madonmac1 :
I recently bought a pc that looked quite good from ebay, (a dell xps 420 from 2008). The previous owners had replaced a few components and I was wondering IF it can play any modern games (without mush lag, particles missing and funny black strands across the screen). Here are some specs:
OS:
Windows 7 64 bit
CPU:
Intel Core 2 Duo E8300 @ 2.83GHz
RAM:
8GB (4x 2GB) DDR2 PC2-5300F 667MHz
Motherboard:
Dell Inc. 0TP406
GPU:
Asus Radeon HD 7770 DirectCU Graphics Card 1GB GDDR5
I was wondering, (before I start buying any games)
If It can play some modern games at medium to high settings, (games ranging from minecraft at high settings to farcry 3 at low to medium settings). I JUST WANT A SIMPLE YES OR NO ANSWER (please)
In order to play those games you have to upgrade you XPS, here it goes.
First processor, yours is weak, no question about it.
This is the list of possible upgrades validated by Dell:
MP626 Kentsfield Quad Core Kit, Q6600, 2.40G, 8MB, 1066FSB, G0
MP627 Kentsfield Quad Core Kit, Q6700, 2.66G, 8MB, 1066FSB, G0
UP673 Kentsfield Quad Core Kit, QX6700, 2.66G, 8MB, 1066FSB, B3
RX656 Kentsfield Quad Core Kit, QX6800, 2.93G, 8MB, 1066FSB, G0
PW016 Kentsfield Quad Core Kit, QX6850, 3.00G, 8MB, 1333FSB, G0
C863D Yorkfield Quad Core Kit, QX9300, 2.5G, 6MB, 1333FSB, M1
C864D Yorkfield Quad Core Kit, Q9450, 2.66G, 12MB, 1333FSB, C1
C865D Yorkfield Quad Core Kit, Q9550, 2.83G, 12MB, 1333FSB, C1
C299C Yorkfield Quad Core Kit, QX9650, 3.0G, 12MB, 1333FSB, C0
H786G Yorkfield Quad Core kit, QX9650, 3.0G, 12MB, 1333FSB, C1
numbers on the left are Dell part numbers, at this time I think, you can get those only on eBay.
Installing the processor -
The Dell heatsink will work fine, if you experience overheat, we can work on upgrading, remember that Dell uses standard LGA775 sockets, will provide motherboard pictures at the end of the post. Clean the old thermal paste off with alcohol, pick up some Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste, and apply it to the processor after you install it per the Arctic Silver instructions. Be very careful of the socket when you remove the old processor and install the new one. It is extremely easy to bend one of the tiny little pins, all 775 of them. If you bend one, you likely will not be able to straighten it, and you will need to replace your motherboard. Make sure you update the bios to the latest version BEFORE you switch the processor.
Second power supply, or PSU for short.
XPS 420 was sold with those PSU
425w TP728 LiteOn (the new one is C921D)
375w KH624 LiteOn
375w PH344 Delta
Usually Dell places stronger PSU for Quads, so I suspect that you have most likely 375 watt, and it need to be upgraded for Quad installation, and as well, for video card (GPU for short) upgrade.
Power Supply Self Diagnostic Features
The XPS 420 computers have power supplies that include a self-diagnostic feature. The test button for the power supply is visible on the back of the system. This LED is not the same as the flea power LED on the motherboard. Press and hold the self-diagnostic switch on the power supply -
* If the LED stays green, the supply is functioning
* If the LED stays off, get the power supply replaced
Now about PSU upgrade.
The XPS 420 does not use a Dell proprietary power supply, most standard ATX power supplies with either, a 24-pin or 20+4-pin, main motherboard power connector, are compatible and can be installed.
Because the XPS420 have an open back panel, a power supply with or without the on/off switch can be used, you should be able to buy a replacement from most local and online computer stores.
Note: You need a power supply, with five SATA power connectors, because motherboard has five SATA connectors and the XPS 420 supports five internal SATA drives
I would advise checking this list prior choosing power supply
http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx
I am sure that Toms can advise very well on individual PSU choice.
Now some pictures, this is XPS 420 manual
ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_xps_desktop/xps-420_owner%27s%20manual2_en-us.pdf
Note that XPS 420 uses BTX motherboard
1. memory module connectors (1, 2, 3, 4)
2. battery socket (BATTERY)
3. SATA Connectors (2) (SATA0, SATA1)
4. front panel I/O connector
5. main power connector (POWER)
6. SATA connectors (3) (SATA2, SATA3, SATA4)
7. FlexBay USB connector (9 pins)
8. clear CMOS jumper (RTCRST)
9. password jumper (PSWD)
10. PCI Express x16 card connector
11. PCI Express x8 card connector (x4 electrical)
12. PCI Express x1 card connector
13. PCI card connectors
14. floppy drive connector (FLOPPY)
15. internal USB connector connecting to FlexBay device
16. rear fan connector or card cage fan connector (FAN_CARD_CAGE)
17. Processor fan connector (FAN_CPU)
18. processor connector
19. processor power connector (12VPOWER)
So, as you can see - you can not upgrade case due to BTX form factor, and now standard is ATX.
This is colored picture of XPS 420 motherboard
And this is how XPS 420 look with side panel removed
Or this
And now series of stripping pictures, so everyone can see the inside out
Note on the next picture CPU cooler, if you have the same looking with 6 copper pipes, you have the most already
About memory, I left it for the end, because there could be many problems
This is per Dell
4 DDR2 800MHz (YG410 DIMM, 2GB, DDR2, 800MHz, 256X64, 8, 240, 2RX8)
OR
4 DDR2 667MHz (KU354 DIMM, 2GB, DDR2, 667MHz, 256X64, 8, 240, 2RX8)
here are a few links to read on RAM upgrade problems
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/p/19373033/19853752.aspx#19853752
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/p/19383475/19887066.aspx#19887066
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/p/19242135/19370762.aspx#19370762
I think I cover it all. VIdeo card choice is depends on above mentioned upgrades, and is much easier compare to the rest.
So, at the end, with upgrades you can play BF3, FC3 and Crysis 3.
Think about it.
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