XPS 410 CPU swap

Question

Hey Everyone, I was searched through the forums but couldn't determine if it was possible to swap out the process on my E6400 XPS 410 to quad core or even just a E6700. I've got a decent system setup right now but I really want to stay on top of gaming. I checked the Dell XPS 410 manual and am pretty familiar with the basics of taking apart my rig safely to do this. But has anyone done a CPU upgrade on the XPS 410? Thanks XPS 410 E6400 (2.13) 3GB RAM-667 7900 GS overclocked 560HMZ core 20' DEll E207WFP monitor

keithg2 · Answer

Yes, you can upgrade your CPU to a quad like the Q6600 or non-quad like the E6700. I upgraded mine to an E6600. Make sure you have the latest BIOS of 2.5.1 and purchase some thermal grease to apply on the new CPU. ArcticSilver is what I use.

miani64 · Answer

does the Q6600 processor take up more space than the core 2 duo series? in other words, i wont have to do any custom fitting? i can just remove my E6400 processor, apply Artic Silver on the new Q6600 processor and fit it into the socket of the mobo?   also for keithg2, was it a relatively easy for you to the change your CPU, didn't have any complications?   thanks

keithg2 · Answer

The Q6600 processor has the same pin setting as your E6400. You just pop out the E6400 and replace it with the Q6600.   I didn't have any trouble at all removing my E6300 and replacing it with the E6600. There are two screws that screw the heatsink into the motherboard. Unscrew them so you can unhinge the heatsink to get to the processor. Make sure you clean the old thermal grease or pad leftovers off the heatsink with some denatured alcohol and a plastic credit card. And put new thermal grease on your processor as outlined in the ArcticSilver guide.  I took a credit card and spread the grease over the entire processor and put the heatsink back on. The whole process took maybe 15-20 minutes.

miani64 · Answer

Thanks man, I'll be doing the swap sometime this fall. I'm putting an 8800 GTS with 640MB and hopefully getting the 24' widescreen monitor from Dell. So I should be good for awhile as far as gaming goes. That is until I change to a different computer like the XPS 720. I will definetly do liquid cooling in my next rig.

smaugdragon · Answer

Anyone know if the 3.0Ghz 1333FSB chip (E6850) will work in the 410 motherboard?

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Processors/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A1213727

Why would one get a dual core chip running at 2.4 for the same price? Am I missing something?

Is Quad core worth the extra $30-50?

Kinda sad, I bought this 410 XPS for gaming, and less than a year later, Crysis won't run on less than a 2.2 dual core. Even my Dimension from the year previous is capable of this game's minimum requirements. Other than that, it's been great! heh heh

Message Edited by smaugdragon on 11-22-2007 05:17 PM

miani64 · Answer

Im not sure about the swab of a E6850, but concerning multiple cores, you have to realize that more and more games are being designed for these components. i myself have the 410 and am setting up a Q6600 quad core from my E6400. one way to think about speeds and cores is a brick layer. say you have one brick layer working at a speed of speed measureable to 3.0 GHZ. now say you have two workers at 2.4ghz, though their speed is slower, you have two workers that will increase productivity. In my opinion, the extra 30-50 bucks for a quad core would be worth it. hope that helps. -------------------------- XPS 410 E6400 3GB DDR SDRAM 667MHZ EVGA 8800 GTS Overclocked

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XPS 410 CPU swap

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