Dell OptiPlex 7080 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 ask about on the Dell OptiPlex 7080 Micro: more memory, a bigger SSD and a faster processor. The short answer: you can go up to 64 GB of DDR4 SO-DIMM, fit an M.2 NVMe SSD of up to 2 TB or a 2.5-inch SATA drive, and swap in another 10th Gen Intel Core CPU of up to 65 W.

At a glance

  • Memory: 2 DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, up to 32 GB each, 64 GB total.
  • Storage: Dell officially supports one M.2 NVMe SSD (up to 2 TB in 2280 size) or one 2.5-inch drive, not both SSD types at once.
  • PCIe is limited to Gen 3, so Gen 4 SSDs run at Gen 3 speeds.
  • CPU: socketed, 10th Gen Core i3/i5/i7/i9 only, up to 65 W (i9-10900).
  • There is no 3.5-inch bay and no memory card reader.
SODIMM memory slots2 × DDR4 SO-DIMM · up to 64 GB total · 2933 MT/s
M.2 slot (2230/2280, PCIe NVMe)SSD M.2 2230 / M.2 2280 (NVMe) · up to 2.048 TB
2.5" SATA bayHDD / SSD 2.5" (SATA) · up to 2 TB
Processor socket (LGA1200)LGA1200 · Core 10th gen · max 65 W
CPU · LGA1200max 65 W2 × SO-DIMM · DDR4up to 64 GB totalM.2 slot (2230/2280, PCIe NVMe)SSD M.2 2230 / M.2 2280 (NVMe) ·up to 2.048 TB2.5" SATA 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 · May 2020
Filled dots: dates published by the manufacturer. Hollow dots: estimates from third-party sources.
MilestoneDate
Release
First available to buy.		 May 2020 Estimate Inferred from the Dell Setup and specifications guide, dated May 2020 Rev. A00. This is the first document revision, not a stated release date.
Source ↗

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

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

The 7080 Micro has two DDR4 SO-DIMM (laptop-size) slots and no soldered memory. Each slot takes a 4, 8, 16 or 32 GB module, so the minimum is 4 GB and the maximum is 64 GB (2 x 32 GB).

Speed depends on your processor. Dell rates memory at 2933 MT/s only with i7 and i9 CPUs. Pentium, i3 and i5 systems run memory at 2666 MT/s, so faster modules won't help there. Dell's PDF guide also says i7/i9 systems sold in Brazil run at 2666 MHz.

Dell recommends filling both slots, especially if you use the built-in graphics. Use a matched pair with the same size, speed and technology. Mismatched modules still work, but with a slight performance loss. Dell's documents don't mention ECC or registered memory, so stick to standard non-ECC DDR4 SO-DIMMs.

Buying tips

  • Buy a matched 2-module kit for dual-channel, for example 2 x 16 GB for 32 GB.
  • Choose DDR4 SO-DIMM, not desktop-size DIMMs and not DDR3 or DDR5.
  • Don't pay extra for 2933 MT/s modules unless you have an i7 or i9; i3/i5 systems run at 2666 MT/s.
  • Avoid ECC and registered modules; Dell doesn't confirm support.

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Storage: one M.2 NVMe SSD or one 2.5-inch drive

There are two kinds of storage connection. The M.2 slot takes a PCIe NVMe SSD in 2230 or 2280 size. A 2230 drive tops out at 512 GB, while a 2280 drive goes up to 2 TB (Opal self-encrypting 2280 drives up to 1 TB). The board is limited to PCIe Gen 3 x4, so a Gen 4 drive will work but at Gen 3 speeds. Another M.2 2230 slot holds the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth card and is not for storage.

The 2.5-inch SATA bay connects through a flat flex cable. Dell lists 5400 RPM hard drives up to 2 TB, 7200 RPM hard drives up to 1 TB and a 512 GB SATA SSD. Dell gives no drive thickness limit, but the case is only 36 mm wide, so a standard 7 mm drive is the realistic choice. Dell lists this bay for 35 W and 65 W configurations only, so check that your unit actually has it before buying a drive.

Here Dell's documents disagree with themselves. The ports table and BIOS suggest two M.2 SSD connectors plus the SATA bay, but the storage section says the computer supports one of the following: one 2.5-inch drive, one M.2 SSD, or one 2.5-inch drive plus an Intel Optane module. Two NVMe SSDs at once is not an officially supported setup and we couldn't confirm it works.

Intel Optane (16 or 32 GB, M.2 2280) is only a storage accelerator and does not add RAM. Dell's guide lists 16 and 32 GB, but Dell's Optane web page appears to show only 16 GB. It also needs a 7th Gen or newer Core i3/i5/i7, 64-bit Windows 10 or later, the Intel RST driver and UEFI boot.

Buying tips

  • For maximum capacity, buy an M.2 2280 NVMe SSD rather than a 2230 one.
  • Don't pay extra for a Gen 4 SSD; this board runs it at Gen 3 speeds.
  • If you want a 2.5-inch drive, pick a 7 mm one and confirm your unit has the bay.
  • Plan around one SSD only; a second NVMe drive is unconfirmed.
  • There's no 3.5-inch bay, so skip 3.5-inch drives.

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CPU: 10th Gen Core only, up to 65 W

The processor is socketed, not soldered, and Dell's service manual has removal and installation procedures for it. Dell's documents don't name the socket; 10th Gen Core desktop CPUs and the Q470 chipset use LGA1200. Please verify that before you buy.

Dell lists only 10th Gen Intel Core i3, i5, i7 and i9 processors in 35 W (T) and 65 W versions. The 35 W parts are the i3-10100T, i3-10300T, i5-10400T, i5-10500T, i5-10600T, i7-10700T and i9-10900T. The 65 W parts are the i3-10100, i3-10300, i5-10400, i5-10500, i5-10600, i7-10700 and i9-10900. The i9-10900 (10 cores, 20 threads) is the top option. Dell's web page and PDF disagree on the i7-10700's top clock (4.8 GHz versus 4.7 GHz).

The Q470 chipset is a 10th Gen platform, and Dell doesn't list 11th Gen chips, so stick to the list above. Dell doesn't publish a CPU upgrade list or a minimum BIOS version for each chip. Since every listed CPU is 10th Gen they should work, but check Dell's support site for your service tag.

Power matters. Dell's adapter table pairs 90 W and 130 W adapters with 35 W CPUs and a 180 W adapter with 65 W CPUs. If your system came with a 35 W CPU, moving to a 65 W one likely needs a 180 W adapter. That is our reading of the table, not a Dell statement. Dell's documents also don't say whether 35 W and 65 W builds use different heat sinks, so check Dell's parts list first.

Buying tips

  • Buy only a CPU from Dell's 10th Gen list, and check the suffix: T means 35 W, no suffix means 65 W.
  • Check which power adapter your system has before moving from a 35 W to a 65 W CPU.
  • Check Dell's parts list for the right heat sink if you're moving up to 65 W.
  • Look up your service tag on Dell's support site to confirm BIOS support for the CPU.

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How to upgrade

Before you start

  • Back up your important files.
  • Note your current CPU model, memory and drive from Windows or the BIOS so you can confirm the upgrade afterward.
  • Check your service tag on Dell's support site for the latest BIOS and your unit's configuration.
  • If BitLocker is on, suspend it before any BIOS update and re-enable it afterward.
  • Keep Dell's service manual open for exact disassembly steps, screw locations and torque details.
  • Work on a clean, hard surface and have a small screwdriver ready.

Steps

  1. Back up and update
    Back up your data. If you're changing the CPU, check for a BIOS update first, and suspend BitLocker beforehand if it is enabled.
  2. Power off and unplug
    Shut the computer down fully, then unplug the power adapter and all cables. Hold the power button for a few seconds to drain leftover charge.
  3. Ground yourself
    Touch bare metal on the chassis or use an anti-static wrist strap before handling parts. Hold components by their edges.
  4. Open the case
    Remove the side cover following the owner's manual. The Micro is a compact system, so take your time and note where cables run, including the SATA flat flex cable if the 2.5-inch drive is installed.
  5. Install the part
    For RAM or an M.2 SSD, follow the service manual's removal and installation sections for the memory modules and the drive. For a CPU, the service manual says to remove the heat sink and fan assembly first. Then remove the old processor, align the pin-1 triangle with the socket, 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. Reassemble
    If you removed them, reinstall the heat sink and fan assembly, reconnect any cables, and refit the side cover.
  7. Check in the BIOS
    Reconnect power, start the computer and open the BIOS setup. Confirm it shows the new memory size, the new drive or the new processor. For a new SSD, install or restore your operating system, and re-enable BitLocker if you suspended it.

Good to know

  • Dell's documents disagree on how many drives you can use at once: the ports table suggests two M.2 connectors plus SATA, but the storage section lists only one of the following configurations. A second NVMe SSD is unconfirmed.
  • Dell's guide lists Optane in 16 and 32 GB sizes, but Dell's Optane web page appears to show only 16 GB.
  • The 2.5-inch bay is listed by Dell for 35 W and 65 W configurations only, so confirm it exists on your unit.
  • Dell's documents don't name the CPU socket. These CPUs use LGA1200, but please verify before buying.
  • Dell doesn't publish a CPU upgrade list or per-CPU minimum BIOS version. Check support for your service tag.
  • Moving from a 35 W to a 65 W CPU likely needs a 180 W adapter and possibly a different heat sink. This is our reading of Dell's tables, not a Dell statement.
  • ECC memory support isn't confirmed, so use standard non-ECC modules.
  • Dell's web page and PDF guide differ on the i7-10700's maximum clock (4.8 GHz versus 4.7 GHz).

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Dell OptiPlex 7080 Micro take?

Up to 64 GB, using two 32 GB DDR4 SO-DIMMs. The minimum Dell lists is 4 GB, and 4, 8, 16 and 32 GB modules are supported.

What RAM speed does the OptiPlex 7080 Micro support?

Dell lists 2933 MT/s for i7 and i9 systems and 2666 MT/s for Pentium, i3 and i5 systems. Faster modules in an i3 or i5 system will run at 2666 MT/s.

Can I install two SSDs in the OptiPlex 7080 Micro?

Dell officially supports one of the following: one 2.5-inch drive, one M.2 SSD, or one 2.5-inch drive plus an Optane module. The board seems to have a second M.2 connector, but two NVMe SSDs at once is not confirmed, so don't count on it.

Does the OptiPlex 7080 Micro support PCIe Gen 4 SSDs?

The board supports PCIe up to Gen 3, so a Gen 4 NVMe SSD should run at Gen 3 speeds. An M.2 2280 drive can be up to 2 TB, while a 2230 drive is limited to 512 GB.

What is the fastest CPU the OptiPlex 7080 Micro supports?

The top option Dell lists is the 65 W Core i9-10900. Dell lists only 10th Gen Core i3, i5, i7 and i9 processors in 35 W and 65 W versions.

Does the OptiPlex 7080 Micro have a 3.5-inch bay or card reader?

No. It has no 3.5-inch bay and no memory card reader. Storage is the M.2 slot and, on units that have it, a single 2.5-inch SATA bay.

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.