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Optiplex 3040MT Wireless card??
I have just bought an Optiplex 3040mt. Apparently it was pre packaged and not customizable, which seems to be fine as it has plenty of power for my uses.
What I cannot get is a definitive answer out of Dell ... can I install a wireless card inside in an available slot? I believe that I can use a USB flash drive in an external port, but I get different answers from different people at Dell whether a card can be installed inside the cabinet.
Some have told me that it can be done only in the Micro -Tower which is smaller than the Mini-Tower (MT) that I bought. Another Dell rep said that I would have to upgrade to the Opti 7040 in order to get a wireless card installed (additional $250.00). Neither of those answers make sense.
Other Dell reps have said there are no slots inside and one said yes,it can easily be installed. I am not only confused, but frustrated with being transferred to incorrect phone numbers, people that do not understand questions and a generally inept CSR experience.
I have not even taken the computer out of the box yet as I am waiting for an IT guy to transfer data and do set up and tweaking. I want to obtain either a card or a USB drive to set up the wireless so we can do everything at one time but I need to know if it can be installed in this machine or not.
I could easily install a card ahead of time IF I knew that buying it was not a waste of time and money but if it will not accept it or run it, I would rather not open a brand new cabinet.
I do not understand why the wireless capabitlity is not part of the package. Both Lenovo and HP offer wireless as standard equipment at the similar configuration level.
Any answers will be appreciated.
DELL-Jesse L
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December 8th, 2016 08:00
Aphco,
Since I do not know which available slots you have you can view the 3040mt Motherboard.
You can see that the only slots you can add a card are listed below. If you have any available and can locate a card for that meets the specs of the available slot. You should be fine with adding it into the computer. You can also get a USB wifi card for the computer if you choose
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PCIe x1 Expansion Slot (SLOT4)
2 PCIe x1 Expansion Slot (SLOT3)
3 PCIe x16 Expansion Slot (SLOT2)
PCIe x1 Expansion Slot (SLOT1)
System Board Features and Locations
1 PCIe x1 Expansion Slot (SLOT4)
2 PCIe x1 Expansion Slot (SLOT3)
3 PCIe x16 Expansion Slot (SLOT2)
4 PCIe x1 Expansion Slot (SLOT1)
5 RJ45+USB2.0 Connectors (RJ45R1)
6 USB3.0 Connectors(USB3R1)
7 PS/2 KB/Mouse Connector (KMCOM1)
8 Display Port Connector (DP1)
9 HDMI Connector (HDMI1)
10 Line-out Connector (AUDIO2)
11 Intrusion Switch Connector (INTR1)
12 System Fan Connector (FANS1/FANS2)
13 CPU Socket (CPU1)
14 4-pin ATX Power Connector (ATX2)
15 Thermal Fan Connector (FANC1/FANC2)
16 Memory Module Slots (DIMM1~2)
17 CPU Power Connector (APS1)
18 Card Reader Connector (SDCN1)
19 Audio Connectors (AUDIO1)
20 USB 2.0 Connector (USB2F1)
21 USB 3.0 Connector (USB3F2)
22 SATA ODD Connector (HDD2)
23 SATA HDD Connector (HDD3)
24 Speaker Connector (INSKR1)
25 8-pin ATX Power Connector (ATX1)
26 SATA Power Connector (SATAP1)
27 SATA HDD Connector (HDD1)
28 CMOS Battery Slot (BT1)
29 LPC Debug Connector (LPC1)
speedstep
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December 8th, 2016 07:00
802.11AC usb wifi adapter is $20 at Walmart and doesn't require opening the system.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Edimax-AC600-Wireless-Dual-Band-Mini-USB-Adapter/32106870
aphco
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December 8th, 2016 08:00
I just received an e-mail from "Jess" at Dell. Thank you, thank you, for your answer. That is exactly the information I have been trying to obtain for over a week.
I am glad to see that someone at Dell knows how to give great service.
Tahnk you again Jess
aphco
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December 8th, 2016 08:00
Thank you for your answer. I have understood that USB connections are available. What I am trying to find out is if I can install a wireless card in a (alleged )port inside the case. According to the Dell reps I cannot or I can, depending upon who I am speaking to.
I have spoken to numerous reps at Dell, (sales, tech support and the parts department) and do not get a consensus, I guess I should ask for a recount.