Dell OptiPlex 5050 SFF Upgrade Guide: RAM, SSD and CPU

RAM: up to 64 GB of DDR4

The 5050 SFF has four full-size DIMM slots (DIMM1 to DIMM4) and no soldered memory, so every slot is yours to fill. It uses desktop DDR4, not laptop SO-DIMMs. Use standard non-ECC unbuffered modules only.

Dell lists 4 GB, 8 GB and 16 GB modules, with a minimum of 4 GB and a maximum of 64 GB. The configurations Dell lists are 4 GB (1 x 4), 8 GB (2 x 4 or 1 x 8), 16 GB (2 x 8), 32 GB (4 x 8) and 64 GB (4 x 16).

The slots are rated for 2133 and 2400 MT/s. Your CPU decides which you get: 6th-gen CPUs and the 7th-gen Celeron dual-core run memory at 2133 MT/s at most, even with faster modules fitted. Only 7th-gen Core CPUs reach 2400 MT/s.

Buying tips

• Buy non-ECC, unbuffered DDR4 desktop DIMMs; skip ECC and SO-DIMM sticks
• Stick to 4 GB, 8 GB or 16 GB modules, as those are the sizes Dell lists
• 2400 MT/s modules are fine with any supported CPU, but only a 7th-gen Core CPU will run them at full speed
• Dell's documents don't mention registered modules, so stay with standard unbuffered ones

Storage: SATA bays and one M.2 slot

The board has three SATA connectors (SATA0, SATA1, SATA2) and one M.2 slot labelled M.2_SSD. The chassis holds either one 3.5" drive or two 2.5" drives, not both. Dell's listed options include 500 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB 3.5" drives at 7.2K rpm. For 2.5" drives it lists HDDs up to 2 TB, hybrid drives of 500 GB and 1 TB, and SATA SSDs of 256 GB and 512 GB. No drive thickness limit is given, so check the bracket or caddy before buying a thick 2.5" drive.

The M.2 slot is the usual home for a fast SSD. Dell lists an M.2 SATA drive at 128 GB and M.2 PCIe NVMe drives at 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB. Larger drives may work but aren't documented. The manual doesn't state the slot length or lane count. Dell's Intel Optane module spec points to the 2280 size and PCIe 3.0 x2, so treat the slot as 2280 and PCIe 3.0, but don't assume it is a full x4 slot. NVMe drives may therefore not reach their top speeds.

Dell's Optane memory (16 GB or 32 GB, M.2) is documented for 7th-gen Core systems. Note that Dell's online storage page shows only part of the range; the PDF manuals list the full set of options.

Buying tips

• For the M.2 slot, choose a 2280-length drive
• Before buying a fast NVMe SSD, confirm on your own unit how the slot handles NVMe and SATA
• Two 2.5" drives replace the 3.5" drive, so plan the layout before you buy
• Check the bracket or caddy fit before buying a thick 2.5" drive
• Drives above Dell's listed sizes may work but aren't documented

CPU: 6th and 7th-gen Core, up to 65 W

The 5050 SFF uses the Intel Q270 chipset with a socketed processor, so it can be swapped. Only 6th and 7th-generation CPUs are supported. Dell's documents don't name the socket; these CPUs use LGA1151, so check that detail yourself before buying.

Every CPU in Dell's manual is rated 65 W, which is the practical ceiling. The listed models are the Core i7-6700 and i7-7700, i5-6500, i5-6600, i5-7500 and i5-7600, i3-6100 and i3-7100, and Pentium G4400 and G4560. Some copies of the manual add the i5-6400, i5-7400, i3-7300 and Pentium G4500, so the manual versions disagree slightly. If you're considering one of those, treat it as less certain.

Choosing a 7th-gen Core CPU matters: it's the only way to get 2400 MT/s memory, and Optane is documented only for 7th-gen Core platforms. Dell's documents don't say whether a BIOS update is needed first when moving to a different generation, so check Dell's support page for your model.

Buying tips

• Pick a 65 W part from the lists above rather than a higher-power chip
• Choose a 7th-gen Core CPU if you want full-speed 2400 MT/s RAM or Optane
• If you buy a used CPU, check its condition and that the seller shows the exact model
• Check Dell's support page for BIOS guidance before swapping to a different generation

How to upgrade

Before you start

• Find your current CPU generation in Windows or the BIOS, since it decides your RAM speed and CPU options
• Back up important files before opening the case or changing drives
• Have the Dell owner's manual for the OptiPlex 5050 SFF open for exact disassembly steps
• Check Dell's support page for a BIOS update, especially before changing CPU generation
• Prepare a clean workspace and a screwdriver

Steps

1. Back up your data
   Copy important files to an external drive or cloud storage, especially before replacing or adding a drive.
2. Power off and unplug
   Shut the PC down fully, unplug the power cable and any other cables, then hold the power button for a few seconds to discharge leftover power.
3. Ground yourself
   Touch bare metal on the chassis or use an anti-static wrist strap before handling parts, and hold components by their edges.
4. Open the case
   Follow the owner's manual to open the Small Form Factor chassis and reach the memory slots, drive bays, M.2 slot or CPU socket.
5. Install the new part
   For RAM, fill the DIMM slots to match one of the supported configurations. For storage, fit a 3.5" drive, up to two 2.5" drives, or an M.2 drive in the M.2_SSD slot. For a CPU, follow the manual's processor steps carefully. Don't force anything.
6. Close the case and reconnect
   Refit the cover, reconnect the cables and power on the PC.
7. Check the BIOS
   Enter the BIOS setup and confirm the new memory, drive or CPU is detected. For a new drive, you may need to install or restore an operating system.

Good to know

• Dell's documents don't name the CPU socket; these CPUs use LGA1151, so verify this yourself before buying.
• Copies of the manual differ slightly in their CPU lists; models beyond the main list are less certain.
• The M.2 slot's length and lane count aren't stated in the manual; 2280 and PCIe 3.0 x2 are inferred from the Optane spec.
• Drives larger than Dell's listed sizes may work but aren't documented.
• The manuals give no drive thickness limit for the 2.5" bays, so check the bracket or caddy before buying a thick drive.
• This is a 2017-era business PC, so check the condition of the CPU, BIOS settings and power supply when upgrading.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the OptiPlex 5050 SFF take?

Up to 64 GB, using four 16 GB DDR4 modules in the four DIMM slots. The minimum is 4 GB.

What type and speed of RAM does it use?

Non-ECC unbuffered DDR4 desktop DIMMs rated up to 2400 MT/s. Only 7th-gen Core CPUs get 2400 MT/s; 6th-gen CPUs and the 7th-gen Celeron dual-core run memory at 2133 MT/s at most.

Does the OptiPlex 5050 SFF have an M.2 slot for an NVMe SSD?

Yes, one M.2 slot (M.2_SSD). Dell lists M.2 SATA at 128 GB and NVMe at 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB. The manual doesn't state the length or lane count; the Optane spec points to 2280 and PCIe 3.0 x2, so it may not be a full x4 slot.

Can I fit more than one 2.5" drive?

Yes. The chassis takes either one 3.5" drive or two 2.5" drives, but not both at once.

Which CPUs does the OptiPlex 5050 SFF support?

6th and 7th-gen Intel Core and Pentium chips up to 65 W, such as the i7-6700 and i7-7700, i5-6500 to i5-7600, i3-6100 and i3-7100, and Pentium G4400 and G4560. Some manual copies list a few extra models.

Can I fit a newer CPU than 7th gen?

No. The Q270 chipset supports 6th and 7th-gen CPUs only.

Official documents and references

• Dell OptiPlex 5050 SFF Owner's Manual: Memory specifications
  Official memory type, slots and speeds
• Dell OptiPlex 5050 SFF Owner's Manual: Storage specifications
  Official storage page (shows only some options)
• PDF Dell OptiPlex 5050 SFF Owner's Manual (PDF)
  Full manual with RAM, storage, CPU and chipset details
• PDF Dell OptiPlex 5050 SFF Owner's Manual (PDF, alternate copy)
  Longer CPU list and Optane module specs
• PDF Dell OptiPlex 5050 SFF manual (PDF, Icecat copy)
  Optane module specs and M.2 details
• Dell OptiPlex 5050 SFF overview
  Chipset and 7th-gen CPU support summary