Hello,

I've a good old OptiPlex GX620 Small Form Factor (Serial <ADMIN NOTE:Service tag removed per privacy policy>
) and I've a question about a possible processor's upgrade for it.

I've seen posts about the compatibility of Pentium D up to model 960 (since BIOS A10 if I understood well), but could the 955 (Extreme Edition) be an interesting alternative? Even if it'll be downclocked because its FSB being 1066 MHz...

 

My second question is about the memory speed on my GX620. According to "Small Form Factor Computer Specifications" inside the manual, this motherboard accept 533 and 667 MHz DDR2 modules, it means PC2-4200 and PC2-5300 modules. I currently have 2Go (2x1Go) of Crucial PC2-5300 installed, but the memory speed remains at 533 MHz. What's the problem with these? Does the motherboard (and then BIOS) not recognize these modules?

Could the BIOS be updated or modified to recognize these modules? Or even be push a bit faster to 800MHz (PC2-6400) as some other brands can do with same motherboard configuration. Is the GX620's BIOS based on an AMI, Award, or "Dell-only" BIOS? Is it possible to have the raw files of the BIOS instead of the downloadable all-in-one executable file (A11GX620.exe)? Of course, if I "investigate" on these files, or modify it, it'll be at my own risk.

 

And to finish, maybe an uncommon request, but I would like to adapt an alternative cooling system on the processor and build a custom fixation for it. So, is it possible to know the measures between the 4 holes surrounding the processor to fix the heatsink assembly and a part of the HDD assembly? And which type of screws is used? My motherboard is a 0PY423 model.

Manuals for my computer can be found here: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx620/

 

Thanks for your help, I hope to read you soon (and sorry for my bad English, not being my main language)