Dell OptiPlex 3080 Micro Upgrade Guide: RAM, SSD and CPU

Updated Oct. 9, 2026 · Written from this device's verified specifications

This guide covers the three upgrades most owners of the Dell OptiPlex 3080 Micro ask about: memory, storage and the processor. The short answer is that RAM and storage upgrades are straightforward, and the CPU can only be swapped for another 10th-gen 35 W T-series chip.

At a glance

  • RAM: 2 DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, up to 32 GB each and 64 GB in total.
  • RAM speed is capped at 2666 MT/s, or 2933 MT/s on Core i7 models, so faster kits won't help.
  • Storage: one M.2 NVMe slot (2230 or 2280, PCIe Gen 3 x4) plus one 2.5-inch SATA bay.
  • CPU: one socket, 10th-gen 35 W T-series only, from Celeron up to Core i7-10700T.
  • This guide is for the Micro. The SFF 3080 is a different machine with different upgrade options.
SODIMM memory slot2 × DDR4 SO-DIMM · up to 64 GB total · 2933 MT/s
M.2 NVMe SSD slot (2230/2280)SSD M.2 2230 / M.2 2280 (NVMe) · up to 2 TB
2.5" SATA drive bayHDD / SSD 2.5" (SATA) · up to 2 TB
Processor socket (LGA1200)LGA1200 · Core 10th gen · max 35 W
CPU · LGA1200max 35 W2 × SO-DIMM · DDR4up to 64 GB totalM.2 NVMe SSD slot (2230/2280)SSD M.2 2230 / M.2 2280 (NVMe) ·up to 2 TB2.5" SATA drive bayHDD / SSD 2.5" (SATA) · up to 2 TB
Schematic of the upgradeable slots (not to scale). Check the owner's manual for their exact positions.

Lifecycle and support

A current model: sold new and supported.

20202021202220232024202520262027Today11 · Release · Sept. 3, 2020
Filled dots: dates published by the manufacturer. Hollow dots: estimates from third-party sources.
MilestoneDate
Release
First available to buy.		 Sept. 3, 2020 Estimate Third-party announcement date from PCNight; Dell's own documents (service manual May 2020, setup guide July 2020) suggest the system may have existed earlier, so this may be a broader announcement rather than first availability.
Source ↗

Dates not listed haven't been published by the manufacturer or a reliable third party.

Memory: two SO-DIMM slots, up to 64 GB

The Micro has two laptop-size DDR4 SO-DIMM slots. Each takes a 4, 8, 16 or 32 GB module, so the maximum is 64 GB (2 x 32 GB). Dell lists 4 GB as the minimum, which is a single module. Nothing is soldered to the board, so both slots are removable.

Dell's web page caps speed at 2666 MT/s for Celeron, Pentium, Core i3 and Core i5 models, and at 2933 MT/s for Core i7 models. It adds that the processors natively support 3200 MT/s but are limited to those speeds here. Dell's PDF guide lists 2666 only and doesn't mention the i7, so it may be an earlier revision.

Dell recommends matched pairs of the same size, speed and technology. Mismatched modules still work but with slightly reduced performance. Dell also recommends two or more modules when the system uses integrated graphics. Dell's documents don't mention ECC or registered memory, so stick to standard DDR4 SO-DIMMs.

Buying tips

  • Buy a matched two-module kit, for example 2 x 16 GB for 32 GB.
  • Don't pay extra for 3200 MT/s modules, as they will run at the system cap.
  • Make sure the modules are DDR4 SO-DIMM, not full-size desktop DIMMs.
  • Check your processor tier to know whether your cap is 2666 or 2933 MT/s.

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Storage: one M.2 NVMe slot and one 2.5-inch SATA bay

There are two places for a drive. The M.2 slot takes a PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe SSD in either 2230 size (Dell lists up to 512 GB) or 2280 size (up to 2 TB). The platform tops out at PCIe Gen 3, so a Gen 4 drive would run at Gen 3 speeds at best. The 2.5-inch SATA bay takes a drive up to 2 TB at 5400 RPM or up to 1 TB at 7200 RPM. Dell doesn't state the maximum drive thickness, so check the service manual before buying.

When an M.2 SSD is fitted it becomes the primary drive. Without one, the 2.5-inch drive is primary. You can run one M.2 SSD plus one 2.5-inch drive together.

The M.2 storage slot can hold an SSD or an Intel Optane module, not both. Dell's documents disagree on Optane: the web page lists a 32 GB module with a 512 GB SSD, while the PDF lists 16 GB only. Optane only accelerates storage and does not add memory. The separate M.2 2230 slot is for the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth card and cannot take an SSD. Self-encrypting FIPS and Opal drives are factory options with limited sizes (500 GB HDD, up to 1 TB SSD).

Buying tips

  • For the M.2 slot, buy an NVMe SSD, not a SATA M.2 drive.
  • Choose 2280 for capacity up to 2 TB, or 2230 if you need a small drive of up to 512 GB.
  • A PCIe Gen 3 SSD is all this machine can use, so don't pay extra for Gen 4 speeds.
  • Check the 2.5-inch drive's thickness against the service manual before buying a thicker drive.

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Processor: 10th-gen 35 W T-series only

The processor is socketed, with a single socket, and Dell's service manual has removal and installation procedures. Dell's documents we checked don't name the socket; these 10th-gen CPUs use LGA1200. Only 10th-gen (Comet Lake) 35 W T-series parts are listed: Celeron G5900T and G5905T, Pentium Gold G6400T, G6405T, G6500T and G6505T, Core i3-10100T, i3-10105T, i3-10300T and i3-10305T, Core i5-10400T, i5-10500T and i5-10600T, and Core i7-10700T. Older Dell sheets omit some of these, such as the i7 and the 05 variants, so the specification tables are the more complete list.

The system uses a 65 W adapter sized for 35 W CPUs, and 65 W non-T processors are not listed for the Micro. Dell notes that the i7-10700T does not perform at maximum capacity in this Micro. Dell doesn't say why, but the i5-10600T may be better value.

If graphics matter, the Celeron and Pentium G6400T and G6405T have UHD 610, while the other Pentiums, Core i3, i5 and i7 have UHD 630. Dell's pages don't give a minimum BIOS version for each CPU, so update the BIOS to the latest version first and suspend BitLocker before doing so.

Buying tips

  • Only buy a 10th-gen T-series (35 W) CPU from Dell's list.
  • Don't buy a 65 W non-T processor; it is not listed for the Micro.
  • Consider the i5-10600T rather than the i7-10700T, given Dell's performance note.
  • Buy a CPU that matches your model's cooling, and check the model number carefully, since many similar names exist.

How to upgrade

Before you start

  • Make sure you have the Micro, not the SFF 3080, which has full-size DIMM slots, 3.5-inch bays and PCIe slots.
  • Back up your important files.
  • Note your current CPU tier, as it decides your RAM speed cap.
  • If you plan a CPU swap, update the BIOS first from Dell's Drivers & Downloads page, and suspend BitLocker before the update so the next boot doesn't ask for the recovery key.
  • Keep Dell's service manual open for exact disassembly steps.

Steps

  1. Back up and prepare
    Back up your data. For a CPU upgrade, update the BIOS and suspend BitLocker first.
  2. Power off and unplug
    Shut the computer down fully, then disconnect the power adapter and all cables.
  3. Ground yourself
    Touch bare metal on the chassis or use an anti-static wrist strap before handling any parts.
  4. Open the case
    Remove the side cover by following the removal steps in Dell's service manual.
  5. Install the part
    For RAM, use the memory modules section of the service manual and fit a matched pair. For storage, fit the SSD in the M.2 slot or the drive in the 2.5-inch bay, following the manual. For a CPU, follow Dell's processor procedure: align the pin-1 triangle, seat the CPU, close the processor cover and lock the release lever under the securing tab. All four corners of the CPU should sit at the same height.
  6. Close up and reconnect
    Refit the cover, then reconnect the cables and power adapter.
  7. Check the BIOS
    Turn the computer on and open the BIOS setup. Confirm the new memory total, drive or processor shows up. A new blank drive will need an operating system installed.

Good to know

  • Dell's documents disagree on RAM speed: the web page gives 2666 MT/s (2933 MT/s for i7), while the PDF lists 2666 only.
  • Dell's documents disagree on Optane: the web page lists a 32 GB module with a 512 GB SSD, while the PDF lists 16 GB only.
  • Dell's documents don't state the maximum thickness of the 2.5-inch drive.
  • Dell's documents don't state whether the Micro supports ECC memory.
  • Dell's pages don't name the CPU socket or the minimum BIOS version for each processor. Update to the latest BIOS before swapping the CPU.
  • Dell says the i7-10700T does not perform at maximum capacity in the Micro.
  • Check the exact configuration of any unit you buy, since specifications vary by CPU tier and document revision.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Dell OptiPlex 3080 Micro take?

Up to 64 GB, using two 32 GB DDR4 SO-DIMMs. The minimum is 4 GB.

What RAM speed does the OptiPlex 3080 Micro support?

Dell's web page says 2666 MT/s for Celeron, Pentium, Core i3 and Core i5 models, and 2933 MT/s for Core i7 models. Dell's PDF lists 2666 only. Faster modules will run at these limits.

Does the OptiPlex 3080 Micro support NVMe SSDs?

Yes. The M.2 slot takes a PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe SSD in 2230 size (up to 512 GB) or 2280 size (up to 2 TB). A Gen 4 drive would run at Gen 3 speeds at best.

Can I use both an M.2 SSD and a 2.5-inch drive?

Yes. Dell lists one M.2 SSD plus one 2.5-inch drive as a supported setup. The M.2 SSD becomes the primary drive.

Can I upgrade the CPU in the OptiPlex 3080 Micro?

Yes, within limits. The processor is socketed, but only 10th-gen 35 W T-series Celeron, Pentium Gold, Core i3, i5 and i7 chips are listed. Update the BIOS first.

Does the OptiPlex 3080 Micro support ECC memory?

Dell's documents don't say, so assume it needs standard non-ECC SO-DIMMs.

Official documents and references

This guide was written with AI assistance from the compatibility data PartsPrices verified against the manufacturer's documents. Always check your exact model and the owner's manual before buying or opening your computer.