Dell OptiPlex 7060 Micro – good things come in small packages

Dell OptiPlex 7060 Micro

The Dell OptiPlex 7060 Micro is a small form factor PC for small business or enterprise use – although consumers will love its bookshelf size – a scant 182 x 178 x 36 mm.

The Dell OptiPlex 7060 Micro does everything you could want from a desktop with one exception – it does not have peripheral card expansion slots.

GadgetGuy loves small form factors – full to the brim with technology, can run mains power Intel processors (not the U versions) and even have space for M.2 and 2.5” SSD drives.

Review : Dell OptiPlex 7060 Micro

Website here

It would not be a Dell unless it has several configurations and the ability to customise completely using its build your own option. Dell also offers Qantas Business Rewards and has flash sales for online orders.

Let’s look at the basic configuration options

  • Intel Core i5-8500 or i7-8700 (35W T-version or 65W)
  • 8 or 16GB DDR4-2666Mhz
  • PCIe NVMe x4 to 2TB M.2 SSD and 2.5-inch SATA SSD
  • Windows 10 Pro (Ubuntu 16.04)

Flash sales price ranges from $1163 to about $1700 but remember there is no monitor and only a basic USB keyboard and mouse. Still, its surprisingly good value.

Overall this is an Intel reference device which is great for firmware and driver updates. And Dell has its Command Centre as well for other updates.

The real advantage to the Dell OptiPlex 7060 Micro is its connectivity.

For a small form factor it has ports to burn plus you can option it up further.

Dell OptiPlex 7060 Micro
  • USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 10Gbps (note not ALT DP
  • 5 x USB-A 3.0 5Gbps (1 front with PowerShare/4 rear)
  • Gigabit RJ-45
  • 2 x Display Ports 1.2
  • 1 x 3.5mm combo audio (front)
  • 1 x Line-out (front)

Options

  • 3rd DisplayPort or VGA or HDMI 2.0b
  • 1 x USB Type-C Alt Mode
  • 1 x Serial and PS2

You will note that the standard USB-C port on the front does not appear to support ALT Mode for DisplayPort, power and data. Dell lists a $38.50 option which we suspect uses the options expansion slot. If you plan to run a USB-C monitor, you will need this.

Dell OptiPlex 7060 Micro

Processor and Passmark

We love the choice, and the 35W T-version is no slouch either. The 65W version is $22 more.

  • i5-8500 6-core, 6-thread, 3/4/1GHz, (65W) 11937
  • i5-8500T 6-core, 6-thread 2.1/3.5GHz, (35W) 10002
  • i7-8700 6-core, 12-thread, 3.2/4.6Ghz, (65W) 15143
  • i7-8700T 6-core, 12-thread, 2.4/4Ghz (35W) 12736

Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 supports DisplayPort displays at up to 4096×2304@60Hz.

All have TPM 2.0, and most have VPro and full 64-bit virtualisation for running virtual machines.

Memory/Storage

There are two DDR4-2666MHz slots. It comes with one x 8GB, or you can get one x 16GB for $198 more. The processor will handle more ram (32GB), and its dual-channel system means its slightly faster with two sticks.

The Toshiba M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD recorded 1564/651MBps sequential read/write and very good figures for larger random read/writes. It’s not the fastest, and there is an option of a Class 40 SSD for $20.90 more.

Dell OptiPlex 7060 Micro

Sound

Realtek ALC3234 and 2W speaker. You can enable Dolby Access for headphones by a Microsoft Store codec purchase.

Wireless

The review unit came with an Intel Wireless-AC 9560, Dual-band 2×2 with MU-MIMO and Bluetooth 5 with an external antenna. We like the AC 9560 module, and its performance is excellent. At 2m from our reference D-Link AC5300 router it achieves 866Mbps and a 6m is 760Mbps.

Power brick

Our unit has a 19.5V/4.62 (90W) supply and the full version Intel 65W processors come with a 130W brick.

Keyboard and mouse

The standard corded keyboard and mouse remind me why I use Logitech G series Bluetooth mice and mechanical keyboards.

It’s not that the Dell is bad, but they are by no means fit for my commercial use. The key throw is a generous 3mm, and the actuation force is 50g. Keys are well spaced, and the arrow keys are separate. The mouse needs a mouse pad.

Maintenance

Del has an amazing array of online service, upgrade and repair guides – the most comprehensive I have seen.

Access is via a single knurled knob and slide-off cover. User, replaceable items include 2 x slot RAM, M.2 and 2,5 SSD, Processor, WLAN M.2 card, coin battery and fan. Ten-out-of-ten.

Dell OptiPlex 7060 Micro

GadgetGuy’s take – Dell OptiPlex 7060 Micro – good things come in small packages

As readers will be aware we quite like Intel NUC and ASUS Vivi-mini SFF PCs. We now add Dell OptiPlex 7060 Micro to that esteemed list.

It offers whisper quite a performance (the 35W unit as tested) in a book-sized PC with all the ports. I would have liked to try the USB-C Alt Mode option, but we can wait until this device comes standard with Thunderbolt 3 – awesome for expansion.

For an SMB user it is a no-brainer. If you have existing monitors just buy the box and select Dell warranty options (3-years is standard, but you can get more).

For a home user it is a fully-fledged PC with Bluetooth, and more so you could use it as a PC, media centre etc.

What I am impressed with is Dell’s website and comprehensive customisation options.

Features
Value for money
Performance
Ease of Use
Design
Reader Rating0 Votes
Quiet
Customisable and repairable
Not constrained by slower U-class processors
Great warranty and support
I anxiously await the Thunderbolt 3 version
4.7