XPS 8500, CPU upgrade to i7-4790/4790K

From what I just read, the 3770 uses Socket LGA 1150 while the 4790 is LGA 1155 which makes them socket incompatible and thus not upgradable.

No.  You must use a third-generation CPU (parts starting with 3) - not fourth or later (starts with 4-8).

 

 

beamermt79 and ejn63 are correct as usual. You already have the fastest CPU that Dell validated in the 2012 XPS 8500.

JJ8D9 Ivy Bridge i7-3770 Quad Core (3rd Generation), 3.40GHz, 8MB, 77w, E1
6HG37 Ivy Bridge i5-3550 Quad Core (3rd Generation), 3.30GHz, 6MB, 77w, E1
JN8M2 Ivy Bridge i5-3450 Quad Core (3rd Generation), 3.10GHz, 6MB, 77w, E1
706FY Sandy Bridge i7-2600 Quad Core (2nd Generation), 3.40GHz, 8MB, D2
F6KN0 Sandy Bridge i5-2320 Quad Core (2nd Generation), 3.00GHz, 6MB, 95w, D2

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