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Upgrading CPU in Dell Inspiron 531s. AMD A64 x2 3800+ to a 6000+?
Hello,
I have a few questions.
I am currently running a Dell Inspiron 531s.
It is equipped with an AMD Athlon 64 x2 3800+ CPU, which is 2.01 ghz and is getting outdated.
I would like to upgrade to a AMD Athlon 64 x2 6000+ CPU, which is 3.0 ghz.
Will I be able to do so?
Will I need to update any Dell bios?
Thanks!
shesagordie
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June 8th, 2009 19:00
busler15
You should be able to install a AMD Athlon 64X2 Kit, 6000+, 3.0GHz, 2MX2, Dual Core, 89 Watt.
Upgrade the BIOS to the latest version, prior to installing the processor.
Bev.
jsktx
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June 8th, 2009 20:00
If you can't find a 6000+ 3.0Ghz Windsor processor, a 6000+ 3.1Ghz 89W Brisbane will also work. It has less cache memory, but runs pretty much the same as the Windsor. I have it in two of my other 531 computers. Be sure to upgrade the BIOS as Bev said.
busler15
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June 9th, 2009 07:00
Thanks so much for the help here. I really appreciate it.
I went to Dells Driversa and Downloads and downloaded/installed the BIOS update, so I should be set there.
Now I am stuck on what CPU to choose.
I can either get the 5800+ Brisbane from Tiger Direct at 3.0 ghz for 70 bucks, but this does not include a fan/heatsink.
I can get the 6000+ Windsor for 70 bucks through ebay, fan/heatsink not included. I can get the Brisbane on ebay for about 10 dollars more.
Do you recommend buying a used CPU?
On Newegg they have the 6400+, which is 3.2 ghz but runs 125w. Do you think my stock mobo and power supply can handle this?
What do you think would be the best/safest route for me to take?
shesagordie
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June 9th, 2009 08:00
busler15
You need the 89w version, not the 125w 6400+. :emotion-5:
In the past, I've purchased used processors from eBay and [so far] never had a problem.
You don't need a heatsink/fan, the exsisting default proprietary Dell heatsink and fan should be reused.
Bev.
busler15
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June 9th, 2009 09:00
Thanks so much Bev.
Looks like the 6000+ Windsor is my choice.
Glad to hear the stock heatsink and fan will do fine.
Time to get some Arctic Silver 5 and do my first CPU swap :emotion-2:
shesagordie
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June 9th, 2009 12:00
busler15
You are welcome.
THIS may help with reapplying the thermal compound.
Bev.
BigBeerBelly
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September 7th, 2011 08:00
I have done it with my 2008 / Dell 531s:
AMD Athlon 64X2 Kit, 6000+, 3.0GHz, 2MX2, Dual Core, 89 Watt
It works fine. I am using my orginal Dell Fan and it is a little louder at times, but fine all day.
I have done anything special with my Dell. It is all OEM, besides the chip upgrade.
If you can find one of these chips. Go for it...
My Dell is alot faster, smoother, and I am going to keep my Dell untill the next OS comes out.
* I am using Win 7
Not bad price for a $70 Chip upgrade. Better than buying a NEW PC for now.
I hope this helps on guys with upgrading on this chip. Everybody says you can, but I actually done it and using it daily for 3 Months now....
darrenharra
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November 3rd, 2012 17:00
whats the bios upgrade for dell inspiron 531S, is it 1.0.13?
darrenharra
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November 3rd, 2012 17:00
and where do I get it from
shesagordie
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November 3rd, 2012 18:00
shesagordie
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November 3rd, 2012 18:00
darrenharra
Yes, prior to installing the processor, you need to upgrade the BIOS to the latest version 1.0.13 when support for newer processors was added.
Bev.
darrenharra
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November 3rd, 2012 20:00
Thanks Bev, just wanted to ask one more thing. Windows rates my graphics low, so I was wondering if upgrading my grahics card in my dell inspiron 531S would help and if so can u provide me with a link to compatiable cards or let me know if this one is compatiable (www.ebay.com/.../i.html)
shesagordie
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November 3rd, 2012 21:00
darrenharra
You need Low Profile PCI x16 video cards and there is limited selection of compatible cards for the Inspiron 531S.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814139059&Tpk=nvidia%20220%20low%20profile
The Low Profile video card, shown in your eBay link may also compatible:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Inspiron-660s-620s-580s-560s-546s-545s-537s-531s-530s-Video-Graphics-Card-/120998876572?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item1c2c18559c
More Low Profile video cards, can be found here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&N=100006662&isNodeId=1&Description=PCI+x16+low+profile+video+cards&x=27&y=25
Bev.
darrenharra
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November 3rd, 2012 23:00
with the graphics cards now,whats the DDR3 mean,does it mean it has to match my memory(RAM) modules which are DDR2
shesagordie
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November 4th, 2012 07:00