Dell Optiplex 7020/9020 using OpenCore + Intel HD4600 or AMD graphics

[trs96]

is there a motherboard you would recommend that would also fit for Monterey?

Are you asking for a case recommendation ? To move the 9020 motherboard into ?

It depends on whether you have the SFF model or the MT (mini-tower). Only the MT board is the standard m-ATX form factor. That can be installed in any m-ATX or ATX case. Adapters are needed if you want the front case ports to all work.

 

[Popwell]

I have the SFF and I'm told it's easier to just replace the MB and some come dirt cheap + as I still have the RAM problem, a motherboard switch should fix that and I would be able to run 32gb of RAM dual channel.

 

[trs96]

I have the SFF and I'm told it's easier to just replace the MB and some come dirt cheap + as I still have the RAM problem, a motherboard switch should fix that and I would be able to run 32gb of RAM dual channel.

Yes, 9020 SFF boards don't cost that much. Give a new 9020 SFF board a try if your current ram slots don't work.

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Boards from other manufacturers will not fit in the Dell SFF case. They did that on purpose.

 

[Popwell]

Thanks, yes, what about any alternate motherboard if I want to transplant it all to a new case? One that would work with hackintosh.

 

[trs96]

One that would work with hackintosh.

To keep using your i7-4790 and DDR3 ram, it would have to be a Haswell board. The 9020 MT board fits in any ATX case but not in your SFF.

As I said previously you can't put any other boards than the Dell 7020/9020 SFF in your SFF case. Won't fit. Look at the back I/O panel, you'd have to cut a lot of thick steel to make another board work.

See that there is no removable backplate ? Not even any standard mini-ITX board would work in that SFF case.

 

[Popwell]

Thanks, yes, I want a new case, basically use the Dell Optiplex component (apart from the MB) in a totally new case, to make it a better experience. The only thing I want to delete is the MB as I know it won't fit any other custom case.

 

[trs96]

I want a new case, basically use the Dell Optiplex component (apart from the MB)

Search Ebay for Intel Z87 and Z97 motherboards. Should be some decent used ones for sale there.

 

[Popwell]

Like this one? Decent price!

 

[trs96]

Like this one? Decent price!

If you'd like. It may be better to buy one that already has a User Build guide on this site. That way you can be certain that it will work.

 

[johntunes]

Hi @trs96 , I saw this dialogue and had a similar question for you.

I've been building a hackintosh based on a 9020 I inherited, and up until now have been able to get everything working in the original case with an external PSU modded in with the 24 to 8 pin adapter. I purchased a new case and was starting to transplant the motherboard when I discovered the connection issues with the front panel.

So, I've ordered the connector converters for the audio and front panel conversion, but I also saw there's that additional 5 pin power connector running to the on off switch up near the top of the MB seemingly related to switch lights and power on/off. Some guys on youtube recommend splicing the yellow and red wires together on this, and after that I'm assuming the motherboard receives power on/off commands from the primary front panel connectors at the lower base of the mb? Is there anything additional I will need to do with that top connector? I didn't see it covered in the page one docs for the build, and would hate to have missed a step.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Search Ebay for Intel Z87 and Z97 motherboards. Should be some decent used ones for sale there.