Upgrading AMD CPU in Dell Optiplex 740 Enhanced

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I have a Dell Optiplex 740 Small Form Factor, Enhanced, which currently has AMD Athlon 64 x2 Dual Core 4450B 2.3ghz with 2GB RAM, motherboard Dell YP693.

As I understand it, and according to the info on Dell's web site, the 'Enhanced' version can be upgraded to first generation Phenom x4 Quad Core CPU's. I'd like to do this for non-gaming use. I also plan on upgrading the RAM to 4GB and even possibly adding a midrange graphics card at some point, although that may be limited by the small form factor size of the Optiplex 740. Dell lists three possible options, the one I'm considering is the Radeon HD4650.

I need advice on:

- What about the power requirements of the new cpu compared to the existing one? It does not appear there are any Phenom's with the TDP of 45 watts that the Athlon 4450B has; they all seem to be between 65 and 125.

- How fast of a new cpu can I use without upgrading the fan/cooler? Or what would be a decent cooling unit for the fastest Phenom I can run? Or are there other inexpensive ways to make a Phenom work reliably in this unit?

- Is the Dell recommended graphics card the best option, or are there others that would be a better value?

- Any other comments or suggestions?
 
Solution
DandyMountfarto
Hi

dont know if anyone is still browsing this topic but having recently acquired an enhanced 740 and having some time and resources on my hand, i went ahead and tried some surgery.

the original config is an athlon 64 x2 5000b @ 2.6ghz, 2gb ddr2, geforce 9500gt, windows 8. original psu installed, 280w i think.

my main interst was the ability of the system to run an AM3 cpu. so first i started with a Sempron 145 - thought this would be safe - 45w tdp, single core @2.8ghz. turned on, booted to post...checked in bios, recognises speed but not cpu ID...but most importantly booted into windows, no issues, ran well, not at all sluggish or any reboots or system crashes or freezes.

so, on that evidence i went a little bit more daring and...
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I'm sorry, I read the article completely different. It was an experiment that worked and it only remains for one of Nvidia's board partners to design and manufacture it.


Yes, this was only an experiment. But we couldn't resist the urge to try something that Nvidia's board partners should have tried right out of the gate. It proves that you can use the heat sink from a 50 W card (source by AMD, no less) to cool Nvidia's GM107 GPU in a single-slot form factor. Now think about a solution designed for GeForce GTX 750 Ti, rather than tacked on crudely. A better-fitting implementation designed to fill the PCB space would almost certainly facilitate better thermal performance, likely eliminating the delta between our reference and single-slot GeForce GTX 750 Ti cards, which was a result of lower GPU Boost clock rates.

Truly, our solution isn't optimized. It was another proof-of-concept that involved some craftiness. But it works, despite the minor performance hit and the...shall we say mis-matched brand colors?

At this point, it's up to the board partners as to when we might see a single-slot, low-profile, or passively-cooled GeForce GTX 750 Ti. The HTPC community would undoubtedly cheer, though we're not sure the segment is large enough to compel fast action. But there is a lot of interest coming from the small form factor space. Right now, we see most vendors tucking dual-slot cards into cases built to accommodate them, if only barely. A single-slot version is even more flexible. We've shown that passive and low-profile cooling are both possible with the 60 W GM107 processor. The GPU is capable of a solid experience at 1920x1080. Hopefully, it's only a matter of time before both derivatives emerge, empowering PC enthusiasts with new ways to build attractive console alternatives.
Click to expand...

 
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Well, I am not arguing here, but if you look at the temps and explanation, it said that once temp reaches 80 C, card driver slows down GPU to prevent overheat.

Basically, this might be solved by serious manufacturer, not during an experiment. The point is - such card do not exist yet, and who knows if it ever be.

You need something now, so it is another thing. So far it is the strongest card to fit your case and work on your PSU - VisionTek 900549 Radeon HD 7750 1GB GDDR5 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129263
 
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Agree, but I think we'll see it.

You need something now, so it is another thing. So far it is the strongest card to fit your case and work on your PSU - VisionTek 900549 Radeon HD 7750 1GB GDDR5 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129263
Click to expand...
Agree, this is the best of what's available now for my situation.

Thanks again for your comments, and please let me know if you come across more info on the CPU issue. If I decide to go for it, I'll report back here.

 
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This is an older Topic, however there are many of these computers in use, if one can find a 1GB GDDR5 Dell OEM Radeon 7570, which was stock in my XPS 8700, this will work & no extra power is needed.

However, I did have to buy a low profile bracket from Newegg, actually it was a kit with a lot of adapters, being it was just $2 more than a single bracket on eBay, got it to have the extra parts. I'm thrilled that it works really good. This card can be found on eBay cheap, they're plentiful & many are like new, they were pulls from new business machines, some had DP & DVI ports, others are HDMI & DVI.

The savings over the Vision-Tek solution is nearly $100, as these cards are selling for an average of $35 & the performance is great, delivering a 6.9 on both graphics scores.

Running well in my Optiplex 740 DT edition with an upgraded Athlon X2 4850e CPU with 8GB DDR2-6400 RAM, which also scores 6.9.

Still in search for the best CPU, may look at one of the options in this Topic.

OS is Windows 7 Ultimate that I already had. Not too shabby for a $29 PC with no OS installed, it was very clean inside & out when I received it from an eBay seller.

EDIT: No luck with SSD, tried to install one, no matter the BIOS settings, still was reported as IDE when I attempted to secure erase an Intel 330 prep for OS install. So really, this is SATA in IDE mode.

Cat
 
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Hi

dont know if anyone is still browsing this topic but having recently acquired an enhanced 740 and having some time and resources on my hand, i went ahead and tried some surgery.

the original config is an athlon 64 x2 5000b @ 2.6ghz, 2gb ddr2, geforce 9500gt, windows 8. original psu installed, 280w i think.

my main interst was the ability of the system to run an AM3 cpu. so first i started with a Sempron 145 - thought this would be safe - 45w tdp, single core @2.8ghz. turned on, booted to post...checked in bios, recognises speed but not cpu ID...but most importantly booted into windows, no issues, ran well, not at all sluggish or any reboots or system crashes or freezes.

so, on that evidence i went a little bit more daring and went with an athlon II x4 620. its 2.6ghz quad core, at 95w tdp. was surprised when it booted into windows without a hitch and has coped with some minecraft, some movie playback without breaking sweat. seems entirely stable, and im typing this post on said pc as we speak. however, although cpu-z recognises it as x4 620 2.6ghz, it only reads it as running on 1 core. im guessing this is because bios cant identify the cpu correctly, so can anyone tell me if this is just a reporting error or is the mobo limiting the cpu to a single core? performance seems quick and responsive, but am interested to know if indeed it is running quad or single.

anyway, it seems the enhanced mobo is able to run some AM3 cpu's, just thought i'd add to the discussion.
 
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Solution


I'd add more CPU myself, yet with the 1GB GDDR5 GPU installed, am leery of taxing the 280W PSU further than the 45W one installed (AMD Athlon X2 4850e). If I were to upgrade CPU, would only go to a 65W model, there is some slowness with my current one, yet I expected that. Still, it provided a 25% increase in power over the 4040e CPU, using the same wattage. I've done some checking and have found out that adding a AM3 CPU would be bottlenecked by the MB, so the performance wouldn't be the same as on that type. Still, you've done a great job, considering what you had to work with.

Hopefully after I get finished working on my other (current tech) projects, can get back to it & another that has the BTX form factor MB, find a tower case that will accept a BTX MB & upgrade PSU to unleash whatever performance the computers can provide, a MSI branded Radeon 7770 OC edition needs a home (PMD1GD5). It won't fit in those small desktop cases, plus the PSU is way inadequate if it would fit. Needs 400W minimum, especially if adding a quad core AMD CPU that's on the approved list.

Cat

 
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Excellent job:pt1cable:. This is what all users should do when they experimenting with their systems - post their results here, it is highly valuable information, which must not stay PRIVATE!:bounce:
 
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as an an addition to the above, after a reboot, windows reported the cpu as unidentified, but with 4 entries in device manager. CPU-Z also reports it as running quad core, correctly reporting the amount of cpu cache, as does bios. again, runs nicely, quietly, no bsod's or lock ups and has now embraced windows 10!

added another 2gb ddr2 and i upped the gpu to an old hd4670 single slot card, and i have to say for the age of the parts its not a bad little second system. havent tried many games on it, mostly minecraft (including the win10 version - which offered a much smoother frame rate actually) and the cradle, which with the gfx settings toned down a tad still looks and plays very nicely considering. and all still on the stock psu, so im expecting it to go pop at some point X-D

now, if only i had a phenom II kicking around....

 
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Good to see others are still experimenting with the Dell Optiplex 740 SFF platform.

Based on the success of Danny running an Athlon II, I will at some point try a Phenom II with 95w TDP, of which there are a few at 3.0 - 3.3 Ghz.

As for the graphics card, I haven't tried it yet but the low profile Geforce GTX 750 ti would be the best available at this time based on it's size, performance and extremely low power usage. I will have to make room for the cooling fan by moving the hard drive but since I don't have the cover on, this should be workable.

The Raedon R7 240 that I use has been fine for my use with Windows Media Center, so far. Remember all my comments about performance of this system do not include how it might or might not work for gaming, since I'm not into that.

It may take awhile, but I will do these upgrades and report back.
 
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You want to be the CHAMPION of Optiplex 740 SFF and actually much more? LOL.

So be the one:pt1cable::pt1cable::pt1cable::pt1cable::pt1cable::pt1cable::pt1cable:
 
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?

What I want is to make the most out of what I have, while spending as little as possible, to get a machine that vastly outperforms its humble origins. Very simple.

So far it seems to be working and others also are on the same path.
 
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I did not mean to upset you with "champion" name, but you are the only one, at least during my searches, who are planning to upgrade that far beyond Dell official recommendations and if it will work, will prolong many old PCs lives - this is mine main goal here at Toms.

I was like you about 4 years ago, when I took my inspiron 570 to the new level and beat all first generation i5 CPUs and most of i7 CPUs with my initially weak PC. I also beat all second generation i3 and some of i5 with 2009 one of the Dells cheapest PCs. I had no support and had to do a lot of guess work, later I was joined by another fellow, who found the way to overclock Dell (with my suggestions) and then I overclocked mine as well and created guide for all to follow my footsteps. By now, I think I guided near 50 users or so to do the same, and how many more did not ask questions, but followed my guide - countless.

The point of my story - you are could be the first to step into Phenom AM3 territory with AM2+ motherboard, which is unspeakable, if it works, and you confirm it here, you will be HERO of your PC kind, etc, etc

Those are great achievements, which need to be praised, so more users can attempt similar things.
 
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Not upset at all, thanks for the complement, as we are on the same page.


 
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And now that I've been thinking about it, I wonder if a Phenom II X4 would work, what about a Phenom II X6?

On CPU World, the X4 is listed as AM2+ / AM3 socket, but the X6 is listed as AM3 only. This might be a deal breaker for the 740.

I've read that for my primary use, Windows Media Center, a 6 core CPU would not be any improvement over a 4 core CPU. I don't know if that's correct or not.
 
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One of the primary CPU limits is the TDP - Dell only specked CPU's with a maximum of 95w for the Optiplex 740 Small Form Factor power supply, so I want to stay at that or lower. IIRC, all the BE Phenom's are 125w or more.
 
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Dell Inspiron 570 highest official CPU is also 95 watt - Phenom II x4 945.

The problem is in cooling, as Phenom II x4 965 BE runs hot, especially during overclock.

Regarding PSU, if you don't care about the look, you can upgrade PSU to the external unit, will look ugly as hell, but will work! Basically you will have open case PC, interested?
 
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I've read that the Dell motherboard has problems with higher voltage draw than spec'ed for. So, I don't know that a bigger PSU will help? For now I think a 95w Phenom II X4 will be it.

CPU World shows the fastest 95w Phenom II X4 as the B99 at 3.3Ghz. Still at 95w, a step down at 3.2Ghz are the B97 & a 955 non-BE.
 
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I am running overclocked 125 watt CPU (definitely using more watt now) on Dell motherboard with highest 95 watt possible CPU according to Dell. It is working steady for the past almost 3 years already.

But with Black Edition you can achieve crazy results.

I have another example of Dell durability motherboards, as one user is running 130 watt overclocked QX6800 on Dimension e520, which shares the same BTX design as your Optiplex.

I know it is difficult decision, so I stop encouraging wattage increase....

Conversation with this user is here http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/368151-28-optiplex-upgrade/page-2#16706210 and ongoing....
 
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Ah, you are already running a Phenom II drawing 130w, in a socket that Dell only recommends 95w!

So, I understand your point and will consider doing the same. I wonder if the 740 motherboard would also support that. A lesser quad core BE that could be overclocked might be the ticket. If I overclock a BE, what about cooling? Would I need an upgrade there also? Or would the stock cooling do the job?
 
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One has to have the Enhanced BIOS (you'll see this at Boot), this has 8MB of NVRAM (whatever that is), to be able to upgrade to the AMD Athlon X4 Phenoms. Plus will have to get a better than OEM heatsink, as it's just a finned aluminum block, copper would be a better solution.

Have still be working on (much) newer projects, so have had little time to play around with the Optiplex 740, however watch for those Phenom X4's to drop in price, eventually they'll be in the $30-35 range & that's when I'll make the leap. Since it's on my eBay & Amazon watch lists, will get notifications of lower prices, but don't expect as much a price drop on Amazon as on eBay. Just make sure that seller feedback is excellent, and that if there's any negatives, it's not related to this CPU (other than slow ship times). Some folks expects Free shipping to always be fast, while this may be true sometimes, that's not always the case & doesn't add to the feedback of the product, rather the vendor.

As long as other buyers says it's working good, that's enough reason to trust the vendor & keep in mind that not only do you have eBay protection, also PayPal as well. So if one sells a chip & says 'like new' & it has burnt marks on it, that's a sign it's been overclocked a lot, and reason to initiate a refund request for 'not as described'. Many times the refund will take place & the vendor says to keep the chip (or whatever component purchased). Just look for another, one with burnt markings will likely not last a long time, with your refund, go with another vendor.

Eventually you'll hit pay dirt, a used CPU that hasn't been abused, and the max that the 8MB NVRAM allows for, even if it would allow it, forget the 6 & 8 core options, there's not enough power with the stock 280W PSU (300W for mid tower) to run these CPU's & meet the rest of the PC's needs. After all, what good is a Athlon X4 running the onboard nVidia graphics? None, some type of GPU will be needed, maybe one of the nVidia 750 Ti variants that's a power sipper.

And be sure to max out your RAM, there's 4GB PC2 6400 kits of the A-Tech brand on Amazon for less than $30, while these are refurbished Kingston sticks (Speccy reported one had a 2014 date & the other 2010), these has a Lifetime warranty & for a PC like this, 5 years is a 'lifetime'. 2 sets are needed to stuff the PC to it's max of 8GB, and this is half the price of 8GB of DDR2 RAM on Newegg. Plus being extremely low profile, won't get in the way at all.

http://www.amazon.com/PC2-6400-DESKTOP-Modules-240-pin--Tech/dp/B00C5378J6/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1446164254&sr=1-2&keywords=a-tech+4gb+ddr2

Just my take on this, and I'll get back to work on mine soon. I need to start with a GPU upgrade.

Cat

 
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I am jumping on this wagon and trying to figure out what phenom II chip i should get to try out i got a 560ti gpu i grabbed some pci-e 16x extenders off of ebay for a couple bucks gets around not using a low profile gpu 750w PSU i got 2gb x4 sticks comming in the mail as i do have the enhanced version board.
link to my monster atm lol should be interesting http://imgur.com/a/TOO1q
 
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You could try the one kisianik says he's using - Phenom II X4 965. From what he says the 140 watt isn't a problem, but watch the temperature. You may need better cooling.

If you wanted to stay on the safer side, there are other Phenom II X4's that run at 95 & 125 watts. Check the list at the bottom of this page: http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/K10/AMD-Phenom%20II%20X4%20965%20Black%20Edition%20-%20HDZ965FBK4DGI%20%28HDZ965FBGIBOX%29.html
 
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"so can anyone tell me if this is just a reporting error or is the mobo limiting the cpu to a single core?"

You can install speedfan and it will display the load on each cpu core. My system is running a fx6300 and accessing youtube will activate 4-5 cores on Chrome and Internet explorer.

You can also check the windows device manager to see if it detects all the cores of your cpu.

My guess is that if windows doesn't detect the processor properly, it will not schedule the threads to the other cores.

There are a few videos on youtube that help with that
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXLDhR1FMqQ

 
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