BIOS update problems

[darthspiky]

I have a Dell Inspiron 520s with all the stock hardware, and I'm trying to upgrade to a faster Pentium D processor. I got the most recent update from Dell, but it still won't work. Does anyone know how to fix this?

Also, I need to get this sorted before the wife gets home from work...

 

[Karsten75]

If I recall, Pentium D still relied on the FSB speed. If that has a discrepancy, you are SOL.

 

[darthspiky]

If I recall, Pentium D still relied on the FSB speed. If that has a discrepancy, you are SOL.

If it helps, the processor I'm trying to replace is a Celeron.

 

[gamerk316]

Not specific enough. You have to match the speed of the FSB, otherwise the CPU may not work.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... Dell never write/update BIO's for CPU upgrades... thats why most people build their own COMPs, you get longer support for upgrading.
You could try re-moving the CMOS Battery and Clearing/Re-setting your BIOs per Manual/PDF instructions, and see if it reads the new CPU, upon Boot cycle.

 

[jitpublisher]

Does your computer support Pentium D processors would be my first question. I assume you researched this before you started? What exactly is the year and model of the Dell you have?

 

[darthspiky]

I'm such a git...

No, jit, I didn't do the basic research I should have. It's a mid-2007 Dell Inspiron 520s desktop.

Iron, resetting the CMOS didn't fix anything.

Gamer, I'm starting to doubt that I'll be able to get the information you want. I plugged all the original hardware back in, and now I'm getting "diskette 00 seek failure" every time I try to boot.

This is starting to feel like a bad episode of Airwolf...

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... Pentium Dual-Core E6320 is listed as stock CPU for a 520... what CPU model# are you tring to put in it? cannot locate the 520S specs?

 

[darthspiky]

Hello... Pentium Dual-Core E2160 is listed as stock CPU... what CPU model# are you tring to put in it?

The model listed on the case is DCSLF. It came with a 2.0 gig Celeron.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... what are you trying to put into it? CPU Model#?

 

[darthspiky]

Hello... what are you trying to put into it? CPU Model#?

I'm trying to install an Intel Pentium D 3.4ghz D35512-001.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... what is the Model# on the Celeron chip?

 

[darthspiky]

Hello... what is the Model# on the Celeron chip?

Numbers on the chip: MC80801 and 4B0635. Hope this helps.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... no good...I need the intel Model# pga/fsb/cach/ghz etc info.

 

[darthspiky]

Hello... no good...I need the intel Model# pga/fsb/cach/ghz etc info.

Intel Celeron 440 2.0ghz, rated FSB 797.95mhz, L1D cache 32KB 8-way, L1I cache 32KB 8-way, L2 cache 512KB 2-way

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... Well they should be electrically compatable... But like I said Dell MB BIO's can be very limited to what can be used in them... and you have to research long and hard for success stories. The new CPU you have was like the top of line single core 3.4ghz speed sucess for intel...

 

[darthspiky]

Everything I've found points to this being possible, but even in my most obscure searches (had to translate a page from Norwegian), I can't find the right BIOS.

I'm so incredibly out of my element. Please help...

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... 1) you could have a BAD CPU there... 2) I bet you could put a E model 775 core 2 duo in there.. you would be better off with that in performance. Do your research for that BIO's version and Google the MB #'s printed on the MB itself ( not the DELL # )... and you will be able to find other peoples success and experience. And if you do EBAY you could find one for $$... another option is to install a name brand MB for your desired CPU.
Check your Local Computer re-cycling store for a CPU/MB or whole DELL for cheap.

 

[darthspiky]

Well, I seem to have gotten a bad chip. Took the thing to the best local computer guy I know, and nothing either of us have tried has gotten it up and running. I'd like to thank each and every one of you for coming in on this.

 

[jitpublisher]

Its either a bad chip (unlikely) or the motherboard simply does not support that processor. A point to consider, most OEM boards that had single core processors will not be upgradable to dual core processors. The boards were made that way on purpose. OEMs want you to buy a new computer, not upgrade the one you have. So many what should be "upgradable" features available on retail motherboards were simply left off the boards that go to OEM's like Dell and HP.

 

[Karsten75]

Its either a bad chip (unlikely) or the motherboard simply does not support that processor. A point to consider, most OEM boards that had single core processors will not be upgradable to dual core processors. The boards were made that way on purpose. OEMs want you to buy a new computer, not upgrade the one you have. So many what should be "upgradable" features available on retail motherboards were simply left off the boards that go to OEM's like Dell and HP.

The motherboard? I always thought processor (and implicitly multi-processor) support was a feature of the chipset (and in older times the FSB and South/North Bridge) than the motherboard itself.