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Upgrading the Dell XPS/410
What would be the best Intel Quad processor to use with the Dell XPS/410 for performance, gaming etc? I would like plenty of speed. And also what would be the best video card to use? Nvidia or Ati? Thank you for any help anyone.
keithg2
935 Posts
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February 14th, 2009 06:00
The maximum Core 2 Quad is a Q6700 and the maximum Core 2 Duo is the E6700. I'm running a Q6600 which has plenty of speed and works well with gaming.
As far as video cards, it's really your choice. The nVidia 9800GT would be a good choice. The ATI HD 4850 would be a good choice.
Larkin600
66 Posts
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February 14th, 2009 15:00
Thank you kindly keithg2 for the reply. I will surely look into purchasing those items you mentioned. One other thing, what cooling unit are you using and did you upgrade your psu or are you still using the 375W psu that came with the XPS/410 unit?
keithg2
935 Posts
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February 15th, 2009 04:00
I'm not sure I understand what you mean about "cooling unit". If you are referring to the heatsink and fan, you have to use those that came on the XPS 410. They will cool all of the XPS 410 compatible processors just fine.
I'm using the the PSU that came with the XPS 410 (375W) which has plenty of power. I have the Q6600, 2x500GB harddrives, 4GB of RAM, and an nVidia 8800GTS video card with power to spare.
Larkin600
66 Posts
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February 17th, 2009 18:00
Yes, I was referring to the heatsink and processor cooling unit. Usually when you purchase the Intel QE6600 or QE6700 they have the processor fan included. So, from what you're saying the Dell XPS/410 is already equip to handle those processors. Thanks again for the info. I figured you had to install the fan also for extra cooling.
Darrell WV
482 Posts
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February 18th, 2009 06:00
Hello Larkin600,
kiethg2 is correct, the Dell heatsink/fan is far superior to any available coming with the processor. What you will find is that the Dell heatsink is held down on the processor by screws that go into the metal frame hidden behind the BTX motherboard. The heatsink that comes with your upgrade processor will have plastic push pins, which will not really fit well into the threaded posts behind the MOBO.
Get some good thermal paste, like ArticSilver, to replace the paste on the heatsink and for your new processor. Clean off all of the exhisting thermal paste with alcohol when you take the heatsink off. Do not let your fingers touch the bottom of the heatsink or top of processor, as finger oil tends to reduce heat transfer.
Best of luck on your upgrades,
Darrell WV
Larkin600
66 Posts
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February 20th, 2009 00:00
Hey now, that was right on time Darrel WV, the info you just gave me was just what I needed to hear because I've never installed a processor and if you're a fumble fingers like I am then every little tip will be well appreciated. Thank you and kiethg2. I've heard of Artic Silver paste but I didn't know how to apply it or how much. So, I'm sure it comes with instructions. Hey thanks a million Darrell WV. There was one other thing about the Intel Q6600 processor that I was confused about. I notice when searching for different prices that there were 2 different Intel Q6600s. Which one is better? Is this just how it was listed or is there really a difference? I was confused about the LGA whatever that is. I curently have a MSI NX8600GTS-OC GeForce 8600 GTS 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express Ready x16 HCDP Ready SLI supported Video card. How well would the Q6600 work with this video card or should I go with the nVidia 8800 GTS? Thank you'll for all the help in advance.
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHZ LGA 775 QUAD-CORE Processor
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4 GHZ QUAD-CORE Processor
keithg2
935 Posts
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February 20th, 2009 03:00
Both processors are the same.
One just happens to include the 775 slot in its description. Your 8600 GTS will work fine. I have the 8800 GTS which is nice for gaming and video.
Larkin600
66 Posts
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February 20th, 2009 05:00
Thank you again keithg2 for all the help.
Larkin600
66 Posts
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March 2nd, 2009 15:00
keithg2, I have installed the intel Q6600 processor and its just as you'll have said in previous comments. Its really a monster. Its fast as lightening. I have a question. My core temp seems to be a little warm. Core 0 is around 38,39, core #1 is around 39, 45, core#2 ,35,33, and core#3 is around 35,33. Is this normal or should they be lower? I used the Arctic Silver 5 paste and smeared it on the processor as even as possible with a credit card, set the heat sink on top and these are the temps I'm getting. I heard there is a break in period around 200 hour or so. Does this sound about right or should I try placing the paste on once more? thank you for all the help.