780, CPU upgrade

Hi starduster31,

The 780 has an Intel Q45 chipset which supports the following CPUs: 

http://www.cpu-upgrade.com/mb-Intel_(chipsets)/Q45_Express.html

The highest spec of CPU that Dell shipped with the 780 was the Q9650 so anything from that list, up to and including the Q9650 should be fine. 

As far as the memory is concerned, it will take up to 16GB (4x4GB) of Non-ECC dual-channel 1066MHz or 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM 

* To fully utilize 4GB or more of memory requires a 64-bit enabled processor and 64-bit operating system.

Sorry I took so long to answer, I really appreciate your suggestions. Is there a power supply that will fit inside the SFF case? It uses the 235W power supply that looks like an L in shape. Thanks again for all your help!!

so no nothing faster than core2 duo E8600 3.3GHz is possible in the optiplex 780 USFF?

this 780 USFF runs very cool now with new thermal compound .. is overclocking possible/advisable?

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http://i.dell.com/sites/doccontent/business/solutions/engineering-docs/en/Documents/optiplex-780-tech-guide.pdf

The USFF has tiny power supply so it cannot use 95W or higher cpu's

Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q9650/3.00GHz, 12M, 1333FSB
Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q9550/2.83GHz, 12M, 1333FSB
Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q9400/2.66GHz, 6M, 1333FSB
Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q8400/2.66GHz, 4M, 1333FSB
Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q8300/2.50GHz, 4M, 1333FSB

 

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I'm thinking to replace the optiplex 780 USFF power supply (180W) with a power supply from the later generation optiplex 7010 (200W) .. it looks like exactly the same form factor .. would that be sufficient to run one of these LGA 775 quad core processors instead of E8600 dual core?  or is there better option using a 775 to 771 adapter?  

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I'm thinking to replace the optiplex 780 USFF power supply (180W) with a power supply from the later generation optiplex 7010 (200W) .. it looks like exactly the same form factor .. would that be sufficient to run one of these LGA 775 quad core processors instead of E8600 dual core?  or is there better option using a 775 to 771 adapter?  

this afternoon installed Q9650 quad core to replace the E8600 dual core ..  and working very well with previous upgrades of crucial 2 x 4GB (CT2K51264BD160B) and 200W power supply (200W PSU KG1G0 4GVWP L200EU-00 PS-3201-9DB).  

but the stock A14 firmware at first reported "Alert! Incompatible processor detected .. halted" .. so modified A15 firmware was required:

https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-Solved-Dell-Optiplex-780-Quad-Core-Support

https://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/Drivers/DriversDetails?driverId=R257719

Hy, i also want to upgrade to a Q9650, do you still have the modifide a15 bios image, or plese explain how you medified it. I allready have a15 bios on it

THX in advance

Hi @b0gy,

You shouldn't need modified BIOS to run the Q9650.  May be at one time it was needed before more versions came out?  Not sure.

You should be able to update to the latest BIOS for your 780 using the Dell Support Assist site.  I use the Q9650 in my 755 with A22 BIOS.  Only the USFF model of the 780's can't take a Q9650.

Optiplex 780 Tech Guide

THX, mine is a Dell Optiplex 780 DT, it should work then. I will order it online and come back with a confirmation after i installed it .

Am also thinking of upgrading my i3 Dell Optiplex 780 mother board to i5  or i7 but am lost between whether i should changing the whole mother board or just changing the processor and ram.... What would be the best move to make here folks?

As for a best move, if you want an I7, I'd buy a refurbished 9010 or 9020 with an I7 already in it.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m4084.l1311.R2.TR2.TRC0.A0.H0.Xoptiplex+9010+mt+i.TRS0&_nkw=dell+optiplex+9010+mt+i7&_odkw=optiplex+9010+mt&_sacat=0 

Hi @NetCatUg,

Are you sure it's a 780 you have and what size?  A 780 can't take the i family of CPU's.  Unless you have an MB from a completely different model in it which is doubtful with proprietary Dell, though not completely impossible in rarer cases.

In the next generation of Optiplex's, models like the 390, 790, 990, etc. can use the i family of processors that fit socket LGA1155.  The 780 has socket type LGA775.

After clarification as to the model Optiplex you have, we'll be able to assist further.

Above Optiplex's are older.

Above Optiplex's are a little less old.

I know this thread is old but I figure I will chime in with another great CPU choice since it was not mentioned. The Q9550S Is the highest performance 65W CPU that Intel made for the 775 Socket. Notice the "S" in the model name. It stands for Extra Special LOL NOOOOOO. I have no idea honestly what it means but I know this CPU runs with a 65W TDP! I bought one new in late 2000s to run in my ASUS P5Q-EM motherboard. I had the CPU running overclocked at 3.6 GHZ for 99% of time me using it.  Recently I am experiencing problems with that computer and as of yet I have not figured out exactly the problem it sporadically does not want to turn on. BUT! I also have a factory original unmodified Optiplex 780 SFF pc that I purchased for $10 Canadian when I was visiting family 3 years ago. That $10 Optiplex 780 is now maxed out in performance basically. 16GB Crucial ram, 500GB Samsung EVO SSD and a Nvidia GT 1030 graphics that I bought purely for HDMI output, low power and it is 1.5 slot wide. I did have to modify the hard drive bracket in the Dell to have the GPU fit without it being touching the hard drive bracket so I dremelled both the bracket and the GPU heatsink and now it works fine! So if you want to have a low power quad core get the Q9550S. Here is the Intel page for more info:

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/products/40815/intel-core-2-quad-processor-q9550s-12m-cache-2-83-ghz-1333-mhz-fsb.html

Here is the eBay listings for the Q9550S and as of today June 1st, 2020 that CPU is $58 US:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=q9550s&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=q9550s

@bradthetechnutthanks for the link... I will have to make an early order. So sad I still kept this peace of CPU which finally stopped working and during this Covid-19 times i think I have to rework on it. Thank so much for heads up.

any core extreem for microsprocessor ? and ram 16GB for 1 slot (16gbx1) can used its?