Optiplex 790 DT -

[outlawvaldez]

Hello, guys!

I've come today to ask you guys a question. I currently have an outdated i3 proccessor on this machine I got for christmas. The specs are:

Intel i3-2120 3.3GHz Dual Core 4 Threads, Socket LGA 1155
Nvidia ZOTAC GT 730 Zone Edition 2GB GDDR3
6GB RAM 1333 MHZ 3 x 2 Setup
255 W DELL power supply.

I'd like to replace the processor preferably to an i5/i7, or a newer i3. What are my choices?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Phaaze88]

I7 3770(best), I5 3570k(cheaper)
But you likely haven't updated the motherboard's bios since you got it, in which case...
I7 2700k(best), I5 2500k(cheaper)
To use the first 2 cpus I mentioned, you'll need to check the board manufacturer's website for the latest bios available.

 

[10tacle]

I found this question on Dell's support forums wanting to do exactly what you did with his.

https://www.dell.com/community/Desktops-General/Optiplex-790-CPU-support/td-p/4780678

It sounds to me like there is a glitch in the i7 chip with this chipset/motherboard that disables the onboard video. He was able to get an i5 to work however. I know that 790DT had options from the factory for i5s and i7s but that doesn't mean anything.

In my experience working with Dell laptops and desktops, they often lock down the BIOS in chip upgrades/downgrades to keep people from swapping out more expensive chips with slower ones to the clueless consumer. Good luck.

PS: it does not support 3rd generation Ivy Bridge 3xxx series chips. The highest the Intel Q65 Express motherboard accepts is the i7 2600, but that's no guarantee it will work in your rig since it did not come like that from the factory.

 

[natx808]

i had no problems on 790 running i7-2600k which is a good quad core processor with hyperthreading, easily OC on air to 4.4.... well not on a Dell though

you can get used for around $100.