Short version: the OptiPlex 9020 came out in mid-2013 with 4th-gen Intel Core (Haswell) chips. Its processors aren’t on Microsoft’s Windows 11 list, and Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. In January 2025 Dell folded OptiPlex into its new Dell Pro line; the small desktop is now the Dell Pro Slim. On a budget, a refurbished OptiPlex 7090 SFF with a 10th-gen Core i7 and Windows 11 Pro is the smarter used buy.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, so The Funny Beaver may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
The OptiPlex 9020 was a reliable office workhorse, and refurbished ones are still everywhere. Here’s how it compares with Dell’s current small desktop, based on Dell’s product page, Microsoft’s requirements and published specs (we didn’t test these PCs hands-on).
| Spec | OptiPlex 9020 (2013) | Dell Pro Slim (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 4th-gen Intel Core (Haswell) i3/i5/i7 or Pentium | Intel Core Ultra 5 235 or Ultra 7 265, or Core i5-14500 |
| Memory | Not compared | DDR5, up to 5600 MT/s |
| Storage | Not compared | 512 GB PCIe Gen4 SSD (base configuration) |
| Body styles | Mini tower, SFF, USFF, Micro, all-in-one | Slim (Dell Pro also comes in Micro and Tower) |
| Windows 11 | Processor not on Microsoft’s supported list | Windows 11 Pro |
Specs from Wikipedia’s Dell OptiPlex page, Dell’s Dell Pro Slim page, Microsoft’s Windows 11 Intel processor list, Microsoft’s Windows 10 end of support page. Checked October 2026.
What matters in real use
- Cheap for a reason. A 9020 is stuck on Windows 10, which no longer gets regular updates.
- Refurb rule of thumb: 8th-gen Intel or newer, Windows 11 Pro preinstalled, and an SSD.
- The seller matters as much as the PC. Pick a refurbisher with strong ratings and a return window.
- Buying new? The Dell Pro Slim listings we found on Amazon came from sellers with weak ratings, so buy it from Dell directly.
- Small cases, small cards. SFF desktops take low-profile expansion cards only, so plan upgrades accordingly.
Gift it to: the home-office worker, the parent setting up a homework PC, or the small business replacing old office desktops.
Check Price on Amazon