Dell Optiplex 980 review

In a world where everything is getting smaller we take a look to see what Dell's full-featured Optiplex 980 has to offer.

Dell Optiplex 980
IT Pro Verdict

Dell's ingeniously designed chassis serves up a machine that's both easy to manage and simple to upgrade, and its impressive specification caters for everyone except those working with intensive graphics. It's expensive, but far more versatile than small form-factor machines and worth the cash.

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It's a shame that Dell hasn't loaded equally impressive software into Windows 7. Aside from basic utilities to handle networking and security duties, there's little here - and compared with the broad tools offered with Lenovo ThinkCentre machines, it's disappointing.

Nevertheless, this is a minor complaint in the face of plenty of excellence elsewhere. The clever case design, fastidious attention to detail and impressive performance makes 689 exc VAT seem like a bargain. If a small form factor PC just isn't versatile enough, the Optiplex 980 is as good as a full tower business machine will get.

Verdict

Dell's ingeniously designed chassis serves up a machine that's both easy to manage and simple to upgrade, and its impressive specification caters for everyone except those working with intensive graphics. It's expensive, but far more versatile than small form-factor machines and worth the cash.

Processor: 3.3GHz Intel Core i5-660 processor? Memory: 4GB DDR3 RAM? Graphics: Intel GMA X4500HD? Optical drive: DVD writer? Hard disk: 320GB hard disk?Features: TPM 2.1 module, chassis intrusion detection? Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet?Ports: 10 x USB 2, eSATA, Parallel, Serial, 2 x PS/2, D-SUB output, Dimensions: 187 x 445 x 410mm (WxDxH)? Weight: 11.4kg?Warranty: 3yr NDB on-site warranty? OS: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit? Software: Dell ControlPoint software

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Mike Jennings
Mike Jennings

 

Mike Jennings has worked as a technology journalist for more than a decade and has been fascinated by computers since childhood, when he spent far too long building terrible websites. He loves desktop PCs, components, laptops and anything to do with the latest hardware.

Mike worked as a staff writer at PC Pro magazine in London for seven years, and during that time wrote for a variety of other tech titles, including Custom PC, Micro Mart and Computer Shopper. Since 2013, he’s been a freelance tech writer, and writes regularly for titles like Wired, TechRadar, Stuff, TechSpot, IT Pro, TrustedReviews and TechAdvisor. He still loves tech and covers everything from the latest business hardware and software to high-end gaming gear, and you’ll find him on plenty of sites writing reviews, features and guides on a vast range of topics.

You can email Mike at mike@mike-jennings.net, or find him on Twitter at @mikejjennings

 

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