Dell T5500 Possible to Use Mismatched CPUs?

[mmedic123]

I recently bought a used Dell T5500 with a single Xeon X5690 CPU. I understand that the machine can be upgraded to dual CPU config via a riser card. I am having a hard time finding a matching CPU without spending an arm and a leg. Is it possible to install a second CPU via a riser card that is different from X5690?

 

[Barty1884]

Potentially, but they have to be very close.

As a general stance, dual socket boards need CPUs with matching QPI, TDP and number of cores/threads. Things like clock speed & revision stepping shouldn't matter.

While there are options with matching QPI (6.4GT/s) and number of cores/threads..... the TDP (130W) is where you'll likely run into issues. CPUs like the X5675 and X5660 match everything else, but only at 95W TDP so won't work.

The only alternative (I think, not 100% sure) would be the X5680, with the only difference being a slightly lower clock speed.

All that being said, with a T5500 you may have some BIOS limitations as far as what can be installed.

 

[Susquehannock]

Yep. Should be matched. Six core Westmere CPU are expensive. Being top of the line, X5690 commands top price. If you do not mind 4 cores, consider X5687 instead. A pair can be had for around $140. Sometimes lower. Was lucky enough to find one for my T3500 at $40.