Does anyone familiar with Dell Optiplex SFF PSUs believe they can be installed with an ATX adapter bracket?
Does anyone familiar with Dell Optiplex SFF PSUs believe they can be installed with an ATX adapter bracket?
Initially, I haven't used this account much, but it seems to be a TFX model from around 2020-21 and then again in 2024. It appears to be of the standard size, though the mounting holes are different. My aim is to fit everything from a Dell Optiplex 9020 SFF into a regular case. I've tried this before with the more common MT version, using two fan adapters and the front panel from eBay. The SFF here is distinct, and the PSU isn't standard. Motherboard power connects via 8 pins instead of the usual 24. Quickly, anyone think it's feasible? Or should I try a different approach—like using tape or an 8-pin to 24-pin adapter? Online reviews suggest these might be low-quality and unreliable, but I'm not sure.
It's a straightforward question.
The PSU connectors on the TFX are unique and will only work with Dell's motherboards. It's safer to source a compatible harness from ModDIY or a ready-made ATX/TFX PSU if you plan to relocate the motherboard.
My main aim is to fit all components from a Dell Optiplex 9020 SFF into a regular case.
Standard cases vary—ATX, mATX, mITX, etc.—but they're all considered standard in general.
In short, are you considering this possibility?
It's a straightforward question. Yes, it uses the TFX form factor, but it's important to note that the connectors on the PSU are unique and only work with Dell's motherboards. It's recommended to use a harness from ModDIY or a standard ATX/TFX PSU if you plan to relocate the motherboard to another case.
My main aim here is to fit everything from a Dell Optiplex 9020 SFF into a regular case. The term "standard" refers to different types of cases—ATX, mATX, and mITX—but they're also called standard. Essentially, what kind of case are you considering?
Just a quick look: anyone think it's feasible? I'm the one active in the forums who opposes moving prebuilt components into another case. It only reduces your investment returns negatively, wasting resources without much benefit. I suggest investing wisely and building everything from scratch.
To sum up, a 255W unit won't be effective unless you're working with older hardware. I didn't mention warranty concerns for that model.
Seconded, it's better to obtain a PSU adapter and use a regular PSU before attempting to fit the Dell PSU into a standard chassis. Moddiy is a helpful resource, though you can also locate comparable items on Amazon, Ebay, etc. Just search 9020 Optiplex power adapter.
I want to be clear, this isn't my primary system. It's just a backup unit used intermittently for a game I'm playing, nothing more. I've owned it for about a year or two and it has fulfilled its purpose in the past. I purchased the case last month to accommodate additional spare components, but now I need it for another build intended for my living room. If I were to fit the Dell Optiplex hardware into this case, I'd only need around $10 for the bracket, plus another $15-20 for any adapters I've used before. Personally, I don't see a problem, but I agree with your perspective—I might be overspending on those adapters. It would probably cost a bit more to source the cheapest options and construct it from scratch. I've discovered 6th-8th generation Intel CPUs that fit my requirements for 10-20, so I could rethink this approach. Still, I just want to try installing a bracket before proceeding further.
I should also note, I have another Dell Optiplex ATX power supply, but it's the standard 24-pin type. I've attempted to use it in the case (which has a budget ASUS motherboard and i5-8400), but the CPU power cable is too short for my needs. It's designed for an MT Optiplex. Since that didn't work, I'm sticking with a Corsair CX650M. The motherboard, RAM, and PSU came from an older gaming build from several years back. This hardware will be reused for gaming and either replaced by the Dell Optiplex or rebuilt entirely if needed.
Since you mentioned the case, it's a budget option I found on Amazon. All I really needed was something compact enough to fit on my TV shelf. I'm sure the motherboard and PSU are compatible, but I was mainly concerned with the mounting.
Just discovered these adapters I've used before are compatible only with DT or MT sizes. I attempted this twice before, expecting success on the third try, but it didn't work out. I'm uncertain if the SFF version's front panel connectors are standard—remembering they had proper audio, 1 USB 3.0, and 1 USB 2.0—but the power button seems very unique. I'm unsure whether the adapter for that button will function, so I'll skip checking further. Instead, I'll purchase cheaper alternatives.
For future reference, avoid these unless you're using DT or MT Optiplex models; even then, it might be better to seek better hardware rather than modifying them. I regret the previous attempts mainly because they used cases I already owned, similar to this one. Those Dell Optiplexs are now discontinued.
Example link (available on eBay):
https://www.amazon.com/Optiplex-Precisio...B0BWN11D9G
Update: just to clarify, only USB is the standard, all other options are proprietary. Thanks Dell.
Updated the update with a solution since that's what you wanted.