[SOLVED] Anyone experienced with Dell Optiplex SFF PSUs think they can be mounted using an ATX adapter bracket ?

ironstem

Reputable
Aug 15, 2020
102
11
4,615
(first off, I haven't been on this account in a while lol, looks like I last used it back in 2020-21, then randomly in 2024)

Pretty simple question. From the looks of it, it seems to be TFX size, but I think the mounting holes are different. My whole goal here is to put everything from a Dell Optiplex 9020 SFF into a standard case. I've done this 2 times before but only with the more standard MT version. I also used 2 adapters for fans and the front panel, found on eBay. The SFF is a bit different here, and it's PSU definitely isn't standard. Motherboard power is 8 pins instead of the usual 24. So just at a glance, do any of you think it's possible? Or should I A. mount it some other way, maybe with tape or something idk, or B use some 8 pin to 24 pin adapter? I've seen reviews online saying that these are cheap and don't work, but I could be wrong.

Example model link: https://www.amazon.com/Dell-NT1XP-O...xt&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A1M2XHAF9RZOL2&gQT=2
 
Solution
Pretty simple question.
Yes it's a TFX form factor but you might want to understand that the connectors on the PSU are proprietary and will only co-operate with Dell's motherboards. You're better off getting a harness off of ModDIY and an off the shelf, reliably built ATX/TFX PSU, if you intend to move the motherboard to another case.

My whole goal here is to put everything from a Dell Optiplex 9020 SFF into a standard case.
Standard is a relative term, we have ATX cases, mATX cases and mITX cases(to name a few) but they're also termed as standard. In essence, what case are you looking at?

So just at a glance, do any of you think it's possible?
I'm the one around the forums, who's against the idea of...
Pretty simple question.
Yes it's a TFX form factor but you might want to understand that the connectors on the PSU are proprietary and will only co-operate with Dell's motherboards. You're better off getting a harness off of ModDIY and an off the shelf, reliably built ATX/TFX PSU, if you intend to move the motherboard to another case.

My whole goal here is to put everything from a Dell Optiplex 9020 SFF into a standard case.
Standard is a relative term, we have ATX cases, mATX cases and mITX cases(to name a few) but they're also termed as standard. In essence, what case are you looking at?

So just at a glance, do any of you think it's possible?
I'm the one around the forums, who's against the idea of transplanting a prebuilt's innards to another case. It only drives your return on investments to negative albeit with resources being dumped for little to no gain. I'd advise on saving the money and getting a build done right from the ground up.

To round off, you're not going to get anywhere with a mere 255W unit unless you're dealing with yesteryears hardware. I didn't bring in the topic about warranty on said unit.
 
Last edited:
Solution
Seconded, better to get a PSU adapter and use a standard PSU then try to fit the Dell PSU into a standard chassis.

Moddiy is a good resource, though you can also find similar products on Amazon, Ebay, etc. Just search 9020 Optiplex power adapter.
 
Pretty simple question.
Yes it's a TFX form factor but you might want to understand that the connectors on the PSU are proprietary and will only co-operate with Dell's motherboards. You're better off getting a harness off of ModDIY and an off the shelf, reliably built ATX/TFX PSU, if you intend to move the motherboard to another case.

My whole goal here is to put everything from a Dell Optiplex 9020 SFF into a standard case.
Standard is a relative term, we have ATX cases, mATX cases and mITX cases(to name a few) but they're also termed as standard. In essence, what case are you looking at?

So just at a glance, do any of you think it's possible?
I'm the one around the forums, who's against the idea of transplanting a prebuilt's innards to another case. It only drives your return on investments to negative albeit with resources being dumped for little to no gain. I'd advise on saving the money and getting a build done right from the ground up.

To round off, you're not going to get anywhere with a mere 255W unit unless you're dealing with yesteryears hardware. I didn't bring in the topic about warranty on said unit.

Let me clarify, this WON'T be my main PC. It's simply a spare one used to AFK 24/7 for a game I'm playing, nothing more. I've had it for maybe 1-2 years and it's done what I needed to do in the past. I bought the case a month ago to put some other spare hardware in it, but now I need that for a different build meant for my living room. If I were to put the Dell Optiplex hardware into this case, I'd be spending maybe 10 bucks for the bracket, and another 15-20 for any adapters I've used in the past. I don't see the issue for me personally, but I do get your point though, I probably shouldn't be spending (I think) $15-20 for these adapters since it would probably cost just slightly more to find the cheapest parts and build it from the ground up. Hell, I've found 6th-8th gen Intel CPUs perfect for what I need for 10-20, so I might reconsider that route. I still just want to try getting a bracket though before doing anything else.

I forgot to mention, I have another Dell Optiplex ATX PSU , but wouldn't you know, it's the more standard 24 pins. I've tried using it in the case (which has some cheap ASUS motherboard and i5-8400) but the CPU power cable isn't long enough. It's meant for an MT Optiplex. Since that didn't work, I'm just using a Corsair CX650M. The motherboard, ram and PSU were from an old gaming build from like a few years ago. This hardware will be reused for gaming and replaced by either the Dell Optiplex or as you said, stuff built from the ground up.

Since you asked for the case, it was some cheap one I found on Amazon. It's all I needed really, just had to be small enough to fit on my TV shelf. I know the motherboard and PSU fits, it was just mounting I was wondering about. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHPRKW18?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
 
Update: Just found out these adapters I've used before ONLY WORK with the DT or MT sizes. I've done this 2 times in the past thinking it would be fine this 3rd time, but it turns out I was wrong lol. I don't know if the front panel connectors for the SFF version are standard, if I recall correctly it had proper audio, 1 USB 3.0, and 1 USB 2.0, but the power button is very proprietary. Not sure if the adapter specific to the power button will work, and I'm not gonna bother to find out. I'll just buy a bunch of cheap stuff instead.

Just saying this for future reference to anyone who finds this, again, don't use these things unless its the DT or MT size Optiplexs, and even then it might just be more worth finding better hardware rather than "de-casing" them. I don't regret doing it two times in the past, mainly because it already involves cases I already had, just like this situation. Those Dell Optiplexs are long gone now though, gave them away.


Example link (you can find these on eBay as well): https://www.amazon.com/Optiplex-Precision-T1700-Header-Adapter/dp/B0BWN11D9G