[Guide] Install Mojave on the Dell Optiplex 7010 / 9010 Desktop PC

[kaaanonn]

Thank you very much for your answers. My PC is indeed an Optiplex 7010 (written on it), manufactured 10/10/2012, and has a i3 2120 @3,30 GHz. As you mentionned, it's possible somebody swapped it out. I'm with A29 BIOS version, and did not find where to find the chipset reference.

Considering it's a good Q77. Is an i5 3570 a good choice, even though it only has HD2500 and not HD4000 ? I don't think I will use double screen anyway. I ask this mainly because the price difference, in second hand market, is quite huge.

 

[nicksoph]

No to the 3570 - it has Intel 2500 graphics which some people have claimed to work but has failed for most: better is a chip with HD4000 graphics. (the 3570 "K" does come with hd4000) but take another look at trs96's reply for others.

 

[trs96]

@trs96 - Hi, Im just about to rebuild a SFF Dell 7010 with GT710 and an i3470 (or if directed, no GT710 and a 3475s) and thinking about whether there is anything in the build process that might be improved or need looking into. If you do have anything that you would like looking into or any ideas about what might be worth changing?, Ill be playing over the weekend.

Yes, I'm going to be looking at ways to improve my HS guide. All of which should apply to Mojave as well. I'm not happy with the DSDT patching for USB function and will be re-working that with the help of Sniki. If you plan on using the 710 exclusively I don't think upgrading to the 3475S does much for you. So watch the HS thread for developments. Can't get to it today though as I'm too busy with work. You know, the kind that pays the bills.

 

[trs96]

it has Intel 2500 graphics which some people have claimed to work but has failed for most: better is a chip with HD4000 graphics.

IMO the HD4000 is even better than the latest UHD 630 Intel grapics. Not in terms of specs but in regard to the degree of compatibility and support in Mojave. I've never had a single problem with HD4000. There are endless posts here about the many problems with UHD 630. Most people end up simply disabling their onboard graphics.

 

[trs96]

@Sniki Sorry I forgot about this... Never got a notification of a reply. Where can I find the problem reporting files at?

Search: black.dragon74 generate proper problem reporting files

 

[kaaanonn]

Thanks a lot for your fast answers and your knowledge.

I found for 35 bucks a i3 3225, wich wont make a huge difference with the i3 2120, but will not be outdated and have the HD4000. I think this is the best way to make this Optiplex 7010 work fine.

I must say I'm really surprised with how smooth it works nonetheless. For 70 € + 30€ SSD, it's kind of astonishing, feeling that it runs smoother than my GF's iMac with an HDD. Still some glitchs, no sleep and no audio, but I think I will do a fresh install when I get the new CPU.

And I must admit, it's a guilty pleasure to have a Dell computer, looking old and clinky, running the latest MacOS and booting in no time !

 

[trs96]

Thank you very much for your answers. My PC is indeed an Optiplex 7010 (written on it), manufactured 10/10/2012, and has a i3 2120 @3,30 GHz. As you mentionned, it's possible somebody swapped it out.

These were primarily sold new with a core i5 or i7 CPU. Unless a company special ordered some with the 2nd gen chips, someone likely removed the i5-3470 or i7-3770 and sold it. Then they put in an inexpensive i3-2120 so they could resell the complete PC. It still works the same with Windows, just a lot slower.

 

[trs96]

I must say I'm really surprised with how smooth it works nonetheless. For 70 € + 30€ SSD, it's kind of astonishing, feeling that it runs smoother than my GF's iMac with an HDD. Still some glitchs, no sleep and no audio

If you are running Mojave on HD2000 graphics from an i3-2120 I find it hard to believe it runs smoother than an iMac. Even HD3000 graphics don't work in Mojave. Can your post your "About this Mac" screenshot ?

 

[nicksoph]

as this is a USFF, I can't put a Wifi Card in here.

You have a mini pci slot (on motherboard near front centre) which will take a wifi card - I use a broadcom wifi only card in one of my usff 7010's that works perfectly. (details to follow)

 

[kaaanonn]

If you are running Mojave on HD2000 graphics from an i3-2120 I find it hard to believe it runs smoother than an iMac. Even HD3000 graphics don't work in Mojave. Can your post your "About this Mac" screenshot ?

I'm maybe a bit too optimistic on my use of words. I'm on a 1680x1050 monitor.
And as I said in my first post, I'm experiencing some minor graphic glitches, and some random lattencies on particular uses.

To be fair, what makes it feel faster is mainly the SSD. Her 2013 iMac doesn't have any.