard, mouse, webcam, printer, scanner, UPS status all consume one USB port each. Depending upon one's overall design, the 30X0 desktops may be very limiting. At that point, consider the 50X0 desktops which have more rear USB ports.