Dell e510 BIOS update - When will my processor be supported?

Question

I put a call into Dell support last night complaining that my Pentium-D 950 processor will not boot in my e510. I was told by the Dell support rep that these processors will be supported in a future BIOS update. Is there a timeframe on the BIOS release? I need to know if I need to return the brand new processor I have in the box at the moment. Partial chat log below: 05/30/2006 07:04:08PM Agent (XXXXXXXXXXXXX): 'The fastest processor compatible with your system is Prescott P4 Kit, 650, 3.4G, 800FSB, 2MB, Socket-T. And yes Dual Core processors will be supported in the future via a BIOS update. It's called hyperthreading.' 05/30/2006 07:05:28PM Gregory McGraw: 'Actually, it's not called Hyperthreading. The 3.4 Pentium 650 is a HyperThreading processor. The 950, which would not boot in this motherboard, is a Pentium D Dual Core processor. HyperThreading is not the same thing as Dual Core.' 05/30/2006 07:06:12PM Agent (XXXXXXXXXXXXX): 'Okay. Let me re-check that.' 05/30/2006 07:08:05PM Agent (XXXXXXXXXXXXX): 'Thank you for your patience, Gregory.' 05/30/2006 07:08:16PM Agent (XXXXXXXXXXXXX): 'Yes, Dual Core processors will be supported in the future via a BIOS update.' 05/30/2006 07:09:16PM Gregory McGraw: 'One final question...do you know when the next BIOS revision will be for the e510? How often are they released?' 05/30/2006 07:09:50PM Agent (XXXXXXXXXXXXX): 'You mean BIOS upgrade?' 05/30/2006 07:10:00PM Gregory McGraw: 'Yes' 05/30/2006 07:11:01PM Agent (XXXXXXXXXXXXX): 'I don't know how often are they released, but to get one BIOS update, you can check our web site support.dell.com, put in your service tag and go to drivers and downloads.' 05/30/2006 07:11:56PM Gregory McGraw: 'I've already done that, and I'm currently running the latest BIOS. I'll just wait until the next BIOS revision and see if Dual Core processors are supported. Thanks.'

NemesisDB · Answer

dell doesn't support CPU upgrades.  it will likely have bios support when or if they decide to start selling these chips in that model.

Majestic · Answer

Straytech, since Dell never announces the future release of a BIOS update, I would just return the processor to the place of purchase for a refund.  In the event Dell decides to release a newer BIOS upgrade you can always buy another one.  That way if Dell decides not to offer a newer release you aren't stuck with an expensive purchase sitting on the shelf.

StrayTech · Answer

Well, here's the deal...

I bought my e510 about 20 days ago. Now...on the config site...I can config a new e510 with a 940 Dual Core. My question is:

What is different about the e510 currently being sold on the site vs. the one at home? I know it isn't a BIOS revision unless the ones currently shipping are running a BIOS that isn't available for download.

If it's a motherboard difference, I'd like to know revisions and part numbers on the new board.

There's simply no reason why a Pentium-D 940 can work in one off the shelf now, and won't work in mine unless there is a motherboard difference.

It would be nice to have someone at Dell answer my questions, although I am racking up quite a few sadly amusing chat logs with support reps.

Majestic · Answer

Straytech, after I replied to your posting here I saw you were having a similar discussion in another thread about the possibility of the processor working with the current BIOS version.  Unfortunately I don't have an answer. As for getting some input from Dell, the Dell Moderator seldom joins the discussion on any threads here.  Try posting a separate message addressed specifically to the moderator in the message subject line.   Maybe he will respond.

CPUFed · Answer

My E510 is currently running on a Pentium D 820 Dual Core.  I bought it from Dell that way, but like you said there is no reason your E510 shouldn't run a Dual Core chip.  Confusing...  I have the latest BIOS revision. (A05)

StrayTech · Answer

Hmm...do you know what motherboard revision you have?

I think there isn't a big issue getting the 800 series to work...it's the 900 series that seems to be confounding folks.

What's really getting me is that you can config a new e510 now with a 940 processor...so I -know- that somehow, somewhere it's supported... It's just figuring out the why and how. :)

50pence · Answer

I dont think it is a BIOS issue, A04 stated that it supported ViiV which is a 9XX feature so you should be ok with A05, I reckon if anything it will be a mother board revision, Dell should be able to confirm that.

StrayTech · Answer

Well, you'd think they'd be able to confirm or deny.

I got through to a person in parts that told me the replacement mobo for my system is a different part number than the currently shipping e510 board.

I told him to send me the currently shipping e510 board.

It arrived at my house yesterday. I took it out of the box...and it's the same board that's in my current e510...EXCEPT that its BIOS revision was a04.

The new board wouldn't POST with a 950 processor installed, either.

I don't know if they sent me the correct board or not. All I know is that I'm getting extremely fed up and frustrated talking with people that have little or no knowledge of the products they are supporting. I have never had this pathetic of a support experience, and I'm at a loss because I've never had this bad of an experience with Dell -ever- before. (I have dealt with them for years purchasing business PCs, laptops, and servers.)

If this is a herald of things to come, I'll be changing our corporate vendor.

Now, I have to repackage this motherboard and ship it back to Dell...and the thought of jumping another 2 hours worth of hurdles on the phone makes my skin crawl.

50pence · Answer

How much do they charge for a mobo?

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