upgrades to Dell Optiplex 3050 micro ultra SFF desktop pc

roytom2

I've acquired a micro Dell Optiplex 3050 pc (external power supply and no DVD writer)
Mine has a 256GB internal SSD and 8GB memory. It came with Windows 10. On the base it has a code Reg Type D10U002
Any suggestions for possible upgrades that will improve speed and increase storage space not cost too much
TIA

roytom2

Here are some photos of the interior that should help

roytom2

If I could add M.2 storage that would be great. I’m not sure about adding extra RAM? It doesn’t have internal Wi-Fi at the moment.
thanks for reading 

facade

First, if you haven't already, get the manual https://dl.dell.com/content/manual39429067-optiplex-3050-micro-owner-s-manual.pdf?language=en-us&ps=true

To make it go faster, more ram and an M2 pcie SSD.

Pull the fan assembly and check if there is only one ram card (most likely) then get another identical one for the other slot.

Get a decent SSD, e.g. a 1TB Samsung 970 EVO Plus (£51 on Ebay) Avoid the 980 EVO as it doesn't have any Dram and uses the computer ram as a cache.

Then you can forget about the current SATA drive, or fit something like a 2TB Integral V series for around £80. You can do this later if 1TB is not enough.

You will also need to download a repair image and make a USB to boot from to get it working again, or it might manage to fix itself over the interweb, I can't remember if mine did or not it is an option at boot. If you just install windows it will work, but you end up chasing drivers, and Dell's PC care thing is quite good at downloading bios updates and drivers.

Don't fit a SATA hdd because they are unbelievably noisy, a 3050 is virtually silent in use (also 4TB hdds are too thick to fit- guess how I know)

Can't help with the wifi, I expect any M2 wifi/bluetooth card will work, the problem is the aerials that you don't have.

roytom2

Many thanks facade for the very detailed advice. It’s greatly appreciated.
I’ve now found out how to take out the fan assembly- it’s clearly not been off before due to the amount of dust under it.
I attach a pic of this area showing the existing 8GB RAM. I had a quick look at Dell RAM to upgrade it but thought it was quite expensive.
Regards

facade

If you search for sk hynix 8 gb 1rx8 pc4 2400t on eBay, there are a couple of identical ones to yours for £15 ish.

As long as the top line is the same (and obviously the physical appearance) it will work. The last part of the second line is to do with manufacturing date.

The trouble with buying a 3050 "cheap" is that once you upgrade it to a decent spec. with new parts, you have spent a fortune!

The best buys are ones with plenty of ram, but no SSD or operating system, as you will be throwing the miniscule SSD away.

I have a 3050 that I use with the TV as a media pc. Works well, virtually silent with SSDs, the only niggle is lack of USB ports, once the remote keyboard + controller and external soundcard are plugged in there are none left.

roytom2

Many thanks for your advice, it’s greatly appreciated.
Ive now noticed another spare socket on the main board, shown in the attached picture circled in red. Could this be any use for anything? It’s partly obscured in the pic by the connection using the neighbouring socket.
TIA

facade

Have a look in that manual I linked to.

Most likely it is the connector for the optional video socket on the back panel. I think you could have an extra hdmi or a vga.

Cisco001

You can add nvme ssd for storage
Crucial P3 plus 1TB is £43 at amazon

Then another 8GB RAM