Optiplex 3020 SFF Intel H81 Chipset LGA1155 Socket DDR3 SDRAM 2 Memory Slots Motherboard

OptiPlex 3020 SFF System Board – Intel H81 Chipset (LGA 1150)

Overview
A reliable, space-saving motherboard tailored for Dell OptiPlex 3020 Small‑Form‑Factor (SFF) desktops. Built around Intel's H81 chipset, with an LGA 1150 socket, it supports 4th‑generation Intel Core, Pentium, Celeron, and select Xeon CPUs—making it ideal for upgrading or replacing aging business PCs.

Key Specifications

• Chipset & Socket
  Intel H81 chipset with LGA 1150 socket, compatible with 2nd–4th gen Intel Core, Pentium, Celeron, and Ivy Bridge CPUs (with BIOS update)

• Memory

  • 2 × DDR3‑1600 SODIMM slots

  • Supports up to 16 GB (8 GB × 2) — standard 2 × 4 GB up to 2 × 8 GB modules

  • Expansion Slots

• • 1 × PCIe® x16 (full-length)

  • 1 × PCIe x1

• Storage & Connectivity

  • 2 × SATA III 6 Gb/s ports

  • 2 × SATA II 3 Gb/s ports 

  • USB: 2 × USB 3.0 (rear), 6 × USB 2.0

• Onboard Audio & Networking

  • Integrated Realtek ALC269Q HD audio

  • Intel 82579LM 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet 

• Graphics Support
  Utilizes integrated Intel HD Graphics (HD 4000/4400/4600 depending on CPU), supporting dual independent displays 

Ideal Applications

• Business productivity upgrades: Revive aging OptiPlex 3020 SFF desktops with modern 4th-gen Core i5/i7 or Xeon CPUs.

• Compact workstation setups: Balanced performance in a small footprint—perfect for office, education, or home use.

• Cost-effective replacements: OEM-quality part backed by quality refurbish/resell options, 

Why Choose This Board?  Community Insights

• Supports up to 16 GB DDR3‑1600 through two 8 GB modules

• Compatible with Xeon E3‑series CPUs (e.g. E3‑1226 v3) — though BIOS support might vary

 Installation Tips

• Ensure BIOS is updated for 4th-gen or Xeon CPU compatibility.

• Use Dell-standard low‑profile cooler to fit SFF thermal specs.

• Pair with fast DDR3‑1600 SO‑DIMMs and a 2.5″ SATA III SSD for best performance.

Bottom line:
A quality, industry-standard replacement or upgrade board for OptiPlex 3020 SFF desktops — offering modern CPU support, integrated USB 3.0 and SATA III, plus essential OEM reliability in a compact form factor.