Dell Precision 3240 Compact — Features, Specs, Performance

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Dell Precision 3240 Compact — Features, Specs, Performance & Business Use

The Dell Precision 3240 Compact is Dell’s smallest workstation-class desktop in the Precision family — a purpose-built “compact workstation” that packs professional CPU choices, optional professional graphics, and enterprise manageability into a tiny chassis meant for space-constrained desks, VESA mounting behind monitors, and dense office racks. It’s designed for knowledge-workers and creators who need validated ISV performance (CAD, content tools, analytic workloads) but prefer a very small footprint and easy serviceability. This article explains the 3240’s features, core specifications, real-world performance characteristics, and the business scenarios where it’s a strong fit.

What the 3240 Compact is (and isn’t)

The Precision 3240 Compact is not a consumer mini-PC. It’s a workstation-class system engineered to run ISV-certified professional applications with stability and performance. Dell positions it as a compact alternative to larger Precision towers: it aims to deliver workstation reliability and options (Xeon processors, ECC memory support in some SKUs, and Quadro/RTX GPUs) in a chassis you can hide behind a monitor or tuck under a desk. If your workload relies on long simulation runs or heavy GPU rendering at scale, a larger Precision or rack workstation still makes sense — the 3240 trades ultimate expandability for an exceptionally small footprint. 

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Key features at a glance

  • Small physical footprint: lightweight and compact dimensions that let IT deploy workstations where space is tight.

  • Workstation-grade CPUs: options include 10th-Gen Intel Core and Intel Xeon W processors for sustained multi-threaded workloads. 

  • Professional GPU options: small, low-profile NVIDIA Quadro/RTX cards are available for GPU-accelerated CAD and visualization. 

  • NVMe + 2.5" storage flexibility: M.2 NVMe drives plus a 2.5" bay allow fast OS drives and additional capacity. 

  • Enterprise manageability & security: Dell Optimizer for Precision, vPro options, TPM and robust service plans simplify fleet deployment and management. 

These features make the 3240 useful where you need validated performance in a discreet package.

Detailed specs (practical summary)

Below are the most important, decision-making specifications you’ll want to confirm for procurement — consolidated from Dell’s setup guides and product pages.

  • Processors: 10th-Gen Intel Core family (i3/i5/i7/i9) and Intel Xeon W-class options (W-1250, W-1270, W-1290) for higher core counts and workstation features. These CPUs deliver from quad-core up to 10-core configurations depending on SKU. 

  • Memory: Two SODIMM slots supporting DDR4 (single-channel per OEM doc) up to 64 GB total depending on processor and memory speed support — some Xeon/Core combinations affect supported speeds. 

  • Storage: M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe Gen3 (Class 40/50 options up to 2 TB) plus a 2.5" SATA bay (up to 2 TB) for hybrid OS/data setups. FIPS self-encrypting HDD options available for secure data at rest. 

  • Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD or Intel P630 (on Xeon) and optional low-profile NVIDIA Quadro/RTX or Quadro P1000/P620 variants; higher-end RTX mobile/rack GPUs appear in some channel configs. 

  • I/O: Multiple front and rear USB 3.2 (Type-A and Type-C), DisplayPort (often 3x mDP 1.4 depending on GPU), line-out/line-in audio, Gigabit Ethernet and optional Wi-Fi/Bluetooth modules. Expansion slot for a single low-profile PCIe card (e.g., Quadro P1000).

  • Power & size: Typically shipped with a compact external power adapter; approximate weight ~1.7 kg (3.77 lb) and extremely small dimensions for a workstation class machine. 

(Always check the exact SKU/spec sheet before purchase — Dell offers many configuration permutations by region and channel.) 

Real-world performance & thermal behavior

Despite the tiny chassis, the 3240 Compact is engineered to sustain respectable performance for its class. Several points to expect in real deployments:

  • CPU workloads: With 10th-Gen Core and Xeon W choices, the 3240 handles multi-threaded tasks (compilation, medium-size rendering jobs, simulations) well for short to medium durations. Heavy continuous renders will push thermals; the compact cooling solution is optimized, but will throttle earlier than full-sized towers under very long, peak loads. 

  • GPU acceleration: Low-profile Quadro cards (P1000, P620) provide solid OpenGL/ISV performance for CAD and visualization. For highly GPU-intensive workloads, configurations with higher-tier RTX/Quadro options (as available in some channel bundles) offer improved throughput. 

  • Responsiveness: NVMe boot drives and available high memory capacities make the system feel snappy in everyday use — fast project loads, quick application switching, and responsive datasets for medium-sized models. 

In short: the 3240 punches above its size for interactive and moderate compute work, but planners should not expect desktop-tower sustained peak performance.

Business use cases — where the 3240 shines

  1. Designers and CAD users with space limits
    Small design studios or engineers who need ISV-certified performance but have limited desk space can place a 3240 behind a monitor and still run SolidWorks, AutoCAD or Revit for small-to-medium assemblies with validated Quadro acceleration. 

  2. Analysts and data professionals
    Analysts who need fast NVMe I/O, multithreaded CPU bursts, and moderate memory can use the 3240 as a desk workstation for BI tools, Python/R workloads and local data prep workflows. 

  3. Media editors and visualization
    Content creators producing short-form video, motion-graphics and quick renders benefit from NVMe speed and optional GPU acceleration; for full-scale post production, larger workstations may be preferable. 

  4. IT-managed standardized fleets
    The small form factor eases deployment in controlled office environments, call centers, and training labs where IT wants uniform hardware, fast imaging and low desk clutter. vPro, Dell Optimizer and ProSupport options simplify lifecycle management. 

Deployment & procurement tips

  • Pick the right CPU for the workload. Choose Xeon W SKUs if you need ECC and workstation validation; choose Core i7/i9 variants if raw core counts and cost are primary. 

  • Prioritize NVMe and RAM. For real productivity gains, select NVMe boot storage and at least 16–32 GB RAM for CAD or heavy multitasking. 

  • Confirm GPU channel options. Not all Dell channel partners offer the same GPU bundles — if you require a specific Quadro or RTX option, validate the reseller SKU and thermal/support details. 

  • Plan for spares and support. Dell’s ProSupport and on-site options materially reduce downtime for mission-critical users; include spare power adapters and at least one spare NVMe drive or RAM kit for quick swaps. 

Security, manageability & software

The 3240 benefits from Dell’s enterprise stack: TPM, vPro/Intel AMT on supported SKUs, BIOS/firmware management and Dell Optimizer for Precision — an AI-based optimizer that can prioritize resources for target apps and improve daily responsiveness. For managed fleets, these tools reduce triage time and support remote troubleshooting. Dell also offers ISV certification lists so purchasing teams can validate that specific configurations are tested against target professional apps. 

Final verdict

The Dell Precision 3240 Compact is a clever engineering solution: it serves organizations that need certified workstation performance but have limited desk space or prefer near-invisible hardware behind monitors. It’s especially compelling when you need ISV validation, NVMe speed and professional GPU acceleration in a tiny package. For sustained, full-tower performance (very long renders or massive simulations), a larger Precision remains the right choice — but for most designers, analysts and IT-managed knowledge workers, the 3240 delivers an excellent balance of power, manageability, and minimal footprint.


specific software compatibility

General Information
  • Category Workstation
  • Description Dell Precision 3240 Compact - USFF - 1 x Core i7 10700 / 2.9 GHz - vPro - RAM 16 GB - SSD 512 GB - NVMe, Class 40 - Quadro P620 - GigE - Win 10 Pro 64-bit - monitor: none - BTS - with 3 Years Hardware Service with Onsite/In-Home Service After Remote Diagnosis - Disti SNS
  • Manufacturer Dell
  • UNSPSC 43211515

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