Question BIOS Update on Dell Optiplex 3020 MT Really Necessary?

[MclovinBoi]

Hey guys!

I've got a few questions regarding Dell Optiplex BIOS updates. I own a modded Dell Optiplex and I want to install Arch Linux, but before I do so, I was thinking it might be necessary to update BIOS before I continue with the installation but I'm not 100% sure. My specific model is the Optiplex 3020 MT and it's currently on BIOS version A03. I was thinking that, even with safe usage online, Intel is pretty messed up and getting vulnerability fixes would be very beneficial just in case, but I've also heard that there are in-built power limits set by newer Dell firmware / bios updates, and for someone who wants to squeeze every single frame out possible, is that something that should concern me? I want a smooth, stable, secure experience as well, so i'm just trying to weigh those two aspects out.

Any feedback is appreciated!

 

[Lutfij]

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

Usually BIOS updates aren't just about vulnerability patches but compatibility refinements as well. If I were in your shoes, I'd make sure the BIOS for the prebuilt OptiPlex was on the latest, regardless.

 

[MclovinBoi]

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

Usually BIOS updates aren't just about vulnerability patches but compatibility refinements as well. If I were in your shoes, I'd make sure the BIOS for the prebuilt OptiPlex was on the latest, regardless.

Hi, @Lutfij

That's a great point, but what about possible CPU power limitations that i've heard Dell implementing with other models on newer BIOS updates? That could result in lower clocks and therefore less frames, but to what extent is that true? Are there power limitations on other components as well?

Thanks for your feedback and the warm welcome!

 

[Lutfij]

If you've heard about them, please bring the author to said claims forward. If you've read about them off the www, please pass on URL's for us to see.

For the sake of relevance, my research tells me that you're on a Haswell platform i3/15, courtesy of the Dell OptiPlex 3020MT, what more are you expecting out of it in 2025?

 

[MclovinBoi]

If you've heard about them, please bring the author to said claims forward. If you've read about them off the www, please pass on URL's for us to see.

For the sake of relevance, my research tells me that you're on a Haswell platform i3/15, courtesy of the Dell OptiPlex 3020 MT, what more are you expecting out of it in 2025?

Hi, @Lutfij

This source isn't exactly where I first heard of this issue, I forget what source that was, but Intel's vulnerability patches are an example of possible component limitations. {https://arxiv.org} Since there are a lot of vulnerabilities and a lot of patches, that could mean a lot of slow downs for general usage, but as for gaming, I unfortunately forget where I heard about those CPU power limitations, but I did remembering finding this source after looking into Intel vulnerability patches. Even if these patches are worth it from a security standpoint, if they greatly slow down my PC's daily usage and other firmware / BIOS updates do something else limiting my PCs potential, it might not be worth it at all with simply proceeding with safe usage online.

Also you're correct! I'm currently using an Intel core i5-4590, with a planned upgrade to the i7-4790. I'm expecting to push as much as I can out of it with even more potential upgrades, like possibly replacing the whole motherboard to the 9020 MT, as it costs only ~$20 used and has a lot of benefits, (A little off topic, sorry). I haven't set up the PC yet but I know it'll be able to play games at a decent frame rate, and I don't mind that it won't be able to play the new releases, just the majority of modern games. I'd also assume it'll last 2-3 years until I require a replacement setup.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Misgar]

I'm currently using an Intel core i5-4590, with a planned upgrade to the i7-4790

Check carefully to see if the Dell BIOS supports the 8-thread CPU. If the i7-4790 is not in Dell's BIOS support list, the computer might not start with a new CPU and you'll have wasted your money.

Luckily, both the i5-4590 and the i7-4790 have the same nominal 84W TDP, so the PSU and CPU cooler won't need upgrading if the BIOS can cope.

I have three overclocked i7-4770K systems, running at 4.1 and 4.2GHz all core, but you cannot overclock the 4790, so you're limted to 3.8GHz all core.

https://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Core_i7/Intel-Core i7-4790.html

I could probably take my 4770Ks up to 4.4. or 4.5GHz, but that means more Volts than I'm happy with.

Dell (office) systems tend not to allow overclocking so you won't benefit from a K-series CPU like the 4790K.

If finances allow, I'd suggest upgrading to a more modern computer. The i5-4590 was released on May 11, 2014 so it's 11 years old now.

 

[MclovinBoi]

Check carefully to see if the Dell BIOS supports the 8-thread CPU. If the i7-4790 is not in Dell's BIOS support list, the computer might not start with a new CPU and you'll have wasted your money.

Luckily, both the i5-4590 and the i7-4790 have the same nominal 84W TDP, so the PSU and CPU cooler won't need upgrading if the BIOS can cope.

I have three overclocked i7-4770K systems, running at 4.1 and 4.2GHz all core, but you cannot overclock the 4790, so you're limited to 3.8GHz all core.

https://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Core_i7/Intel-Core i7-4790.html

I could probably take my 4770Ks up to 4.4. or 4.5GHz, but that means more Volts than I'm happy with.

Dell (office) systems tend not to allow overclocking so you won't benefit from a K-series CPU like the 4790K.

If finances allow, I'd suggest upgrading to a more modern computer. The i5-4590 was released on May 11, 2014 so it's 11 years old now.

Hi, @Misgar

That's super important, I never thought of that! However, as far as I can tell I should be good. {https://www.cpu-upgrade.com, https://www.dell.com/community, https://www.dell.com/community, https://www.dell.com/community} I already upgraded the PSU in order to supply my graphics card, and I do plan to upgrade the cooler in order to maximize CPU capability and lower temps. {https://www.amazon.com} As far as overclocking goes, you're correct, I don't think it's possible to overclock any CPU on any optiplex, though i'm not 100% sure for all models. If there's a way to overclock any cpu on the Dell Optiplex 3020 MT, I will do it. I'm also aware replacing the whole system makes sense, but I got this PC for free and I already spent a decent amount of cash on it, I might as well spend a little more, plus it's been a lotta fun figuring things out for this build. It'll be enough for my usage for now, even as my main PC. Hell, maybe I'll take the old original parts and put it all into an old Dell dimension to get some usage outta them! Maybe an emulator, server, or something else! However, the main takeaway is that I'm still not sure if it makes sense to update the BIOS. Some people say it's not necessary, some people say it makes sense, but in my case, if performance could also be something to consider it may not be as easy of a decision...

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[Lutfij]

like possibly replacing the whole motherboard to the 9020 MT, as it costs only ~$20 used and has a lot of benefits
You sure about that? I've seen cases where the board is either DoA or worse, it works but has an anomaly on it that the seller denies any returns as it still works, assuming you're getting it off a seller in China.

If there's a way to overclock my cpu on the Dell Optiplex 3020 MT, I will do it.
The board lacks a proper VRM design, the BIOS is also limited to the point that you can't tweak your CPU or memory leaving you at the disposal of stock speeds are(DDR3-1600MHz), this is because overclocking introduces a factor of unreliability which in turn could lead to undesired warranty claims by end users for Dell. This also defeats the purpose of an OptiPlex which was designed for reliability regardless of what paces you put them through. This is why you'll see these in offices or CNC milling environments and are clogged up with dust but are still chugging along.

IMHO, adding ram, increasing the storage capacity and dropping in a processor is all you can do with your MT. Overclocking is overambitious at the very least on anything from Dell.

However, the main takeaway is that I'm still not sure if it makes sense to update the BIOS. Some people say it's not necessary, some people say it makes sense, but in my case, if performance could also be something to consider it may not be as easy of a decision..
The saying, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, comes to mind.

 

[MclovinBoi]

like possibly replacing the whole motherboard to the 9020 MT, as it costs only ~$20 used and has a lot of benefits
You sure about that? I've seen cases where the board is either DoA or worse, it works but has an anomaly on it that the seller denies any returns as it still works, assuming you're getting it off a seller in China.

If there's a way to overclock my cpu on the Dell Optiplex 3020 MT, I will do it.
The board lacks a proper VRM design, the BIOS is also limited to the point that you can't tweak your CPU or memory leaving you at the disposal of stock speeds are(DDR3-1600MHz), this is because overclocking introduces a factor of unreliability which in turn could lead to undesired warranty claims by end users for Dell. This also defeats the purpose of an OptiPlex which was designed for reliability regardless of what paces you put them through. This is why you'll see these in offices or CNC milling environments and are clogged up with dust but are still chugging along.

IMHO, adding ram, increasing the storage capacity and dropping in a processor is all you can do with your MT. Overclocking is overambitious at the very least on anything from Dell.

However, the main takeaway is that I'm still not sure if it makes sense to update the BIOS. Some people say it's not necessary, some people say it makes sense, but in my case, if performance could also be something to consider it may not be as easy of a decision..
The saying, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, comes to mind.

Lotza good points here! My planned motherboard purchase is from a seemingly trustworthy seller located in the US. Due to direct gpu passthrough support, it seems like a no-brainer along with pcie 3.0, 32gb ram support, and a newer chipset, all standard features that the 3020 doesn't have. But you are still right, if it's DOA, that'll be a huge bummer, but it's not only worth it, it's needed for my usage, so that's a risk I'm willing to take. Also unfortunate that you can't overclock the CPU but, hey what can you do, that's just Dell being Dell. As for the BIOS, I hear you out now, but after thinking for a bit, I realized that what you said earlier kinda stuck with me:

Usually BIOS updates aren't just about vulnerability patches but compatibility refinements as well. If I were in your shoes, I'd make sure the BIOS for the prebuilt OptiPlex was on the latest, regardless.

Sure maybe I'd lose a little-bit-of-something but it's probably worth it for compatibility and vulnerability patches, as even if I want maximum performance, security should come first, period.

In conclusion: I'm not certain but I think i'll just go ahead with the BIOS update after all. It's not necessary but I think it's worth it. Imma go ahead with all other planned purchases as well, unless something comes up. I can't express how much appreciation I have for you guys, thanks for the help! I've got a better understanding now when it comes to viability for various aspects of optiplex modding. Also, if you're interested I've got more interesting questions, i'll attach that thread here:

Have a great day!