Q6600 Overclocking Dell E520

[avcab]

Current specs:
Dell E520 PC (Intel G965 Chipset)
E4500 @2.2ghz/2.46Ghz(for mw3 and stuff) (Using setfsb, not bios as options are locked/grayed out)
XFX GT240 DDR5
OCZ stealthxstream 500w
4GB PC6400 DDR2
Windows 7 Pro 64bit

Supported CPU's for the intel G965 chipset:
http://

Thinking of upgrading to the Q6600 (SLACR G0 Stepping Version - which supposedly overclocks better than the other version) for causal gaming such as Black ops 2, Tomb Raider, Borderlands 2 etc. Currently my E4500 default fsb is 150/760 @ 2194.6MHz and I get upto 174/760 @ 2462.4MHz (Using SLG505YC56DT) stable until my motherboard/Ram prevents further oc. When I oc it to 2.5Ghz, it restarts instantly but when I check the speed, its set @ 2.5ghz after the reboot? Whats up with that?

The Q6600 has a stock speed of 2.4ghz and I'm wondering if I can overclock it slightly with Setfsb (Unable to do it with Bios). And nope, not enough money for New case + New motherboard + New Cpu so I can OC it further.
Is there a chance to oc the Q6600 to 2.5/2.6 or so with this PC? Or is it stuck at 2.4 since my E4500 can oc Stable to 2.46 from 2.2ghz.

Thanks.

 

[avcab]

Yeah, around that time. I want an upgrade (either cpu/gpu) that can do games at playable frame rates and games like Blops 1 and Blops 2 etc to work smoothly.

 

[Kisianik]

So, are you considering ATI 7000 family still, if yes I give you 2 7770 which will fit

So far I found only 2 7770 video cards which will fit inside - PowerColor AX7770 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131477

HIS H777FN1G Radeon HD 7770 very tight fit, almost touching heatsink http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187200

Those are the strongest cards to physically fit without any cutting.

There was one GTX650TI, but it is out off production, if you can find it cheaper than 156 USD, it would be a good find.

From NVIDIA I see SPARKLE 700025 (SX650TI1024KD) GeForce GTX 650 Ti http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187200
Amazon is the only place on Internet to have it http://www.amazon.com/Sparkle-SX650TI1024KD-SPARKLESX650TI1024KD--Grafikkarten/dp/B009ZC3MHM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370535905&sr=8-1&keywords=SX650TI1024KD

I think, cutting is the only option now, if 7770 is out of the equation. There are 650TI short dual bracket cards.

 

[avcab]

My budget is $95, and both the 560ti and HD7770 are out of my range. 🙁

 

[Kisianik]

A few more pictures

And this is the best picture with the view to the back panel in the CUT area. Picture is huge, take a look.

Actually I just found something interesting
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/t/19337860.aspx?PageIndex=2

Hi, I have a Dell E520 which has been extensively upgraded for gaming: Core2 Quad Extreme QX6800 CPU, 8Gb PC6400 RAM, 650w PSU and an Afox Radeon HD7850 (AF7850-2048D5S1) single slot graphics card. OS is Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit. I believe the motherboard is now maxed out; it can't take any more powerful hardware. The results are awesome. This rig will play the latest CoD games at full res on a 24" monitor. I believe the Afox is the most powerful single slot graphics card currently available. It is very thin and fits into the E520 perfectly with room to spare.

Afox Radeon HD7850 (AF7850-2048D5S1) http://www.afox-corp.com/en/products_details.asp?proid=208 This is PCIE 3.0 card and it is reported to work, so Maxx, your theory is not completely correct, there are exceptions! And I have suspicions that 7770 might work here, as well as 7750 cards.

 

[Kisianik]

My budget is $95, and both the 560ti and HD7770 are out of my range. 🙁

Just saw your post, 7750 is in your range or you can go 6670, it will be in your range, if you interested?

This 6770 you can just cut dual bracket and make it single http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127599 but this one is very tight fit.

Actually only 7750 cards will not require power supply upgrade, I forgot, did you upgrade your PSU?

Anyway, I am out of ideas by now.

 

[avcab]

Yeah, its upgraded to a 500w OCZ stealthXstream with 36 amps dual rail.
Well, with my budget, I can get either
Q6600
HD 5770/6770
HD 5750/6750
Or an Nvidia equivalent such as GTS 450

Just want an upgrade to give me the Highest fps with current games and possible future games too.

 

[Kisianik]

Yeah, its upgraded to a 500w OCZ stealthXstream with 36 amps dual rail.
Well, with my budget, I can get either
Q6600
HD 5770/6770
HD 5750/6750
Or an Nvidia equivalent such as GTS 450

Just want an upgrade to give me the Highest fps with current games and possible future games too.

It is difficult question, considering slowing down here, so it is me and Maxx who left, I would advise you to start new thread, maybe in graphics section to get fresh suggestions. I think you need to get video card, but I could be wrong.

If you do so, please post here a link, so I can chip in if necessary.

 

[Maxx_Power]

Yeah, its upgraded to a 500w OCZ stealthXstream with 36 amps dual rail.
Well, with my budget, I can get either
Q6600
HD 5770/6770
HD 5750/6750
Or an Nvidia equivalent such as GTS 450

Just want an upgrade to give me the Highest fps with current games and possible future games too.

I looked at your case pictures, and it really doesn't appear that cutting the case is a good option due to the tight clearance. You'll be cutting straight into the rear motherboard bracket and a 90 degree bend in the metal that serves to strengthen the frame (load bearing).

If you try the HD7750s, the PowerColor ones should fit, also the XFX (but more expensive) and the HIS. The ASUS should also fit, and MAYBE the Gigabyte one.

If you find the budget is a bit tight, keep an eye out for sales. Absolutely avoid the models with DDR3 instead of GDDR5.

 

[avcab]

Alright, Ill start a new thread about GFX card since upgrading it with give me the most fps boost rather than a new cpu (q6600)?

 

[Maxx_Power]

Alright, Ill start a new thread about GFX card since upgrading it with give me the most fps boost rather than a new cpu (q6600)?

I'm still here. My opinion is still something of the class HD7000 series or GTX650, since your budget is very tight. The precaution still applies to the HD7000 series, since you have a PCI-E gen 1 board.

 

[avcab]

GTX 650 is too expensive, Ill get the 7000 class series if I can find a decent one.
I think the 7000 series are out of my budget too.. ahah 🙁

 

[Maxx_Power]

GTX 650 is too expensive, Ill get the 7000 class series if I can find a decent one.
I think the 7000 series are out of my budget too.. ahah 🙁

I think that if you buy used, you might get a heck of a lot more bang for your buck.

 

[avcab]

Which websites do you find these good deals? Ebay doesn't show any in my price range tbh.

 

[Maxx_Power]

Which websites do you find these good deals? Ebay doesn't show any in my price range tbh.

eBay is dead, as far as good deals are concerned. You can try your local Craig's List for used, or try the Forum's forsale sections.

Depending on where you live, these sites may or may not apply to you, try this one, if you are in North America:

www.ncix.com (they have a sale every week, click on the main flash banner), or use this link (both Canadian and American orders):

http://www.ncix.com/promo/promosale.php?webid=DIY2013&sn=2891

Sometimes they have really aggressive discounts (you have to browse through it though).

If you are in Canada, www.CanadaComputers.com has good deals, and impressive deals once in a while (they had Zotac 560, 560Ti's for 30 bucks a pop when they were on clearance).

www.tigerdirect.com is also good, if you get their items on sale. They sometimes have really good deals, and they usually do daily sales and weekend sales.

Hunting for bargain is all about opportunity. If you patrol frequent enough, you'll catch it, then you have to jump on it.

 

[avcab]

Thanks for your HUGE help, both Maxx_Power and Kisianik! Appreciate it alot. I'll get the 7000 series or the GTX 650.
Too bad I live in the UK. >_>
Gracias!

 

[Maxx_Power]

Thanks for your HUGE help, both Maxx_Power and Kisianik! Appreciate it alot. I'll get the 7000 series or the GTX 650.
Too bad I live in the UK. >_>
Gracias!

Oh, if you live in the UK, there is Scan.co.uk that is really good. http://www.scan.co.uk/. Not sure if you shop there already or not... Occasionally in the UK, you can get some deals from Amazon.co.uk. Wait for sales, I guess.

BUT, you are very welcome.

 

[Kisianik]

Yeah, its upgraded to a 500w OCZ stealthXstream with 36 amps dual rail.
Well, with my budget, I can get either
Q6600
HD 5770/6770
HD 5750/6750
Or an Nvidia equivalent such as GTS 450

Just want an upgrade to give me the Highest fps with current games and possible future games too.

I looked at your case pictures, and it really doesn't appear that cutting the case is a good option due to the tight clearance. You'll be cutting straight into the rear motherboard bracket and a 90 degree bend in the metal that serves to strengthen the frame (load bearing).

If you try the HD7750s, the PowerColor ones should fit, also the XFX (but more expensive) and the HIS. The ASUS should also fit, and MAYBE the Gigabyte one.

If you find the budget is a bit tight, keep an eye out for sales. Absolutely avoid the models with DDR3 instead of GDDR5.

And place your models here, not all of them fit, without even checking, I remember that Asus don't fit, this Asus red and black cooler, none of the models with it fits, checked many times - CPU cooler is on the way, the card is longer!

 

[Maxx_Power]

Yeah, its upgraded to a 500w OCZ stealthXstream with 36 amps dual rail.
Well, with my budget, I can get either
Q6600
HD 5770/6770
HD 5750/6750
Or an Nvidia equivalent such as GTS 450

Just want an upgrade to give me the Highest fps with current games and possible future games too.

I looked at your case pictures, and it really doesn't appear that cutting the case is a good option due to the tight clearance. You'll be cutting straight into the rear motherboard bracket and a 90 degree bend in the metal that serves to strengthen the frame (load bearing).

If you try the HD7750s, the PowerColor ones should fit, also the XFX (but more expensive) and the HIS. The ASUS should also fit, and MAYBE the Gigabyte one.

If you find the budget is a bit tight, keep an eye out for sales. Absolutely avoid the models with DDR3 instead of GDDR5.

And place your models here, not all of them fit, without even checking, I remember that Asus don't fit, this Asus red and black cooler, none of the models with it fits, checked many times - CPU cooler is on the way, the card is longer!

The ASUS should fit, it is a 1 and a half slot cooler, but single bracket. I know this because I own one. If the plastic shroud is a bit big (only 7.8 inches long in total) and touches the wind tunnel plastics, it can be removed (unscrewed or trimmed) leaving just the fan/heatsink.

It looks like this when removed from the card:

ALL low profile ones should fit (all are 6.69 inches in length), except perhaps the HIS one with a non-standard sized cooler, they are all short and stout, no matter which one you get. For example, the sapphire one:

 

[Kisianik]

Only 7.5 inches fit, running it without a cooler is a joke in this case, that is way please post your model to minimize frustration.

 

[avcab]

This model of the GTX 650:

This model of the HD 7750

Or the this model of the HD 6770 for around £10/$15 cheaper.

 

[Maxx_Power]

Only 7.5 inches fit, running it without a cooler is a joke in this case, that is way please post your model to minimize frustration.

Read carefully. I said you can remove the plastic shroud (screwed to the heatsink between the fan and the aluminum). You keep the heatsink/fan, just remove/modify the red/black shroud. It will look like a stock Intel CPU cooler after the quick mod. The plastic shroud is the only part that is too long (about 2 inches reduction in total). Please thoroughly read relevant posts.

 

[Maxx_Power]

This model of the GTX 650:

This model of the HD 7750

Or the this model of the HD 6770 for around £10/$15 cheaper.

I think both the EVGA and the GIgabyte models will fit. The EVGA because it is short to begin with, the Gigabyte because the plasitic shroud is the only thing that might otherwise get in the way, but you can just remove it (it is held between the fan and the aluminum heatsink with 3 screws) or trim it. The XFX doesn't look too good for fitting, because the VRM heatsinks protrude, and you can't modify it in anyway to make it fit, since the VRMs require their proper cooling.

Of all of them, the EVGA is by far the better choice for the 2 reasons:

1) It has robust compatibility with PCI-E gen 1 boards (better than the HD7000 series).

2) It is short, at only 6.7 inches in total length. Fitment is not an issue.

 

[Kisianik]

EVGA - cut the case or the bracket, headache
Gigabyte - cut the shroud
XFX - cut the case

Why not to go with PowwrColor £76.95

http://www.amazon.co.uk/POWERCOLOR-AX7750-1GBD5-DH-Graphics-DisplayPort/dp/B00775OC28/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1370634393&sr=8-4&keywords=powercolor+7750

Fits well, no cutting of any kind required, and has not so many bad reviews.

if this picture is correct, cutting the back panel is problematic

Even if you cut exactly to Ethernet port you might not have enough room

 

[Maxx_Power]

Actually, the EVGA is not a good choice. I didn't notice the back bracket was 2 slots wide on first glance. If you want to, try the PowerColor, or the ASUS on sale at Scan.co.uk for 75.32 quid.

I just looked at my ASUS HD7750 in detail, the shroud is held to the aluminum heatsink with a few screws on the sides, very easy to remove. If you remove the shroud, I measured the length of the card from the beginning of the PCI-bracket to the end of the heatsink at about 6 inches total length. So it SHOULD fit after you remove the shroud, very reversible operation.

AVOID THE CHEAPER DDR3 based models.

There is also this less branded one:

For 69.32 quid on Scan.co.uk here:

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/1gb-...hz-512-cores-displayport-dual-link-dvi-i-hdmi

It looks nearly the same as the PowerColor one.

 

[avcab]

Thing is 95$ is about £60 which is my budget.
Im thinking of getting the Sapphire version of the 5750/6750 priced at £40 and £44 respectivley.

5750 is 7.8inches in length, 4 inches wide and 1.3 inches thick, which I think should fit without any problems.