CES 2021 | Dell announces OptiPlex 7090 Ultra, a zero-footprint desktop module that fits into a monitor stand

Dell’s OptiPlex 7070 Ultra was quite a unique product when it launched in late 2019. The tiny desktop was designed to fit into a monitor stand, merging the compact size of an all-in-one PC without locking users into a specific configuration for the life of the machine. Now, Dell has announced the OptiPlex 7090 Ultra, bringing 11th Gen Intel CPUs and Intel Iris Xe Graphics to the form factor.

The OptiPlex 7090 Ultra can be configured with either an Intel Core i3-1115G4 (2C/4T, 6 MB, 3.0-4.1 GHz), Core i5-1145G7 (4C/8T, 8 MB, 2.6-4.4 GHz, vPRO), or Core i7-1185G7 (4C/8T, 12 MB, 3.0-4.8 GHz, vPRO) CPU. Each of these Tiger Lake chips has a 28 W TDP. The 7090 Ultra can be specced with up to 64 (2x32 GB) DDR4-3200 RAM, either a 2.5-inch (up to 1 TB 7200 RPM) or M.2 2280 (up to 1TB PCIe x4 NVMe) storage drive, and either Intel’s UHD Graphics (Core i3) or Iris Xe Graphics (Core i5, Core i7).

The flat desktop has one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10 Gbps) port, one USB 4.0 Type-C (w/ DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 4.0) port, and a 3.5 mm headset jack on the side. On the rear of the unit are two more USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port (w/ DisplayPort), one RJ45 Ethernet jack, a DC input, and a DisplayPort 1.4. There is also a Kensington lock slot.

Dell includes its Dell Optimizer software with the OptiPlex 7090 Ultra, which is an AI suite that tries to improve application performance based on a user’s workload.

The desktop can be clipped into a custom monitor stand that is compatible with several Dell monitors and some third-party displays. Most VESA-compatible monitors ranging from 19 to 27 inches should fit onto the stand.

The Dell OptiPlex 7090 Ultra will be available on January 28, 2021, starting at US$769. This price includes the stand, but monitors must be purchased separately.