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760, BIOS update, CPU upgrade
I currently have an Optiplex 760 using Intel Core Duo E8400 and considering upgrading to
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 Yorkfield Quad-Core 3.0 GHz LGA 775 95W BX80569Q9650 Desktop Processor
Also, my current BIOS version is A13 and I have downloaded the windows executable to update to A16.
1. Will this CPU upgrade improve my performance and speed?
2. Do I have to do the BIOS update before I change the CPU or can I leave it at A13?
I haven't performed a BIOS update on a PC in a very long time. The Dell website instructions make it appear very simple doing it from within Windows( running Windows 10 Pro). I have a little anxiety about doing this BIOS update. Should I have any anxiety about it? Does their windows based update executable run smoothly?
DELL-Alasdair R
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August 24th, 2018 02:00
Hi stephenef,
The 760 has two types of motherboard, one that supports dual core CPUs only and one that also supports quad cores. If you send me a PM (click on the envelope icon at the top right of the page) with your service tag I can check this for you.
The highest rated CPU that Dell shipped with the 760 was the Q9550 so I imagine the Q9650 should be OK but I can't be 100% certain since it was never validated by Dell.
Another consideration is power. If you have one of the smaller chassis types, the PSU may not be able to handle the difference in power consumption. The E8400 has a TDP of 65W, whereas the Q9565 is 95W. The heatsink may also need replaced too.
Updating the BIOS is very straightforward, it's just a couple of clicks and it does the rest itself. If you have concerns about it though, don't feel that you have to. Looking at the available updates, the only changes are to the Intel Management Engine firmware which are unlikely to affect the overall functionality of your system.
speedstep
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August 24th, 2018 07:00
Rather than go for something that old why not get a 6 core model with windows pro
Precision T3500 X5650 6C 2.66Ghz 12GB 500GB Dual DVI Win 7
https://www.walmart.com/ip/321070542
Allows Dual Video cards in Crossfire, 525W power supply add a GTX 1060 6 gig card 06G-P4-6161-KR and its fully VR ready.
Even the T3400 can do Crossfire.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aE-U3Bsz7s
https://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-Support-Graphics-03G-P4-6160-KR/dp/B01IPVSGEC
stephenef
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August 24th, 2018 08:00
Service Tag: .
Motherboard: Dell 0F373D
Power Supply: 235W
The Dell Technical Guidebook shows I can use the Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650/3.0GHz 12M 1333FSB.
I would greatly appreciate your guidance in this. Thank you.
speedstep
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August 24th, 2018 09:00
224-2221 : OptiPlex 760 Small Form Factor 2Gig Ram
D306F PROCESSOR, CORE 2 DUO E7300, 2.66, 3MB, WFD, 65W, M0
http://www.dell.com/downloads/ap/products/optix/optix_760_tech_guide.pdf
The Tech Guide says it works. HOWEVER you currently have 65W cpu and the Quad is a 95W cpu. Only the SFF M863N specifically mentions support for a quad core CPU and you have the OLDER F373D
Your Power Supply is 235W and the units with Quad Core use 275W Power Supply
stephenef
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August 24th, 2018 13:00
Can it run Windows 10 pro?
DELL-Alasdair R
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August 28th, 2018 04:00
Hi stephenef,
Unfortunately the motherboard you have, 0F373D isn't listed as supporting quad core CPUs.
I don't know whether Windows 10 will run on it. or not, maybe other people in the community have tried and can answer that for you. Due to the age of the system it'll be difficult to get any drivers for it.
speedstep
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September 5th, 2018 04:00
Windows 10 pro is totally not an issue. Its not supported on this model by Dell but it works just fine.
You can even buy this exact model with windows 10 pre installed for LESS THAN the cost of windows 10 Pro software alone.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/55097088