Hi Jatindrj,

OptiPlex 980 is designed with support for Nehalem architecture processors including Clarkdale dual-core and Lynnfield quad-core (i3, i5 and i7).It supports the following i7 Quad Core processors:

i7-975 3.33 GHz
i7-965 3.20 GHz
i7-950 3.06 GHz
i7-940 2.93 GHz
i7-920 2.66 GHz
i7-870 2.93 GHz
i7-860 2.80 GHz
i7-860s 2.53 GHz

Please update the BIOS to the latest version before replacing the processor and let me know if you need further information.

Excellent. Unrelated but I have a new psu I want to put in the same computer. I noticed the plug is too big for the 24 pin connector inside. Is there an adapter for this? Or is there a psu that will fit this. I'm lookin for ~300w

Hi Jatindrj,

Thank you for your reply. OptiPlex 980 SFF normally ships with a 235W power supply. I suggest you to contact our Spare Parts Team on the availability of higher wattage power supply for the system by calling the number provided in the link below:
http://dell.to/oVxOKw

So his motherboard takes a 1366 OR an 1156 socket cpu?  wow, that is magical.

So i have a Optiplex 980 MT and read your post and thought i would upgrade from my i3 540 CPU and go buy a i7 950 on the above posted info........ so i bought one only to discover you where WRONG?and  know have a i7 950 CPU that does not fit the socket. Thank you,  That's a massive help form me to now stockpile computer parts.

Lynnfield i7

linked from here - en.wikipedia.org/.../Lynnfield_%28microprocessor%29

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_Core_i7_microprocessors#.22Lynnfield.22_.2845_nm.29

Low power ones (as well as the others) are extremely expensive (for what they are by now)

And even i5 are expensive

Best bet (but I am not sure if BIOS supports it) would be Xeon L3426 SLBN3

Seb

Hi Can you confirm that i7-975 3.33GHz stepping SLBEQ  is compatible with Dell OptiPlex 980?

Thank you. Paul.