In the world of business desktops, the name "OptiPlex" has been synonymous with reliability, security, and no-nonsense performance for decades. But the latest iteration, the Dell OptiPlex 7010 Plus Tower, is not your average office PC. Packed with a 13th-Gen Intel Core i7 processor, a staggering 64GB of DDR5 RAM, and a lightning-fast 2TB NVMe SSD, this machine is a clear statement: the line between a business workstation and a power-user's dream machine has been irrevocably blurred.
Having spent significant time with this specific high-end configuration, I'm here to tell you that this isn't just an upgrade; it's a complete reinvention of what a business desktop can be. Let's break down why this particular OptiPlex might be the last computer you need to buy for years to come.
First Impressions: The "Plus" is More Than a Name
The Tower form factor of the 7010 Plus is instantly recognizable as an OptiPlex—professional, understated, and built like a tank. The black, minimalist chassis is designed for function, but it feels more premium than its predecessors. The tool-less design makes accessing the internals a breeze, a welcome feature for IT departments and tinkerers alike.
Upon booting up, the "Plus" in its name starts to make sense. This isn't a minor refresh; it's a ground-up rebuild to accommodate the latest and greatest hardware, setting it apart from the standard 7010 models.
The Heart of the Beast: Performance That Astounds
Processor (Intel Core i7-13700): The centerpiece of this configuration is the 13th-Generation Intel Core i7-13700 processor. With 16 cores (8 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores) and 24 threads, this CPU is an absolute monster. The clock speed range of 2.10 GHz to 5.20 GHz with Turbo Boost means it idles efficiently but can unleash staggering power the second you need it.
Whether you're running complex financial models, compiling code, managing massive databases, or juggling dozens of browser tabs and applications simultaneously, the i7-13700 doesn't just handle it—it makes everything feel instantaneous. The 30MB of Intel Smart Cache ensures that frequently accessed data is readily available, smoothing out any potential hiccups in workflow.
Memory (64GB DDR5 RAM): For most users, 64GB of DDR5 RAM is outright overkill—and that's the point. This is where the OptiPlex 7010 Plus transitions from a proficient office PC to a specialized powerhouse. DDR5 memory offers higher bandwidth and better power efficiency than previous generations.
For the target user—be it a data scientist, a serious video editor on a budget, a virtualization expert running multiple machines, or a hardcore multitasker—this RAM capacity means never thinking about memory management again. Your workloads become limited by your imagination, not your hardware. And with 4 RAM slots supporting up to 128GB, the headroom for future expansion is incredible.
Storage (2TB NVMe SSD): Paired with the lightning-fast CPU and RAM is a 2TB NVMe PCIe SSD. This is the final piece of the performance trifecta. Boot times for Windows 11 Pro are measured in seconds. Applications like Adobe Photoshop, Visual Studio, or large accounting software launch almost before you release the mouse button. File transfers, whether of large video files or massive datasets, are breathtakingly quick.
The inclusion of additional storage slots (two more NVMe slots and a 3.5" HDD bay) means you can configure a perfect storage solution—super-fast NVMe for your OS and critical applications, with a large HDD for archival data.
Real-World Usage: A Multitasking and Multi-Monitor Marvel
Multitasking Prowess: During testing, I pushed this machine to its limits. The scenario: streaming 4K video on one screen, running a Windows virtual machine in the background, with dozens of Chrome tabs, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Excel with a multi-sheet, formula-heavy workbook all open simultaneously. The result? A completely seamless experience. The task manager showed significant resource usage, but the user experience was flawless—zero lag, zero stutter.
3-Monitor Support: The built-in Intel UHD Graphics 770 is more than capable for all business and productivity tasks. With three DisplayPort 1.4a outputs standard (and an included HDMI adapter), setting up a triple-monitor workstation is effortless. This expansive screen real estate is a game-changer for traders, programmers, designers, and anyone who needs to see vast amounts of information at once. The productivity boost is immediate and substantial.
Connectivity: Thoroughly Modern Ports
Dell has clearly listened to user feedback. The port selection on this 7010 Plus is excellent and modern.
- Front Panel: You get a super-speed 20Gbps USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 port, a 10Gbps USB 3.2 port, and two USB 2.0 ports with Powershare for charging devices. This front-panel USB-C is a huge quality-of-life upgrade.
- Rear Panel: In the back, you'll find a mix of USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 ports to connect all your peripherals. The inclusion of a second, high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 port here is a nice touch.
- Networking: While it comes with a standard Gigabit Ethernet port, the inclusion of a USB Wi-Fi 6 (AX) dongle and Bluetooth 5.0 provides excellent wireless flexibility. For a permanent setup, a wired connection is always preferred, but the wireless performance is more than adequate for most office environments.
It's fascinating to see how far the OptiPlex line has come. For a historical perspective on its evolution, this review of an older model highlights just how significant these new upgrades are. As noted in a review of the Dell OptiPlex 7010 from GSM Go Tech, the foundation was always strong, but the latest generation represents a monumental leap in performance and features.
The Complete Package: Windows 11 Pro & Manageability
Coming with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed is the cherry on top. You get all the security and feature benefits of Windows 11, plus the professional-grade capabilities like BitLocker encryption, Remote Desktop Host, and extensive group policy management that businesses require. As a Dell OptiPlex, it also inherits a suite of manageability tools like Dell Command Suite, making it a dream for IT administrators to deploy and maintain at scale.
Who Is This For? The Ideal User
This specific configuration (i7-13700, 64GB RAM, 2TB SSD) is not for the casual user checking email. It's a specialized tool for:
- Power Users & Multitaskers: Anyone who routinely has a dozen resource-heavy applications open.
- Software & App Developers: Fast compiles and the ability to run multiple virtual machines or containers.
- Data Analysts & Scientists: Handling large datasets in Excel, R, or Python becomes a smooth experience.
- Content Creators (on a budget): While it lacks a discrete GPU, the CPU and RAM are more than enough for photo editing, medium-scale video editing, and 3D modeling.
- Engineering & Architecture Firms: For running CAD software and simulations that are more CPU-intensive.
- Financial Traders: The multi-monitor support and raw processing power are ideal for trading platforms.
Considerations and The One Caveat
The only potential bottleneck for some power users is the 260W power supply and the lack of a dedicated graphics card. The PSU is perfectly sized for the components inside, including the integrated graphics. However, it does not leave much room for adding a high-power discrete GPU later. If your primary workload is GPU-intensive (like high-end gaming, 4K video editing, or 3D rendering), you would need to look at a workstation with a more robust PSU. For everything else, the integrated Intel UHD 770 is perfectly capable.
Final Verdict
The Dell OptiPlex 7010 Plus Tower configured with the Intel i7-13700, 64GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 2TB NVMe SSD is a breathtakingly powerful and incredibly versatile desktop computer. It masterfully blends the legendary reliability and manageability of the OptiPlex brand with the raw, untamed performance of top-tier consumer components.
It’s a silent, stable, and professional-looking powerhouse that can effortlessly handle the most demanding workloads you throw at it. For the right user, it represents not just an excellent investment, but a definitive solution to their computing needs for the foreseeable future.
Ready to experience this level of performance for yourself?
You can check the latest price and availability for this Dell OptiPlex 7010 Plus configuration on Amazon here.
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