Introduction to the new features in 2020s Dell OptiPlex and Precision desktops

Table of Contents:

1. Real-Time Clocks (RTC) Reset
2. Clear a BIOS Password
3. New Diagnostic Error Codes
4. No Legacy Mode Support
5. Intel Desktop Processors without Intel Processor Graphics support

Real-Time Clock (RTC) Reset

Dell does not include RTC reset jumpers on the motherboards of its latest OptiPlex and Dell Precision desktops. You can find out more about this on the following article:

• How to Reset the Real-Time Clock (RTC) to Recover Your Dell Desktop

Clear a BIOS Password

Dell does not include Password clear Jumpers on the motherboards of its latest OptiPlex and Dell Precision desktops:

• You need the Primary Password to clear the administrator and BIOS password
• After contacting Dell Support, you are asked for a code that displays on the locked desktop’s screen. The agent needs that code to get a 32 character reset password generated, then the agent relays that code to you

New Diagnostic Error Codes

OptiPlex and Dell Precision desktops have added new error codes to the laptop style of Flash Light Emitting Diode (LED) diagnostic indicators. These were introduced on the last generation of desktops. You can use the following articles to identify any start up error on your new desktop:

• A reference guide to the Dell OptiPlex Diagnostic Indicators
• A reference guide to the Dell Precision Workstation Diagnostic Indicators

No Legacy Mode Support

The BIOS on the latest OptiPlex and Dell Precision desktops does not support Legacy Mode. Dell only supports Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) mode on its new devices. You can find out more from the following article:

• Newer Dell computers are unable to boot to the internal boot device in Legacy boot mode

Intel Desktop Processors without Intel Processor Graphics support

There are Intel Core processors that end with the letter F. Or Intel Core X-series Processors (processors with a number ending with X.) These types of intel Central Processor Unit (CPU) do not have the Intel Processors Graphics integrated on to them. You can look up the processors from the article below from Intel support pages:

• Intel Boxed Desktop Processors without Intel Processor Graphics 
• (English Link)

If you purchase an OptiPlex or Dell Precision desktop with one of these CPUs, the non-active video ports are blanked off.

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