The 4K Dell OptiMac - 9020 MT - Core i7-4790 - Radeon RX 570 - LG 4K IPS Monitor

[iAsk]

If you followed the guide the iGPU should work with no problems. You may need to go back and see how you deviated from the guide instructions.

Okay, Will do, Thanks again =)

 

[trs96]

1680 x 1050

That is a 4:3 aspect ratio, something no Mac uses any more. Can you try a 16:9 aspect monitor and see if it works via onboard DP. You could take out the graphics card then connect just one 16:9 monitor (1080p) and see if it works.

 

[iAsk]

That is a 4:3 aspect ratio, something no Mac uses any more. Can you try a 16:9 aspect monitor and see if it works via onboard DP. You could take out the graphics card then connect just one 16:9 monitor (1080p) and see if it works.

Hey there

I just tested the DP to HDMI.. it works.. It's just that the 1 monitor.. my test monitor that I was using to test the DP TO HDMI function is a laptop monitor.. I mean a laptop screen like a 10 inch with a controller.. think of it like a ghetto thing.
Anyways I think that was the issue (A resolution issue, not supported or out of range)...
Everything is working great. Thanks Again.

 

[lofidub]

Looking for upgrade to Catalina advice -
Does this process make sense;
Upgrade Clover to latest and rework Clover folders
Upgrade all kets to latest
Upgrade OSX using Mac update process.

Thanks for any comments

I was able to install Catalina as is, without changing anything from this build at all.
I cloned my drive to be safe, installed Clover from this thread and copied my Clover folders over, tested it booted ok, then clicked the upgrade button.

But I used it for a few days and decided I didn't like it. (No iTunes was a problem for me as I have a big library and the Apple music app is rubbish for non streaming.) It seemed stable, etc., while I was using it.

 

[trs96]

For anyone that wants to move their MT Dell motherboard into a larger ATX case. See this post:

Big Rosewill Case and PSU and Peripherals sale at Newegg 12/21 and 12/22 only

This is today and tomorrow only. Newegg's way of saying Merry Christmas. You must be signed up for their email deals to use the promo codes on the following page...

www.tonymacx86.com

Some really low Rosewill case prices. Free shipping too.

This case and PSU combo will fit your MT mobo and the free PSU would work with an adapter.
Probably for an RX570 as the most powerful graphics you could use with the 400W PSU.

The PSU specs actually look respectable. It is a brand new 2019 model too. Not something from 10 years ago.

 

[trs96]

Optiplex 9020 SFF Deal at Newegg
​

$114.50 for an Optiplex with everything you'll need to get up and running. You might need a DP to HDMI adapter or a DP to HDMI cable if your monitor only has HDMI inputs. The cables or adapters cost less than 10 dollars. $124 is about what you'd pay for just a new Coffee lake quad core i3 CPU which is not much better than the i5-4570 you'll get with the 9020.

https://www.newegg.com/dell-optiplex-9020-business-desktops-workstations/p/1VK-0001-3JVW6

Use the HD4600 graphics first, then add a compatible LP graphics card later on if need be.

Dell Optiplex 9020 - Small Form Factor
RAM: 8GB DDR3
HDD: 500GB
CPU: Intel Core i5-4570 3.2GHz 4th Generation Quad Core
OS: Windows 10 Home / 64 Bit
DVD-RW Drive
Display Ports x 2
Intel LAN RJ-45 Networking Port
USB 3.0: 4 Ports (2 on Front; 2 on Back)
USB 2.0: 6 Ports (2 on Front: 4 on Back)
Audio Ports: 2 on back; Mic and Headphone Port on Front
Includes Power Cable, Keyboard, and Mouse

 

[triplec76]

@trs96, your commitment to this build and the community is amazing. Thank you for your hard work.

 

[trs96]

If Santa Claus brings you the new PC case you wrote to him at the North pole for, then you're in luck. Jon the net guy has made a complete build transfer video for the Optiplex 9020 MT. This is great. Now I don't have to make the video.

Here's the case (ATX) that I'd recommend to move your Dell system into. The Phanteks p300 Eclipse.
https://www.newegg.com/black-phanteks-eclipse-p300-atx-mid-tower/p/N82E16811854068

It's got very minimal RGB lighting and costs about thirty dollars less than the Gamdias case in the video. I own one and it has really solid construction, fit and finish. The front panel is not plastic, it's all steel except for the air vents in front. The side glass panel is much smaller and easier to take off and replace than the one in the Gamdias case.

This transfer is a good idea if you've got a lot of PSU cable clutter inside your Optiplex. You can easily connect 3 fans up to a fan controller and get very good airflow through a new case. That way you bypass the need for proprietary 5 pin fans from Dell. I'm not into RGB myself but if you are then that is also an option you have with a case like this. Here's some before and after pictures. "Look Mom, no more cable clutter. I cleaned up my PC !"

Before and after the transfer/transplant pictures.

Jon has been called the "Bob Ross" of PC building and repair. He gently shows you step by step, talks calmly and slowly and is never in a hurry. Here's to your "happy little" Optiplex 9020 PC case transfer ! Have a great Christmas everyone.

 

[XmasGiftWIP]

@trs96

Monitor + GPU question for you.

Currently in the search for a monitor. I ordered the WX 4100 as my GPU and was wondering if you think it would be enough to power a 5K display.

I know the LG Ultrafine is not compatible, so I'm looking at a Planar IX and a discontinued HP 5K as options.

The Dell WX 4100 support page says it supports a single 5K monitor, but I wondered if it would exhibit any lag /tearing /graphical artifacts. Don't know if anybody has any firsthand experience or had a better idea based on the card specs.

 

[trs96]

Currently in the search for a monitor. I ordered the WX 4100 as my GPU and was wondering if you think it would be enough to power a 5K display.

Should work theoretically but I've never owned that card or a 5K monitor. If it can power four 4K displays you'd think it should have no problems. You might search in some Mac Pro 2010/12 forums to see if anyone has done this with a 5K monitor. The Late 2014 iMac was 5K but Apple accomplished that with two streams from DP 1.2. The WX4100 has DP 1.4 which is 8K capable. Since the drivers for the 4100 are native in macOS my guess would be that it will work quite well if the monitor you pick has DP 1.4 inputs. It might require that you use an iMac SMBIOS that is newer than what the guide suggests and works for 4K monitors. Will take some experimenting on your part.

4K/5K Display Support
Drive a single, 5K (5120x2880 pixel resolution) display, or up to four, 4K displays.