Is $100 for a Dell Optiplex 9010 SFF 3rd Gen i3 4GB 250GB HDD a Bargain?

treebytheriver on 16/08/2020 - 08:08
Last edited 17/08/2020 - 13:55 by 1 other user

My friend is selling his grandfather's Optiplex, and I've seen it pop up on OzBargain a couple of times. Is it a good buy at $100?

My main aim is for Zoom calls on the TV. But if it could do some simple Microsoft Word stuff too, perhaps act as my DVD player / Netflix too.

Would I need to upgrade the RAM? Or anything else I should be wary of?

He gave me this website for the specs:
https://www.hardwarespares.com/refurbished-dell-optiplex-901…

System Specification
Processor: Intel Core i3 (3rd Gen)
Memory: 4GB DDR3
Hard Drive: 250GB SATA
Optical: DVD-RW
System Details
4 x Dimm Slots DDR3 (Max 32GB)
1 x 3.5" SATA Hard Drive
1 x Low Profile PCIe x16 Slot
1 x Low Profile PCIe x16 (wired x4) Slot

Poll Options

  • 24
    Good buy
  • 2
    Ask for less
  • 0
    Run away!
Computing Computer Dell Desktop Computer

Comments

  • User2049 on 16/08/2020 - 10:12
    -4

    I would avoid, a small SSD and 8gb are a must these days.

    • treebytheriver on 16/08/2020 - 10:25
      +2

      I'm assuming I could add those later?

      • bdl on 16/08/2020 - 10:30
        +5

        For your use, you'd only need the SSD

  • ssquid on 16/08/2020 - 11:19
    +2

    For $100 it's a deal, you can buy a 240GB SSD + another 4GB RAM and it will still be cheaper than what you can find on ebay. But for the use cases you've listed it would be fine as-is anyway, you just need a DisplayPort-to-HDMI cable if you want to connect it to a TV.

    • treebytheriver on 25/08/2020 - 16:03

      It seems I need an "Active" displayport to HDMI cable.
      I bought this one and it didn't work. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/252240748779?ul_noapp=true
      Would you know where to get an "Active" one?

      • ssquid on 25/08/2020 - 17:06

        You should only need an active adapter/cable if you want to use 4K (UHD) resolution.

        You said below it connects to your monitor fine, so just sounds like an issue with the TV not liking it. Maybe try a different input on the TV or tell the PC to use a different screen resolution, sometimes TV HDMI ports have different capabilities.

        • treebytheriver on 25/08/2020 - 17:22

          Thanks Ssquid.
          I tried every port and every resolution. It still didn't work.
          I've ordered an active one just in case, and if it doesn't work they will refund me anyway. Then I might just have to go the VGA to HDMI (lower quality) route.

  • JimB on 16/08/2020 - 11:23
    +4

    Not expensive but not a bargain.

    You can buy extra 4gb RAM for $20 and a new 240gb SSD for $40.

    Extra Ram is recommended as is new SSD as it will speed up the PC.

    Once upgraded, this will easily all basic tasks you require. As is, it will still work ok. The Hard drive is the only thing that wears out.

    Interestingly, I think the prices for these Optiplex have gone up recently maybe due to demand of working/studying from home.

    The Optiplex PCs are definitely reliable.

    • treebytheriver on 16/08/2020 - 11:40

      How easy is it to install the SSD?

      • JimB on 16/08/2020 - 11:46
        +4

        Not difficult for someone who is fairly handy or can build lego.

        Some people can't even change a tap washer.

      • ssquid on 16/08/2020 - 11:52
        +4

        From the Optiplex's that I've seen, it couldn't be much easier. You don't even need a screwdriver, there's latches and levers to keep everything in place.

        • JimB on 16/08/2020 - 11:58
          +1

          True for most people, but some people would still have issues with it or can't change their wiper blades.

        • Presence on 16/08/2020 - 13:43

          Can't speak for this model but he might need some double sided tape to mount it!!

          • ssquid on 16/08/2020 - 14:44

            @Presence: From memory there's a slot designed to hold a 2.5" drive.

            • FireRunner on 16/08/2020 - 18:34

              @ssquid: Not exactly. There’s a gap between the 3.5in drive and DVD drive which can fit an SSD. I put mine in there and don’t bother fastening it. It wouldn’t move much because it’s quite snug.

              • ssquid on 16/08/2020 - 20:57

                @FireRunner: I googled - what I was remembering was the 2.5" caddy, part R494D.

    • treebytheriver on 16/08/2020 - 21:23

      Perhaps a dumb question: If I replaced the Hard Drive with an SSD would I need to reinstall BIOS / Windows on the SSD? Is there a how-to guide to do that?

      • FireRunner on 16/08/2020 - 22:28
        +1

        Windows yes, BIOS no.
        Follow the guide here

      • scrimshaw on 17/08/2020 - 00:21
        +1

        BIOS is firmware that lives on a chip on the computer's motherboard.

        For all intents and purposes the BIOS is not meant to be erasable by the user — it's not something you have to worry about when you're swapping out storage disks

  • scrimshaw on 16/08/2020 - 12:05
    +2

    phils Computer lab has a video detailing how to upgrade or replace pretty much every part of the desktop.

    Not very complicated at all, just need a screwdriver.

  • bazingaa on 16/08/2020 - 14:53

    Sometimes, you can find an i5 in a similar price range like this. 2nd gen i5 also cheaper but lacks USB 3.0 if you care about that. Add a SSD and RAM, you are good to go.

  • treebytheriver on 16/08/2020 - 18:29
    +1

    Thanks everyone for the help!
    He ended up giving me mates rates of $85, and I'll make sure to keep an eye out for RAM and SSD deals.

    • DuckKnight on 17/08/2020 - 04:00

      DDR3 RAM rarely gets posted around here nowadays but you should be able to find some cheap RAM searching up computer stores online.

  • treebytheriver on 17/08/2020 - 13:14
    +1

    Another update:
    Just ordered a Crucial BX500 240GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-inch SSD for $46 and a Patriot Signature Line 4GB DIMM DDR3 CL11 PC3-12800 (1600MHz) for $23.
    Hopefully that will future proof the computer if I ever want to do anything more intensive.

    • JimB on 18/08/2020 - 10:26
      +1

      That should make it last at least 5 years.

    • FireRunner on 18/08/2020 - 11:26

      I personally would have put a bit extra in for a Crucial MX500 or Samsung SSD but any SSD is better than a HDD.
      It looks to be future proof for browsing, videos and general tasks. If you ever want to do more intensive tasks like video editing or entry level gaming, you could install a low profile graphics card like a GT1030

      • treebytheriver on 18/08/2020 - 13:19

        My flatmate is already laughing about how I've almost doubled the cost of my initial purchase with the SSD and extra ram.
        I looked at the MX500 but I think I didn't really need the minimal difference it makes.

        • scrimshaw on 18/08/2020 - 14:26

          Well, your friend probably doesn't know that computer storage is universally compatible

          the DDR3 RAM is very old tech and can only be used on a particular generation of older desktops but the SSD is something you can carry forward into a newer system if needed.

  • treebytheriver on 25/08/2020 - 11:09

    One more question, thank you everyone!
    I successfully installed the MX500 and extra 4GB Ram and the computer is going great!

    One problem: I bought this DisplayPort to HDMI adaptor: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/252240748779?ul_noapp=true
    It connects to my monitor fine, but when I try connect it to my Sony TV, it doesn't detect it at all. Is there something I can do to fix it?
    I've tried googling but it seems all over the place, and the whole point was to connect it to the TV :(

    • treebytheriver on 25/08/2020 - 16:02

      Sorry to keep posting here, but in case anyone else has this problem: I realised I need an active displayport to HDMI adaptor. As my display port is the older version. According to this one random reddit site I found.

      https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/1or7r9/trying_…

      • hsc21 on 25/08/2020 - 20:16

        Nice. Sounds like everything worked out other than connecting to TV.
        Using the same adaptor for the monitor? If it works for the monitor it should work for the TV as well.

        • treebytheriver on 25/08/2020 - 20:59

          Yup, exact same cord.
          I've bought another one that's "active" so I'll see if that will help.

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