Dell OptiPlex 7060 SFF Upgrade Guide: RAM, SSD and CPU

Lifecycle and support

A current model: sold new and supported.

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

RAM: four DDR4 desktop slots, up to 64 GB

The SFF has four full-size DDR4 UDIMM slots and no soldered memory, so everything is upgradeable. Each slot takes up to 16 GB, giving 64 GB in total. Dell's own configurations are 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 GB, using 1, 2 or 4 modules, and factory modules seen on this model are 4 GB and 8 GB DDR4-2666 non-ECC.

The memory is rated at 2666 MT/s and works in dual-channel. If your PC has a Core i3 processor, memory runs at 2400 MT/s instead. Only non-ECC unbuffered modules work, so ECC and registered modules won't. Don't buy laptop-style SODIMMs: those belong to the Micro model.

Buying tips

• Buy non-ECC, unbuffered DDR4 UDIMMs (full-size desktop modules).
• 2666 MT/s modules are the right match; faster ones aren't listed by Dell.
• Don't pay extra for speed if you have a Core i3, as it caps memory at 2400 MT/s.
• Check you have the SFF and not the Micro, which uses SODIMMs and has a 32 GB limit.
• Memory is dual-channel, so check the owner's manual for which slots to fill first.

Storage: M.2 SSD plus SATA bays

The SFF has one M.2 slot for storage, in 2280 size (22 x 80 mm). It accepts either a SATA drive or a PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe drive, and Dell states up to 2 TB. The same slot also takes a 16 GB Intel Optane Memory module. A separate 22 x 30 mm slot is for wireless, not storage.

For SATA drives, Dell supports 2.5" and 3.5" hard drives up to 2 TB. The bay layout is either one 3.5" drive or up to two 2.5" drives, not both. The board has three SATA connectors: one Gen2 connector for the optical drive and two Gen3, so an optical drive shares them with your storage drives. Dell's documents don't give a thickness limit for 2.5" drives.

The 2 TB M.2 figure comes from Dell's manual. The configurations Dell sold top out at 1 TB for M.2, so 2 TB is what the slot is documented to handle rather than something Dell shipped.

Buying tips

• For the fastest drive, choose an M.2 2280 NVMe SSD (PCIe 3.0 x4). A PCIe 4.0 drive should still work but will run at 3.0 speed.
• A SATA M.2 2280 drive also works if you prefer it.
• If you buy a used unit, check what's in the M.2 slot: some ship with a SATA drive or an Optane module.
• You can't fit a 3.5" drive and 2.5" drives together, so plan your bay layout first.
• Adding a second storage device uses one of the three SATA connectors.

CPU: 65 W 8th Gen chips only

The system uses the Intel Q370 chipset. Dell lists these processors for the SFF, all 65 W: Core i3-8100, i3-8300, i5-8400, i5-8500, i5-8600 and i7-8700. The 35 W T-series chips are listed for the Micro only. 65 W is the highest rating Dell lists, and Dell doesn't support anything hotter.

Dell's documents don't name the socket or say whether the processor can be replaced. Desktop 8th Gen chips like these normally use LGA1151 (the second-generation version), but confirm that before you buy a CPU. Stay within Dell's list: a step up from an i3 to an i5 or i7 is the realistic upgrade, and it also lifts the i3's 2400 MT/s memory cap.

Buying tips

• Stick to the six processors Dell lists for this model.
• Skip T-series (35 W) chips: Dell lists them for the Micro only.
• Confirm the socket and that the CPU is replaceable before buying.
• Check the BIOS version in the owner's manual before fitting a different CPU.

How to upgrade

Before you start

• Confirm you have the Small Form Factor model, not the Tower or Micro, as the three share one spec sheet but use different parts.
• Back up your files and note your Windows licence and any drive encryption keys.
• Find your current RAM, drive and CPU details so you know what you're replacing.
• Download the owner's manual for exact disassembly instructions.
• Have a small screwdriver and a clean, static-free workspace ready.

Steps

1. Back up your data
   Copy important files to an external drive or cloud storage, especially before changing or cloning a drive.
2. Power off and unplug
   Shut the PC down fully, unplug the power cord and all cables, then hold the power button for a few seconds to drain leftover charge.
3. Ground yourself
   Touch bare metal on the chassis before handling parts, and hold components by their edges.
4. Open the case
   Follow the owner's manual to remove the cover and any internal parts in the way, such as the drive cage.
5. Install the new part
   For RAM, seat the modules fully in the DIMM slots. For an M.2 SSD, fit a 2280 drive into the storage slot, not the shorter wireless slot. For SATA drives, use the 2.5" or 3.5" bay and a free SATA connector. For a CPU, only fit a chip from Dell's list, and follow the manual's steps.
6. Close the case and reconnect
   Refit everything you removed, replace the cover and reconnect the cables.
7. Check the BIOS sees it
   Turn the PC on and open the BIOS setup. Confirm the new memory total, drive or processor is listed, then install or restore your operating system if needed.

Good to know

• Dell's documents don't name the CPU socket or confirm the processor is replaceable. Verify this before buying a CPU.
• Dell doesn't document a thickness limit for 2.5" or 3.5" drives.
• Dell's manual says up to 2 TB for M.2, but the largest M.2 option it sold was 1 TB.
• The spec sheet covers the Tower, SFF and Micro together and is garbled in places, so check details against the SFF pages of the manual.
• The Micro variant uses SODIMMs, has a 32 GB limit and takes 35 W T-series CPUs, so don't mix up parts.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Dell OptiPlex 7060 SFF take?

Up to 64 GB, using four 16 GB DDR4 UDIMMs. The minimum is 4 GB, and the memory is non-ECC and dual-channel.

What speed of RAM does the 7060 SFF support?

Dell lists 2666 MT/s. If your PC has a Core i3 processor, memory runs at 2400 MT/s.

Does the OptiPlex 7060 SFF support NVMe SSDs?

Yes. The M.2 2280 slot accepts PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe or SATA drives, up to 2 TB per Dell. Check what a used unit ships with, as some have a SATA drive or an Optane module fitted.

Can I use ECC memory in the OptiPlex 7060 SFF?

No. Only non-ECC unbuffered DDR4 UDIMMs are supported, and registered modules won't work.

Can I fit both a 3.5" drive and 2.5" drives?

Not according to Dell's supported combinations. You can use one 3.5" bay or up to two 2.5" drives, and either can be paired with an M.2 drive.

What is the fastest CPU for the OptiPlex 7060 SFF?

The Core i7-8700 is the top processor Dell lists for the SFF. Dell lists only 65 W parts, and doesn't support a higher-wattage CPU. Check the socket and that the CPU is replaceable before you buy.

Official documents and references

• Dell OptiPlex 7060 SFF manual: Memory
  Memory type, slots and limits
• Dell OptiPlex 7060 SFF manual: Storage
  M.2, SATA and drive combinations
• Dell OptiPlex 7060 SFF manual: Processor
  Supported CPUs and chipset
• Dell OptiPlex 7060 SFF manual: System board connectors
  SATA and PCIe connectors
• PDF Dell OptiPlex 7060 specifications (PDF)
  Official spec tables
• PDF Dell OptiPlex 7060 spec sheet (PDF)
  Tower, SFF and Micro specs in one document
• Dell Community: OptiPlex 7060 SFF parts list
  Factory memory module details