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Older BIOS, New Processor
Have the NEWEST version of the BIOS for my XPS 410. (2.5.3) which has a posting date of 11/2007. The processor I am upgrading to (Core Duo E7600@3.06Ghz) was not even released until Q2 of 2009, though it is essentially an E8500 with a 1055 FSB.
Is it reasonable to expect the BIOS to "recognize" and handle this processor? Have also upgraded firmware for motherboard chipset in prep for this upgrade. Any other "gotchas" that I should look for?
Thanks,
Ross
keithg2
935 Posts
1
September 21st, 2009 12:00
The XPS 410 BIOS v2.5.3 will not recognize any processors above an E6700 for Core 2 Duo and Q6700 for Core 2 Quad.
rossldaniels
20 Posts
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September 21st, 2009 12:00
Any idea why that is? I thought I read of people running E8500s on them?
Ross
keithg2
935 Posts
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September 21st, 2009 14:00
It's this way because of how the BIOS is written.
Do you have URLs of where you read about people with Dell XPS410s running E8500s? I'm curious of workarounds or the BIOS actually does support processors above E6700/Q6700 and we've just never known this. Sort of like the owner's manual says 4GB of RAM is max when really 8GB is.
rossldaniels
20 Posts
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September 21st, 2009 15:00
Specs certainly don't say anything to exclude the CPU from working, http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xps410/en/SM_EN/specs.htm#wp1104326
Here are the new CPU Specs as well. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115059&Tpk=e7600
Ross
rossldaniels
20 Posts
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September 21st, 2009 15:00
I'll see what I can find. As I've already ordered the processor after thinking that the BIOS would support any LGA775 1066FSB 65W Dual Core card, I sure hope I wasn't imagining things.
Ross
rossldaniels
20 Posts
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September 21st, 2009 16:00
Also, this is the intel comparison I used. Q6700 isn't even available any more on Newegg. Could it just be the age of the documents, as the spec sheet that says 4GB max ram also does not say that the 410 will support Core 2 Quads?
http://ark.intel.com/Compare.aspx?ids=30790,27249,41495,
Ross
rossldaniels
20 Posts
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September 21st, 2009 17:00
I wish I understood why though since socket, fsb, power draw, voltages, everything else is the same.
Ross
hrova
2.2K Posts
1
September 21st, 2009 17:00
BIOS Version 2.5.1 came out in August of 2007. That is the last time Dell updated processor support for the XPS 410.
BIOS version 2.5.3 did not add any additional CPU support.
A full list of supported CPU's for that machine can be found here:
http://en.community.dell.com/forums/p/18630117/18760222.aspx?PageIndex=1
To echo what someone else in this forum said, it won't work.
rossldaniels
20 Posts
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September 21st, 2009 17:00
Ugh. Not good since it is already on the way, and Q6600s and 6700s are no longer sold new. Thought I did all the homework I needed.
Thanks,
Ross
Davet50
14.4K Posts
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September 21st, 2009 18:00
Chipset and bios are two of the most important factors. Unless both are supportive it will not work.
hrova
2.2K Posts
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September 21st, 2009 18:00
Here is Newegg's return policy:
http://www.newegg.com/HelpInfo/FAQDetail.aspx?Module=6#xdetail617
Here is more specific info. about processors....
http://www.newegg.com/HelpInfo/ReturnPolicy.aspx#39
Looks like they won't refund it.... Ouch....
rossldaniels
20 Posts
0
September 21st, 2009 18:00
*grumble* Processors are replacement only....no refunds.
Ross
hrova
2.2K Posts
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September 21st, 2009 21:00
Newegg is awesome - glad they're working with you.
Good luck with things.
rossldaniels
20 Posts
0
September 21st, 2009 21:00
Thanks for your help. Found a new Q6600 to order, which is on the motherboard compatibility list :emotion-1:. Also, in the spirit of customer service, Newegg will refund my purchase with NO restocking fee so long as I return the E7600 unopened. Who knows, I may find the Q6600 to be a better match.
Again, thank you for your patience and help.
Ross