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9770
May 26th, 2011 05:00
Precision 690 upgrade questions
Hello All,
I have a precision 690 with the following config:
processor : dualcore xeon 5130 2.00GHz, 4MB L2, 1333
RAM - 2 GB (4 DIMMS)
graphics card - 128MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX550, Dual VGA or Dual DVI or DVI + VGA
The machine originally had vista 32 bit and now I am running windows 7 32 bit
My goal is to updagrade the software and hardware as below:
Windows 7 64 (high priority)
RAM - 8 GB
processor (if required to support 64 bit win 7)
graphics card (low priority)
Is it realistic to expect running 64 bit Windows 7 with the current processor and motherboard? I do not want to go throught adding RAM, etc. only to realize the mother board does not support 64 bit Win 7. If required, I am willing to change the mother board as well, but just want to be prepared what to expect. Any reccommendations on new processor will be helpful
I will greatly appreciate any input or experience.
speedstep
11 Legend
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47K Posts
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May 26th, 2011 06:00
The 5130 is fine.
Intel Xeon 5130/ 2.00 GHz, 4MB L2, 1333 MHz, FSB, Intel EM64T
Dual-core processing
Significantly increases performance headroom over previous generation single core processors
Helps boost system utilization through virtualization
1333 MHz Front Side Bus
4 MB shared L2 cache
Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology (EM64T)
Virtualization Technology
Supports software-based virtualization
Enables migration of 64-bit O/Ss and applications to virtual environments
Smart Memory Access
Majority of 5100 sequence processors dissipate power at 65W or below.
Intel® Xeon® Processor 5100 Series, Features
unaik
3 Posts
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May 26th, 2011 06:00
Thanks for the response speedstep! So in theory, if I pop win 7 64 bit DVD, I should be able to install 64 bit OS? Any constraints with the motherboard that comes with 690 to handle 64 bit OS? On one occasion dell rep. said the 690 motherboard does not support 64 bit OS. I am aware I may run into some issues and will have to hunt the device drivers as they will not be available on dell site considering the machine was not meant for 64 bit OS
speedstep
11 Legend
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47K Posts
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May 26th, 2011 06:00
I would make sure you have the latest Bios and download the 64 bit versions of all the drivers.
The Orange Box Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade comes with both 32 bit and 64 bit media as does the Retail Windows 7 ultimate Full version box.
The Biggest Caveat with 64 bit windows is that it WILL NOT ALLOW unsigned drivers to work or be bypassed like the 32 bit version does.
Windows 7 makes not only loading unsigned drivers difficult, BUT even if they do load, they wont run.
$149.99 - Office Depot
unaik
3 Posts
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May 26th, 2011 20:00
Thanks Speedstep!! Win 7 64 bit new installation was a breeze. I only instered the DVD and windows 7 was installed without any problems. So far, have not installed any custom drivers and will let windows update figure out what drivers must be updated. Any downside to that approach? That is what I did when I first installed Windows 7 32 bit.
I have only 2 gig RAM and the next step is now to upgrade it to 4 more or 6 gig, then think about processor and graphics card.
Any recommendation on what RAM to use? I can always buy from Dell using their RAM check tool, but was wondering if any 3rd party cheaper options are avilable.