Which processor(s) both quad and extreme quad core that will fit on xps 630i

Intel has multiple dual and quad core chips. Dual core means that there are 2 separate processors inside 1 chip package. Quad core means 4 single processors inside 1 package. For comparison, Pentium 4 is a single core processor.

 

Make it simple, a quad core can process 4 jobs at a time, whereas a dual core will perform 2 at a time. If your computer mostly process 1 job at a time (i.e. play game only, or surf web only), you don't need a dual core or quad core. For some people who listen to music, play game, burn a DVD, and transfer data all at once, a quad core will be more efficient than a dual core. Of course a dual core can process 4 jobs at a time too, but won't be as fast as a quad core because the processor has to move back and forth between jobs.

 

There are different types of dual and quad core CPUs offered for 630i:

45nm: this is the latest technology 

   _ dual core: Wolfdale E8xxx (this is what you have E8500 @ 3.16GHz per core)

   _ Quad core: Yorkfield. Not available yet from Dell, but hopefully by the end of this month

                     _ Extreme: QX9xxx. Has unlock multiplier. You can overclock this CPU by changing the multiplier inside the CPU, or changing the FSB frequency.

                     _ Regular: Q9xxx. Locked multiplier. Overclock FSB only.

 

65nm: this is last year technology

    _dual core:  Conroe E6xxx. Not available for 630i.

    _ Quad core:  Kentsfield

                     _ Extreme: QX6xxx. Unlocked multiplier

                     _ Regular: Q6xxx. Locked multiplier

 

You can compare different CPUs from Intel website:

http://compare.intel.com/pcc/default.aspx?familyID=1&culture=en-US 

 

 In general, if you don't multitask, a dual core is good enough. E8xxx is best for gamers because it's cheap, and easy to overclock. Most games don't optimize the extra cores in quad core CPUs, so you won't see much performance different.

 

If you don't overclock to the extreme, don't buy the extreme version. With the regular version, you can easily add another 400MHz - 800MHz by OC the FSB only. The extreme will get you another 400MHz - 800MHz, but you will need to increase the voltage a lot, and that may kill your CPU. Price is also a factor (think $1000 CPU vs $300 CPU for an extra 400MHz - 800MHz).

                   

Hope it helps.

It really depends on what you do with your machine. All of the Intel Core2Duo and Core2Quad chips will work with that board. If you do video, picture, or sound editing, you may want to think about going with the Q6600. For almost everything else (gaming and general everyday PC use) the E8500 is a better performer. Personally, I wouldn't spend the money on an extreme edition. They just aren't very good on the "bang for the buck" charts.

Thanks everyone for the quick reply. In any case, if I decide to upgrade my processor, what's the major considerations that need to be taken e.g. slot/socket type, pin count, chipset, etc?

 

Some of the processor has different chipset support and board specs based on Intel's Processors Specification Comparison Chart.

 

 Is there any specific processor package that XPS 630i supports?

 

Again, thanks for the info.

Right now I think the 630i supports all available processors.

 

Even though DELL doesn't officially offer quad core Yorkfield (I don't know why, business reasons???), I myself am using a Q9550 on my 630i with 1.0.4 BIOS, and I believe some other people also use Yorkfield on their systems as well.

Thanks a lot.

 

Hence, is it really a quick install on those processors e.g. Q9550 that you have? How's the difficulty level on doing this? What about the performane? Any processor-related issues encountered?

 

Again, Thanks.

No problem with Q9559 so far. Performance is great. I got 12000+ 3DMark06 score on my system with 4x1G DDR2 800MHz, and GeForce 8800 Ultra. All run at stock speed (no overclock). 

 

Procedure should be easy, and take less than 30 mins.

 

You need a screw driver, thermal paste (to be put on top of your new CPU for better heat transfer from the CPU to the heatsink).

_ Open the latch on top of your box. Let your box lie on the floor, instead of let it stand.

_ Look at the bottom right of the box, there is a big heatsink. Your CPU lies underneath that heatsink.

_ Unscrew the 4 screws of the heatsink. Unplug the heatsink fan from the board, and remove the heat sink. You'll see your CPU inside a socket

_ Pull the socket latch slightly toward the chipset (to the left) then up. Remove the old CPU.

_ Take out your new CPU, put some thermal grease on top of it, and put it onto the socket. Make sure the CPU fits totally inside the socket before pressing the socket latch down to lock the CPU. Be gentle or you will damage the socket pins.

_ Put the heatsink back on top of the CPU, and srew it to the boards.

_ Connect the heatsink fan to the connector on motherboard.

 

That's it.

 

Once again, Thank you. It seems to be easy.