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Dell Dimension 9200 (XPS420) upgrade advice please
Hi Folks,
I have a Dimension 9200 with an E6600 Core 2 Duo (2.4GHz) CPU and 4GB of DDR RAM.
I'm currently running WinXP (32 bit). My MB BIOS is v.2.5.3.
I would like to upgrade to Windows 7 (64 bit) and upgrade the CPU to the max I can use on my current motherboard (OCT017) and also upgrade and increase my RAM.
After looking through many FAQs and parts lists etc. I decided to upgrade to the RX656 Kentsfield Quad Core Kit, QX6800, 2.93G, 8MB, 1066FSB, G0.
I also found some DDR2 2GB modules and since I have four memory slots I would like to go up to the full 8GB of RAM.
In asking questions on various forums (not this one) I was told that none of this was possible by some people.
However, others said that the 9200 was capable of running a quad core so long as the latest bios was installed, then IO found the following message on another forum:
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beezageeza 04-02-2010 at 12:52:38 PM
Show message
Ok, well I HAVE a 9200 running:
- Q6600 quad core 2.4Ghtz
- 6 GB RAM (2*2GB DDR2-6400 + 2*1GB DDR2-4300)
- Windows 7 64 bit
Upgraded from original Core2Duo 2.1Ghtz that recognised only 3GB RAM on XP32bit.
Before I did this, I looked at loads of posts from people saying it couldn't be done. You just have to find one from someone who has actually done it. Now you have."
===================================
So now I have conflicting views but this guy seems to have done it.
So, since I have the latest BIOS, v.2.5.3 and a skt 775 motherboard, can I use the above Quad processor and 8GB of RAM, after upgrading to Windows 7 (64-bit)?
All help and info greatly received, especially from anyone who has already upgraded.
Many thanks in advance.
RoHe
10 Elder
10 Elder
•
43.6K Posts
1
August 29th, 2010 10:00
I don't know if the 9200/410 uses a proprietary heatsink//fan so something to keep in mind when choosing the new processor. Maybe somebody else has that answer. Dell does typically use a custom fan with a heat sensor in it. If a non-Dell fan is installed, you'll get a "fan failure" error message every time you boot. But it will work in spite of that message.
It's possible the crucial site hasn't been updated to show 2GB modules for this system because they don't expect people to move up to 64-bit Win 7 on this older system. I have seen 2GB modules on their site for other systems, but they're not cheap. You may want to call crucial to see what they recommend for the 9200/410.
Search around on these forums to see if anyone posted the answers to your questions.
Ron
dcgtls
940 Posts
1
August 29th, 2010 22:00
Yes that will work just fine. It is faster memory than what I have and is compatable with the XPS 410. Here are a few places that have it in stock.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TPXULC/ref=asc_df_B000TPXULC1231891?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=pg-446-38-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B000TPXULC
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3228139&SRCCODE=PRICEGRABBER&cm_mmc_o=2mHCjCVybgwTyz__wyCjCVqHCjCdwwp&cpncode=24-102117851-2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184&nm_mc=OTC-pricegrabbermerch&cm_mmc=OTC-pricegrabbermerch-_-Memory+(Desktop+Memory)-_-Corsair+(XMS+Series)-_-20145184
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Corsair-XMS2-4-GB-2-X-2-GB-PC2-6400-800-MHz-240-PIN-DDR2-Dual-Channel-Memory-Kit-TWIN2X4096-6400C5/12518857?wmlspartner=m7IpELVFEZY&sourceid=23055973770754898202
When it comes to installing Windows I always do a clean install. Besides if you are going from a 32bit OS to 64bit you have no choice but to do a clean install. I have found that alot of programs that I used in XP would not work under Vista and then found that they would work better under Win7 tha they did with XP. It all depends on what software it is. If you are wanting to stay with XP then I would not reccomend going to a 64 bit version as it was not very good with support for drivers and applications. Vista 64 is when it started to get good and I feel it is even better now with Win 7. If you stay with XP 32bit then do not install more than 4GB of memory.
You will find a big improvement by upgrading the CPU. The Q6600 can still be found and I have seen them at times under $100.
RoHe
10 Elder
10 Elder
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43.6K Posts
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August 28th, 2010 19:00
You said it's an 9200 (XPS420) but isn't the 9200 an XPS 410?
I don't know about the specific processor you picked, but other people are running Win 7 64-bit on the XPS 410.
And you can use up to 8 GB RAM with 64-bit Windows. Be careful about where you get your RAM. Dell PCs can be very finicky about RAM. Even if it's the right specs, it doesn't always work. Many people around here buy RAM from crucial.com because they guarantee it works in the system for which they recommended it, or they take it back.
The issue you may have is finding 64-bit Win 7 drivers for all the hardware installed, eg video card, network adaptor etc. Dell offers Vista 64-bit drivers for the XPS410, but not for Win 7 64-bit. In some cases, the Vista 64-bit drivers will work fine, but not always.
Ron
Ford_Prefect2
29 Posts
0
August 29th, 2010 09:00
Hi Ron,
Many thanks for the info and quick reply.
Yes, you are correct, the 9200 is the XPS410, slip of my finger!
I saw a list of processors (on another forum) that the latest BIOS (2.5.3) would support and it included several quad core cpu's working up to 1066 FSB, which is what mine is. I guess I might need to get a new heatsink and fan depending on the CPU I get.
Regarding the drivers, I've just run the Windows 7 compatibility checker from the Microsoft site and it says my Video card, Network card, Audio card, usb support and printer are all compatible. (Interestingly, it doesn't like my Canon scanner, but that's for another day!)
Regarding memory, as you say, it will support up to 8GB, i.e. 4x2GB, but I can't find any 2GB memory modules, the Crucial site recommends 4x1GB. Do you know what make and model of 2GB modules is actually being used by anyone else?
What I'm really trying to find is someone who has a 9200 or 410 which they have already upgraded so I can copy them and hence hopefully not have any hassle with compatibilities.
Regards,
Doug.
Ford_Prefect2
29 Posts
0
August 29th, 2010 10:00
Hi Ron,
Thanks for all the advice and info.
I think I've got everything I need to know and I'll contact Crucial about the 2GB memory modules.
Regards,
Doug.
dcgtls
940 Posts
0
August 29th, 2010 12:00
I have 2 XPS 410's that i have upgraded. They both have Q6600's in them using the stock heatsync with no problems. You can go to the Q6700 and possible the Q6800 but not any of the QX cpu's.
As for the memory I have Corsair part # "TWIN2x2048-5400C4 G" That is the 4GB kit so I have 2 of these kits in one of the XPS 410's and O am running APC memory in the other I do not have the part number for that one right now but you could contact them. I have had no problems running 6 or 8 GB in either system and to be honest I think 6 GB is really the sweet spot on these.
I am still running Vista x64. I have not tried running Win 7 on them yet because I just have not had the time to mess with it. I am running Win 7 on my primary workstation XPS 730x and my Inspiron 1720.
There have been alot of threads on here that others have installed Win 7 on the XPS 410 with little to no problems.
Good Luck
Ford_Prefect2
29 Posts
0
August 29th, 2010 13:00
Hi dcgtls,
Had a quick search and couldn't find those particular memory modules, but found this on Amazon:
"Corsair 4096MB Memory Kit (2x2048MB) DDR2 PC2-6400 2x240pin DIMMs (TWIN2X4096-6400C5C)"
Is this the same but a slightly faster or newer module?
Also, You said you are running Vista 64 bit, was that an upgrade from XP or did you clean install it?
I'm still running XP Pro and I don't need the hassle of a clean install to Win7 at the moment as I have a large number of programs which would need to be re-installed. (Plus quite a few that are incompat with Win7)
Thanks,
Doug.
Ford_Prefect2
29 Posts
0
August 29th, 2010 13:00
Thanks a bunch!
Just what I was looking for as I had no luck with Crucial.
Regards,
Doug.
Ford_Prefect2
29 Posts
0
August 30th, 2010 04:00
Hi dcgtls,
Many thanks for the links.
I'm in the UK but I'm sure I'll be able to source them here, now you've given me the part numbers.
I'm going to upgrade to Win 7 then change the processor to a Q6600 and increase the RAM to 6GB at least.
I'm just about to go on holiday so I'll leave it all until I come back.
I'll keep you posted.
Thanks again,
Doug.
snowshine
1.1K Posts
1
August 30th, 2010 11:00
Hello,
I have a Dimension 9200/XPS 410 bought in January 2007. This came with Intel ViiV Core 2 Duo E6400 2.13 GHz 1066MHz , 2MB Processor. The present BIOS is 2.5.3
I have tried all flavours of Windows without any problem. [ XP Media Centre Edition-> Vista HP 32 bit->Vista Ultimate 64bit->Win 7 Ultimate x64]
My computer details are in my signature.
I am not a computer literate but totally guided by good people from this forum.
The have increased my RAM and lately my original Graphic card failure resulting in changing to a new one all through guidance from here.
Regards
Snow