Dell OptiPlex
OptiPlex is a line of business-oriented desktop computers from Dell Technologies aimed at corporate enterprises, healthcare, government, and education markets. The systems typically contain Intel CPUs, beginning with Celeron and Pentium and  with the Core microarchitecture (i3, i5, i7, i9). Business-oriented components, such as Gigabit Ethernet, DisplayPort, Tool-less Chassis and software such as data protection utilities, along with management features such as Intel vPro often come standard with OptiPlex systems. OptiPlex configurations can be completed by the purchaser for components such as CPU, GPU, RAM, Storage and Wireless options, as well as Dell Pro support. A professional edition of Microsoft Windows comes preinstalled and Linux Dell n Series options are also available. 

Dell first introduced the OptiPlex line of business computers starting in 1993.

Overview
Dell offers a variety of chassis options including; Tower, Small Form Factor, Micro Form Factor and All-in-One.
Ultra Form Factor is currently only available in 7000 series. Expandability also ranges for each form factor, Micro being the smallest with little to no expandability to Tower which can hold multiple drives and more powerful graphics cards. In 2019, Dell launched the innovative Ultra form factor. The Ultra PC hides inside the monitor stand creating a modular All-in-One solution. Its compact, modular design frees up desk space and provides the ability to replace any element of the solution separately, including the display.

Enterprise software can be included such as Dell Optimizer and Dell command which can be used to remotely manage updates, the BIOS, firmware upgrades and drivers which also has integration with Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager

Capacitor issues 
OptiPlex models (mostly produced in 2003 and 2004), notably the GX270, suffered from frequent failures due to faulty capacitors supplied by Nichicon as part of the capacitor plague. These capacitors would bulge and leak, resulting in product failure after only a few years of use. Leaked internal documents allege that Dell knew that the computers were likely to fail, and continued to ship them.

Series 1 - Classic beige

In the classic beige chassis:

Series 2

In the midnight-gray chassis (with the flip-up door, known as transformer or "clamshell" cases)

Series 3 - BTX 
Dell OptiPlex from 2005 to 2009 followed Intel's BTX standard. The first model to sport the new BTX layout was the OptiPlex 170L and also the OptiPlex GX280 had a BTX variant albeit uncommon. The last model to be BTX is the OptiPlex 980. 7xx Series DT models can be configured with a riser card to accommodate two full height cards. The riser card fits over the top PCIe x16 slot and middle PCI which is slightly longer with extra pins, this is however not PCI-X. Features DirectDetect system health status indicators for troubleshooting and diagnostics.

Series 4 
The OptiPlex 960 introduces a new style of cases, made to be eco-friendly with recyclable plastics. The first two models, namely the 960 and 980 were based on BTX, However the rest of this series is built upon the standard ATX and DTX. From the x020 and onwards, Dell switched over from a standard 24 pin power connector to a proprietary 12v only 8 pin connector for better power efficiency. The DT and SSF models from this series use standard TFX and LFX power supplies, respectively (the LFX power supplies do have a nonstandard depth of 240mm, however), while the MT models use standard ATX power supplies.

Series 5 
Dell OptiPlex computers sold from 2015 to 2020 use cases that more closely resemble the style used in Dell laptops of the same era. These OptiPlex machines are no longer standard ATX or MicroATX

Series 6 - Pro 2 
The Dell OptiPlex Chassis now follows the Pro 2 chassis introduced with the OptiPlex 7071 and now also on the 3080, 5080 and 7080 models. Up to a 500W 92% 80+ Platinum PSU and support for Nvidia RTX Graphics Cards. All Models including All-in-ones offer 802.11ax WiFi 6 Options and all Desktop models offer a Serial Port Adapter, which can be expanded with a variety of ports including; Serial Ports, VGA, DisplayPorts, HDMI, and USB Type C alt DisplayPorts. OptiPlex offers Energy Star 8.0 configurations, as well as EPEAT Silver and Gold configurations to its customers.

Models, in relative chronological order

Series 1, 2 and 3

Series 4

Series 5

Series 6

OptiPlex XE 
The Dell OptiPlex XE is a special version designed for equipment manufacturer, Retail/Point-of-sale (POS) systems. They are based on the standard OptiPlex models with added features; such as a higher heat threshold, MIL-STD 810G testing and powered USB/Serial.

Notes

See also 
HP business desktops
 Dell Latitude and Precision
Lenovo ThinkCentre and ThinkStation desktops
Fujitsu Esprimo

References

External links 

 Dell PCs Buying Guide Dell's official PC buying guides site.
 Dell USA: OptiPlex desktop machines intended for medium and large businesses
 Dell Support for more information about specifications.

OptiPlex
Computer-related introductions in 1993