Dell Dimension E520 upgrade help

cornishbrooksy

Reading the discussions HERE and HERE should help with upgrading the e520 processor.

Only 65 nm processors with 800 or 1066 mhz FSB will work with the E-520.

Before installing the processor, check that you have BIOS version 2.2.1 [or higher], when additional CPU support was added.

The instructions for replacing the processor are HERE

As you will reusing the heatsink, plan on cleaning it's base and reapplying thermal compound to the processor.

Directions for cleaning and applying thermal compound, are HERE.

You only need a small tube of thermal compound, this can be purchased from any computer store.

The E520 systems do not use Dell proprietary power supplies, you can install most standard ATX power supplies with either a 24-pin or 20+4-pin main motherboard power connector. As the E520 has an open back panel, a power supply with or without the on/off switch can be installed.

You should be able to buy a compatible power supply from either a local or online computer store.

Note: You will need a power supply, with four SATA power connectors.

Bev.

Thank You for the help, i looked at the other forum links and a lot of the language they use doesnt make a lot of sense to me!!

Off of DXDIAG i have the BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 2.1.2

I dont know if it matters, but im running an ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics card, with 4Gb RAM.

Can i update the BIOS or is that fine?? Could you suggest a good price dual core proccessor that will work well in the E520, that will give a serious performance boost to the system?

Also with the PSU i still wouldnt know what to look for so could you suggest again a good price 500W plus PSU that would be suitable.

Thank you for your help.

cornishbrooksy

Yes, you need to upgrade the BIOS to the latest version prior installing the processor.

The 500w power supply HERE should be fine.

The Intel Socket 775, E6700 Core 2 Duo HERE would be a good upgrade.

Bev.

Ensure you update to the latest released Dell bios first. As far as cpu's go the E6600/E6700 cpu's will be hard to find since they have been out of production for some time now. There is a newer E6300 cpu available either through NewEgg or NCIX sites that is a new release of the pentium D core design without the slower bus or heat troubles. This cpu will be a gret fit in your unit. You may also try the E7000 series of cpu's if your willing to pay a little more. Good Luck and post your results after the upgrade.

Where do i get the latest dell BIOS for the E520 from?

Also im in the UK, so i dont know if these are abvailable, obviously power/wattage differences, and a UK supplier?

Thank you everyone for all your help,

Will do the BIOS soon,

found this processor can you confirm its correct: http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=371243&CatId=2702

Bev just realised the E6300 is a 45Nm processor, does this matter??

and this PSU: http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=262112&CatId=41

if someone could confirm these will definately be compatible with the E520 then i will purchase right away!

Again thank you for all your help, its much appreciated.

cornishbrooksy

You can download the latest BIOS version 2.4.0 from HERE, remember to read the installation instructions carefully prior to installing, as a bad BIOS flash can cost you a new motherboard.

You should be able to buy the same power supply and processor from a UK online computer store.

Bev.

cornishbrooksy

Hi Again.

The E6300 is not compatible.

Yes, it matters, you need a 65nm processor, not the 45nm version.

The Antec 500w power supply should be fine.

Bev.

Hada quick search for the E6600 or E6700, and no luck here in the UK, can you suggest a suitable processor that will be available?  The specs of the E6300 seemed good, so anything around that would be brilliant.

http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=311208&CatId=2702  Ok i found this.  It seems to be the only 65Nm processor i can find in the UK, a bit odd that 45Nm arent supported with the shift to that processing now!

2.4Ghz, Dual core, 800Mhz Bus Speed, but very cheap........ is this going to give me a significant performance boost over the 3.06Ghz Single core i already have?? It doesnt seem like i have many options, as the E6600 and E6700 arent available anymore!

Sorry to be a pain,

cornishbrooksy

Yes, it should be compatible.

Bev.

ok thank you, bidding on it now! should know tommorow morning.  Got the PSU on order aswel.  If it falls thorugh is the other processor i mentioned ok?

cornishbrooksy

A good place to browse for obsolete processors, is eBay, I found THIS on eBay UK.

Bev.

Ensure you update to the latest released Dell bios first. As far as cpu's go the E6600/E6700 cpu's will be hard to find since they have been out of production for some time now. There is a newer E6300 cpu available either through NewEgg or NCIX sites that is a new release of the pentium D core design without the slower bus or heat troubles. This cpu will be a gret fit in your unit. You may also try the E7000 series of cpu's if your willing to pay a little more. Good Luck and post your results after the upgrade.

The E6300 is a 45nm Pentium Dual Core (Wolfdale).

Hi everyone, just an update!

I won the processor on Ebay and it arrived today.  PSU and thermal paste also arrived!

Was so easy to replace everything, and its running smooth as ever!!

Thank you to everyone who helped, i really appreciate, Thank you again!