74

Conclusion: We're mixed

The Optiplex 990 series includes a small form-factor model that is useful if space is limited, but also offers limited expansion and upgrade options. The full-size 990 is a standard tower, and provides a good amount of flexibility, both in terms of base configurations and available upgrades. Both variants are solid performers, with good graphics and speedy processors. However, even the larger 990 is missing some key features, including USB 3.0 ports. For small and mid-sized businesses, there are better options at roughly similar prices, both from Dell, and from other manufacturers as well.

Critic reviews

7.5
3 reviews
  • Speed and features
    7.2
  • Design and form factor
    8.0
  • Expandability
    6.8
  • Noise
    8.0
  • Size and weight
    8.0
  • Power consumption
    8.0

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User reviews

7.7
3 reviews
8.0
PC Mag Jun 27, 2011

The enterprise-class Dell Optiplex 990 business desktop brings second generation Core i processors to your medium to large business. It will work as an SMB shop as well, but the system's real strength is when it's deployed in numbers.

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6.0
PC World Jul 11, 2011

Dell’s Optiplex 990 SFF manages to squeeze past much of the rest of the Business Desktop category, offering strong general performance at a fair price.

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9.0
DesktopReview Jun 14, 2011

Business upgrades have slowed this year as companies finally upgrade their systems to Windows 7, but if you're looking for a new system to roll out, the OptiPlex 990 deserves some attention. It's fast, attractive and efficient, and comes with Dell's top-of-the-line business support.

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7.0
ArmpitOfDeath ArmpitOfDeath

It's hard to say anything particularly bad about this machine, and it's also quite hard to say anything out of the ordinarily good about it. Specs are pretty much what you'd expect of a machine in this business class, nothing jumps out at you as very different and that's a good thing for...

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