Bios Version 1.0.12

Hello mousedaddy,

Which CPU are you currently using on your Inspiron 531?  The web site manual for your unit states that it will handle these:

Specifications

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/inspd531/en/OM/appendix.htm#wp1149546

Are you thinking about upgrading from the 64X2 dual-core processor?  I looked at the BIOS information, and the download does not state which processor it is supposed to support.  There are various 64X2 processors, such as the Brisbane, Windsor and Kuma, each of which has a different speed.  I would only be guessing, but it looks like the BIOS was to allow the unit to use the max speed 64X2 or to allow the change from the 90 nm form to the 65 nm form AMD.  So the BIOS update should allow you to use the fastest 64X2 AMD.

Best wishes for your upgrade,

Darrell WV

Hi thanks for getting back to me , at present i have a amd64 athlon x2 4400+ chip in it and i want to put im a 6400+ chip and i beleive this is the fastest athlon they do, so i dont want to buy one if it wont work so any help you can give me would be of great help.

mousedaddy,

The largest we validated is part #WK983 AMD Athlon 64X2 Kit, 6000+, 3.0G, 2MX2, Dual Core, 89Watt

Call Dell Spare Parts 1-800-372-3355.

Thanks for the info chris but will the 6400x2 work if i put it in?? if it doesnt recognise it will it use the 6400x2 chip as a 6000x2 if thats the biggest it recognises.

ReHi mousedaddy,

The 4400 chip looks to me like it is a 65W (heat like a standard 65W light bulb) and the 6400 is a 125W, so it does produce more HEAT,

AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Windsor 3.2GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM2 125W Dual-Core Processor runs about 94.00 at newegg, not sure what Dell Spare Parts sells this for, but you should be able to do a search on Dell web site, if you buy it from Dell and still have the Dell warranty it will be covered.  This processor has a L2 cache of 2 X 1 MB which your system is supposed to support.

My experience with upgrading processors is that you want to keep the Dell heatsink and fan if possible, they fit your MOBO and generally are much better than the retail heatsink fan that comes with the processor, but that is your call.  Just remember this processor is twice as hot as your current one and you will need to monitor heat issues and may have to add an exhaust fan to the rear of your case.

Everything looks okay with this processor to upgrade your unit with, do not forget to get some Artic Silver to put between your processor and the heastsink fan unit.  Best of luck with your upgrade,

Darrell WV

Darrell you are a gentleman thanks for the info it is very appreciated.

Being a bit of a novice sometimes you just have to ask for help.

Will the bios auto detect the new cpu ??as i am not sure how to set via the jumpers.

Thanks again for your help.

Thanks Chris,

I looked at all the usual places I search on the Dell web site and could not find that information to give to him.  The 125 watt processor seemed pretty hot to me.

Darrell WV

disregard.

The 6400+ will run on a 531.  I'm currently running one now with the original heatsink/fan.  However, if you do heavy gaming, photo editing or DVD burning I would suggest getting an aftermarket heatsink/fan.  The 6400+ is very hot and temps spike high with heavy usage.  I don't do any of those things I mentioned so it's running just fine for me.  Also keep in mind that the 6400+ draws a lot of power so if you upgraded your system prior to installing it may not run without upgrading the power supply.