Optiplex 790 - Processor upgrade options

Looks like i7-2600S or i7-2700K is max according to Dell Tech Spec and Intel Q65 Chipset spec.

Here are the web URLS:

Dell Tech Spec: See Page 12

www.dell.com/.../optiplex-790-tech-guide.pdf

Intel Q65 Compatible CPU List

ark.intel.com/.../52811

SUCROMATIC

I have an Optiplex 790 which had a working Core i3 2120. I tried to replace it with a Core i7 2600. On power up, I get no video or beeps. Replacing the old CPU boots the computer normally. The BIOS version is A18.

There is one odd behavior. When the power button is first pressed, the fan spins briefly, and then turns off. It then immediately powers back on, and continues to run at normal speed.

i do understand that it has been a while since you posted this....

But either way I just wanted to say that you are INSANE. You WILL NOT be able to put an LGA 1150 processor in an LGA 1155 motherboard. The Optiplex 790 does NOT support a 4th gen cpu. 

I also purchased two different i7 processors (i7-2600k & i72600) and neither will work with this machine. I get zero video out. My BIOs are at version A18 as well. 

What is the fastest processor we can put in these machines that will actually work? 

Hello, SNAPPA0126, I have a i3-2120 Optiplex DT, and I'm looking for that answer too.  

I was going to buy a used I7 2600, but as I can see, people are not having success when trying to use this model, even with the latest bios (a18 at this time).

I`m worried because I can't risk on buying the wrong cpu (no return policy in my country).

I already tried a 3rd gen i5, and it didn`t work. I didn`t know about the intel q65 limitation. 

Please, I ask anyone that had success to post the cpu model here. 

Thank you.

Supposedly any of these processors will work. http://ark.intel.com/products/52811/Intel-BD82Q65-PCH#@compatibility but I have found that the top two do not work. I hope somebody else can figure out the fastest processor we can use to solve this answer. 

All,

You cannot rely on the retail CPUs listed by Intel or the retail chipset specifications when working with our OEM (original equipment manufacturer) motherboard, chipset, and bios. The following are the Dell validated i7 CPUs in this model by Dell part number =

706FY i7-2600,3.40GHz,4C,SandyBridge,D2 (Optiplex 790/990, Vostro 460/470, Alienware X51-R1, XPS 8300/8500)
605FF i7-2600S,2.80GHz,4C,SandyBridge,D2 (Optiplex 790/990, Inspiron One 2320, Vostro 360)

Cris, thanks for the quick reply. I`m still trying to figure this out.

As I can see from other threads about the OPTIPLEX 790 DT, no one had success when using a i7-2600 from intel (used, a aftermarket one). No boot as they say, cooler spins, but no video.

The question is:

CAN I BUY A INTEL I7-2600 CPU (a Intel aftermarket used one, not from DELL) AND USE IT ON THE OPTIPLEX 790 DT IN ORDER TO UPGRADE FROM THE i3-2120?

Is there any setting that needs to change in the bios (A18) menu?

There are a lot of questions like this one about the OPTIPLEX 790 DT but  no one had success when the i7-2600 was used as a replacement (generally replacing the i3-2120).

Please, I`m asking this because my workflow NEEDS this upgrade.

Thank you!

Hey, everybody. I just bought a  Intel i5-2500 and replaced the i3-2120.

It`s working without a problem!

I couldn`t buy the i7-2600, 90 dollars more. Does not worth it, in my case.

Thank you all!

I am thinking of  my 790 with  I3 2120 to  i5 2400. Would i have to update my bios to do this?

I am also looking at an upgrade fro my Dell 790.

When you replaced the i3-2120 with i5-2500, did you -

1. buy a Dell-certified CPU or just an ordinary (used) Intel one?

2. upgrade the BIOS (what version are you running)?

3. change the RAM (what RAM are you using)?

I think all the CPUs are just ordinary Intel parts. I built three Dells (OptiPlex 9010, OptiPlex 390, and XPS 8500), and all worked fine with off-the-shelf CPUs and memory.

So after reading this it looks like the I7 2700k will work but no graphics.as it seems this motherboard doesn't support hd3000 graphics. But that is of no issue to me as I don't use intel graphics. I honestly don't see why anyone is upgrading the processor and still using on board graphics. Currently I have a gt710 and will upgrade to the gtx 1050ti low profile. but for used price it seems the i7 2600 is a better deal can pick one up for $100 on ebay vs 200 for the i7 2700k .1 ghz and unlocked wont make much of a difference in this computer as the bios doesn't have any overclocking options.

Hi, I am also planning upgrade my 790sff. Did you test i7 2600s or i5 2400s, I want to put a 65W quad core cpu in my 790 off, since I've already put a gtx 1050 ti in the case and I don't want push the PSU too much. Thanks!