Dell Optiplex 755 (SFF) CPU UPGRADE

[0ultra0]

I am planning to upgrade my 3.00ghz Core 2 Duo E6850 to a Core 2 QUAD (Used, Budget of $30).

Current CPU: 3.00ghz Core 2 Duo E6850 (Socket 775 LGA)
Current GPU: AMD Radeon HD 6450 (1gb DDR3)
Motherboard: Dell 0PU052

I know how to Physically put the CPU into my computer, and that it can support up to the E6000 Generation of Intel Processors. I heard that i had to "Update the Bios", however, if i want everything to work. Can someone guide me through the procedures i would have to take if i wanted to install the processor?


(Bonus: Help me find the best CPU in my Budget that IS Compatible)

Edit: Accidentally said i was upgrading to a core 2 Duo, but im upgrading to core 2 quad

 

[chemmajorp53]

Why would you get another dual core? The Q6600 and Q9400 are both compatible and are a lot faster. You can get a Q6600 on eBay for $15 or so. You'll need to install the BIOS here. If you need any help with the actual installation you can let me know as I've done it a few times or watch one of the videos on youtube. Really all you do is move the hard drive aside, unscrew two screws, replace the cpu, and put it back together. Takes 60s if you know what you're doing.

http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/Drivers/DriversDetails?driverId=2DWTY

 

[0ultra0]

I made a typo, I meant to say that i was upgrading to a Core to Quad. Do your instructions still apply?





Also, i dont think i get the concept of GHZ. Why is a core 2 quad with 2.5ghz faster than a core 2 duo with 3.0ghz?

 

[chemmajorp53]

I made a typo, I meant to say that i was upgrading to a Core to Quad. Do your instructions still apply?





Also, i dont think i get the concept of GHZ. Why is a core 2 quad with 2.5ghz faster than a core 2 duo with 3.0ghz?

If you don't already understand then watch a video, but it's kind of like comparing someone with 2 hands working in a factory to someone with 4 hands. The person with 4 hands will be able to do more even if they're not moving quite as fast. It also depends on instructions per clock (IPC) and the number of transistors on the chip. And yes the same instructions apply.

 

[0ultra0]

I made a typo, I meant to say that i was upgrading to a Core to Quad. Do your instructions still apply?





Also, i dont think i get the concept of GHZ. Why is a core 2 quad with 2.5ghz faster than a core 2 duo with 3.0ghz?

If you don't already understand then watch a video, but it's kind of like comparing someone with 2 hands working in a factory to someone with 4 hands. The person with 4 hands will be able to do more even if they're not moving quite as fast. It also depends on instructions per clock (IPC) and the number of transistors on the chip. And yes the same instructions apply.

Is it okay if I do the Bios upgrade now, or should i wait until i actually get the Cpu? And if i do, is there a chance of me bricking my System if I do something wrong?

 

[chemmajorp53]

Yeah there's no issue with you doing it now. It's really easy, just download the file and run it. As long as you don't do something extremely stupid like pull the power cord while it's updating then you can't brick anything.

 

[BFG-9000]

There's nothing easier to upgrade the BIOS on than a Dell--just run the executable.

I would, however strongly recommend overclocking a G0 SLACR stepping Q6600 to 3.0GHz like so:
This is the bottom of the CPU. Just connect the two pads with defroster grid repair paint or a conductive pen so it runs at the board's maximum 1333 FSB (BSEL 266-333 padmod).

Then test the overclock for stability with IntelBurnTest and Prime95. I haven't seen this fail to work yet, and I've put a lot of Q6600s into Dells, usually the bad ones that wouldn't overclock very far despite voltage adjustments. Every one of them ran 3.0GHz in a Dell, HP or Lenovo, even the worst one which required a whopping 1.55v to run at 3.3GHz. I suspect ECS boards overvolt quite a bit.

None of the 45nm chips are on are on Dell's QVL. Furthermore they are already 1333 FSB so no overclocking is possible.

 

[chemmajorp53]

There's nothing easier to upgrade the BIOS on than a Dell--just run the executable.

I would, however strongly recommend overclocking a G0 SLACR stepping Q6600 to 3.0GHz like so:
This is the bottom of the CPU. Just connect the two pads with defroster grid repair paint or a conductive pen so it runs at the board's maximum 1333 FSB (BSEL 266-333 padmod).

Then test the overclock for stability with IntelBurnTest and Prime95. I haven't seen this fail to work yet, and I've put a lot of Q6600s into Dells, usually the bad ones that wouldn't overclock very far despite voltage adjustments. Every one of them ran 3.0GHz in a Dell, HP or Lenovo, even the worst one which required a whopping 1.55v to run at 3.3GHz. I suspect ECS boards overvolt quite a bit.

None of the 45nm chips are on are on Dell's QVL. Furthermore they are already 1333 FSB so no overclocking is possible.

Doing this is really really dumb in a SFF build, they already get to 75C+ with the existing clock speeds and cooler. Why would you ever do this when you can just install a q6700 or q9450 instead? Also why is your link running through an ad farm. Is this a troll?

 

[BFG-9000]

Doing this is really really dumb in a SFF build, they already get to 75C+ with the existing clock speeds and cooler. Why would you ever do this when you can just install a q6700 or q9450 instead? Also why is your link running through an ad farm. Is this a troll?

The link is https://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/optix/en/opti_755_techspecs.pdf
If it is anything else then it's added by Tom's.

There is no problem running at 80C if it's stable, and such a mildly overclocked G0 Q6600 is no hotter than a stock B3 Q6600 and much cooler than a stock QX6700. The 755 was never sold with a Q9450 so it may not boot or may need the BIOS modded to add microcodes for 45nm chips--too bad as it's around 30w less, despite being rated for the same TDP.
The board only has 3-phase power to the CPU but it works, as does the stock cooler. The problem is the 1-phase power supply to the PCIe slot which explains why, as you are so fond of pointing out, it only supports up to a 35w PCIe card.

 

[chemmajorp53]

The Q9450 works just fine in an optiplex 755, it's just not officially validated. I'm not sure why a 1-phase PCIe power system has anything to do with this problem, enlighten me.

 

[BFG-9000]

The Q9450 works just fine in an optiplex 755, it's just not officially validated. I'm not sure why a 1-phase PCIe power system has anything to do with this problem, enlighten me.

I was just pointing out that you like to mention this odd fact even in threads that have nothing to do with the 755SFF. It is a weakness of the platform but I assure you the CPU's VRM can deliver >100w. Allow me to refresh your memory:

I have a couple Optiplex 755 small form factors and there is a 35W power limit on the PCIe slot, which is really limiting.

The oldest overclocked Q6600 I put in one of these is still running 6 years later, but I have never installed a 45nm chip in one.
If you have and it works, then undoubtedly a Q9650 would be the best chip for the OP, although at 2x their stated budget. At 3.0GHz it would be no slower than their current chip in any single-threaded task. Perhaps a touch faster thanks to the 12MB cache.

Have you actually installed a 45nm chip in one of these and had it work?

 

[chemmajorp53]

No I haven't, but judging by the amount of 755 SFFs with them installed on eBay and the amount of forum posts with people that have successfully done it it's pretty hard to round up any reasonable evidence that it doesn't work. Feel free to prove me wrong, until then please stop trying to undermine everything I say like an angsty 13 year old.

 

[BFG-9000]

No I haven't, but judging by the amount of 755 SFFs with them installed on eBay and the amount of forum posts with people that have successfully done it it's pretty hard to round up any reasonable evidence that it doesn't work. Feel free to prove me wrong, until then please stop trying to undermine everything I say like an angsty 13 year old.

I do not see how agreeing with you that Dell BIOSes are very easy to update is undermining you, or that pointing out what experience I have with these justifies your being so judgemental and calling people names. You sound angry and this forum is for helping people.

Very well then OP, if Mr Best Solution is correct, a Q9650 would be your best bet, or a Q9550 closer to your price range. Unless this is a troll. Worth doing some research anyway!

I recommend staying away from modded Xeons as those definitely will require modding the BIOS.