Upgrading the dell Inspiron 660s slim desktop

Hi jlerng,

According to this Intel page, the i7-2600k is compatible with the B75 Express chipset. However, your system specs say only up to an i5 for the 660s. This is probably due to a power limitation. This is one of the many reasons we do not recommend the slim desktop systems for those who are thinking about later upgrades.

I also wanted to upgrade, I have a Dell 660s intel celeron and would like to upgrade to a i5 3rd gen. I wanted a i5 2500k. like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

Do you think its possible to upgrade. Someone told me I have to change my Motherboard. Is it true or are they trying to get me to buy a new computer?

Well that might not be possible as i5 & i7 core processors require more amount of power than i3 or oldones. They both require 95W power supply where as i3 require 65W  power supply and oldones require 35-45W power supply. 

You might have to swap your motherboard in order to upgrade to i5 or i7 processor.

Report Unresolved Customer Service Issues here: 

Dell - Unresolved Customer Service Issues

I do not work for Dell. I too am a user. 

The forum is primarily user to user, with Dell employees moderating.

Some of the Ivy Bridge Core i5 and i7 CPUs are under 70 watts. Even if they are a little over, they will still work with light-duty power supplies: for example, I have a Core i7 77-watt installed in my mini-ITX with 220-watt power supply and it is quite stable.

The i7 xxxx s chips have lower power use, lower than many i5 and only 10W more than the G1620 that comes standard in the 660s. However, it is unclear to me if the 660s isn't tested with i7 or won't work due to some other reason. I am worried about buying an i7 chip and then having it not work for some other reason. Is there anyone who has actually tested an i7 in the 660s to see if it works?

I just installed a Intel Core i7-2600 in my Dell 660s.  I replaced my Intel Core i3-2130.  I have had no issues.  It works and it is completely possible.  I am also using a low profile MSI Radeon 6450 graphics card.  No power issues.  Turns on and works.

Is it possible to upgrade the Inspiron 660s slim desktop to a better processor after purchasing it?

You might be able to swap in a 2-slot mATX motherboard, and use a more modern CPU.

Sweet! I am going to try an i5-2550k, although mine came with an i3-3240....

the K processors are unlocked - they will work as intended only on a board where the speed can be set by the BIOS -- which your system cannot.

You won't get proper operation of a K CPU on an Inspiron system - you'd need an Alienware or other system designed to allow overclocking.

Yeah I thought so, I suppose it's kind of sad, but I do have that already on-hand as a spare from another system. So it's getting bumped down the line. :)

I suppose normally, I would just look for a non-k cpu, but since I have it, why not use it. :)