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June 12th, 2012 19:00

Dell Optiplex 755 Mini Tower CPU question?

Hello,

I am new to the Dell community and a noob in computers hw, so please bare with me. Thank You.

What im going to ask has maybe been ask a million times, so here it goes.

I have a Dell Optiplex 755 Mini Tower, i am not sure of the mother(if it matters), but i do have a Intel Core 2 Duo E2160.
I want to upgrade it to a Intel Core 2 Duo E8500. I did some research on the chip i have currently and mostly everything is compatible.Except for the E2160 is 65nm and the E8500 in 45nm. Ive already have the E8500, so my question is will i have any problem with the CPU? What precautions should i take? Do i need to download any additional software? Please help im kind of nervous it's my first time replacing a CPU. If i am missing any details please let me know.

Thank You


P.S: I'm currently running stock windows xp and plan on upgrading to 7.

11 Legend

 • 

47K Posts

June 15th, 2012 14:00

There are no major issues with bios update.   I disagree with that assessment.  

I always recommend a Bios Update to the latest version BEFORE changing the CPU.

Release Date: 12/22/2011
Version: A21
Importance: Recommended
Download Type: BIOS
File Format: Non-Packaged
File Size: 2MB
12/22/2011  9:12 PM      2240329 O755-A21.exe
To ensure the integrity of your download, please verify the checksum value.

This is an optional process and is not required for the downloading and installation of device drivers from this site.
MD5:
SHA1:
a11a56aca405c592618313fcb641454a
620f59085feb3b6a6922b56c7e88601aa113397b
O755-A21.exe
O755-A21.exe

The 755 uses the intel® Q35 express Chipset

Q6xxx series)

Spec says so at Intel so With the correct Bios I would say Yes no problem.

Processor Type - Intel® Core™ 2 Quad - 1066MHz FSB, LGA 775, 8MB L2 cache,

Intel® VT, Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology, Intel® 64 and Execute Disable Bit (Q6xxx series)
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo - 1333MHz FSB, LGA 775, 4MB L2 cache, Intel® vPro™ Technology, Intel® VT, Intel® TXT, Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology, Intel® 64 and Execute Disable Bit (E6x50 series)

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo - 800MHz FSB, LGA 775, 2MB L2 cache, Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology, Intel® 64 and Execute Disable Bit (E4000 series)
Intel® Pentium®- 800MHz FSB, LGA 775, 1MB L2 cache, Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology, Intel® 64 and Execute Disable Bit (E2000 series)
Intel® Celeron®- 800MHz FSB, LGA 775, 512MB L2 cache, Intel® 64 and Execute Disable Bit Chipset Intel® Q35 Express Chipset (ICH9DO)

Intel® Q35 Express Chipset with 82801IDO I/O Controller Hub (ICH9DO)

Back to Contents Page

User's Guide

   Processor 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>


Processor

 CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.
 NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

Removing the Processor

  1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

  2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover).

  3. Loosen the captive screw (shown in the following figure) on each side of the heat sink assembly.

 CAUTION: Despite having a plastic shield, the heat sink assembly may be very hot during normal operation. Be sure that it has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.

  1. Rotate the heat sink assembly upward, and remove it from the computer.
    Lay the heat sink down on its top, with the thermal grease facing upward.

1

heat sink assembly

2

captive screw housings (2)

 NOTICE: Unless a new heat sink is required for the new processor, reuse the original heat sink assembly when you replace the processor.

  1. Open the processor cover by sliding the release lever from under the center cover latch on the socket. Then, pull the lever back to release the processor.

 NOTICE: When replacing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects to fall on the pins in the socket.

1

center cover latch

2

processor cover

3

processor

4

socket

5

release lever

 

 

  1. Gently remove the processor from the socket.

Leave the release lever extended in the release position so that the socket is ready for the new processor.

Installing the Processor

 NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.
 NOTICE: When replacing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects to fall on the pins in the socket.

  1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

    <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>



  2. Remove the computer cover (see Removing the Computer Cover).

  3. Unpack the new processor, being careful not to touch the underside of the processor.

 NOTE: You must position the processor correctly in the socket to avoid permanent damage to the processor and the computer when you turn on the computer.

  1. If the release lever on the socket is not fully extended, move it to that position.

  2. Orient the front and rear alignment-notches on the processor with the front and rear alignment- notches on the socket.

  3. Align the pin-1 corners of the processor and socket.

1

processor cover

2

tab

3

processor

4

processor socket

5

center cover latch

6

release lever

7

front alignment-notch

8

socket and processor pin-1 indicator

9

rear alignment-notch

 NOTICE: To avoid damage, ensure that the processor aligns properly with the socket, and do not use excessive force when you install the processor.

  1. Set the processor lightly in the socket and ensure that the processor is positioned correctly.

  2. When the processor is fully seated in the socket, close the processor cover.

Ensure that the tab on the processor cover is positioned underneath the center cover latch on the socket.

  1. Pivot the socket release lever back toward the socket, and snap it into place to secure the processor.

  2. Clean the thermal grease from the bottom of the heat sink.

 NOTICE: Ensure that you apply new thermal grease. New thermal grease is critical for ensuring adequate thermal bonding, which is a requirement for optimal processor operation.

  1. Apply the new thermal grease to the top of the processor.

  2. Install the heat sink assembly:

    1. Place the heat sink assembly back onto the heat-sink assembly bracket.

    1. Rotate the heat sink assembly down towards the computer base and tighten the two captive screws.

 NOTICE: Ensure that the heat sink assembly is correctly seated and secure.

1

heat sink assembly

2

heat-sink assembly bracket

3

captive screw housing (2)

Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).

Compatible Processors

 Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q9550S (12M Cache, 2.83 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
    Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q9650 (12M Cache, 3.00 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E8600 (6M Cache, 3.33 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
    Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q9550 (12M Cache, 2.83 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6600 (4M Cache, 2.40 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)
    Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q8200S (4M Cache, 2.33 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
    Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q8400S (4M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6750 (4M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6850 (4M Cache, 3.00 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E8500 (6M Cache, 3.16 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
 
    Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q9300 (6M Cache, 2.50 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
        
    Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q9400 (6M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
    
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E8400 (6M Cache, 3.00 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
      
    Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q8200 (4M Cache, 2.33 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
      
    Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q8300 (4M Cache, 2.50 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)

    Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q8400 (4M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB

    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6400 (2M Cache, 2.13 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)
     
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E7600 (3M Cache, 3.06 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)
      
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E4600 (2M Cache, 2.40 GHz, 800 MHz FSB)
      
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E7500 (3M Cache, 2.93 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)
       
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E7400 (3M Cache, 2.80 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)
      
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E4300 (2M Cache, 1.80 GHz, 800 MHz FSB)
     
   Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E4400 (2M Cache, 2.00 GHz, 800 MHz FSB)
      
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E4500 (2M Cache, 2.20 GHz, 800 MHz FSB)
      
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E4700 (2M Cache, 2.60 GHz, 800 MHz FSB)
        
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6300 (2M Cache, 1.86 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)
        
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6320 (4M Cache, 1.86 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)
       
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6420 (4M Cache, 2.13 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)
     
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6540 (4M Cache, 2.33 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
       
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6550 (4M Cache, 2.33 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
      
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6700 (4M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)
        
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E7200 (3M Cache, 2.53 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)
       
    Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E7300 (3M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)
        
  

June 12th, 2012 22:00

Hi  Lockon09,

Welcome to the community,

I see that the  E8500, 3.16G processor is compatible with Optiplex Desktop, however please be informed that replacing the processor is very complicated. Thus please make sure that you take caution when you are replacing the processor.

This is the link for the manual of replacing the processor:

http://tinyurl.com/2doqwu

Please revert back if you need any further assistance. Glad to help you.

4 Posts

June 13th, 2012 15:00

Thank you for the feed back.

I have bios a13 if i upgrade it to a21, will i have any problems?

June 14th, 2012 18:00

Hi Lockon09,

Thank you for your response,

I'll not suggest to update the BIOS on this computer. I do not recommend the BIOS update on the older computers as it may fry the systemboard and take the system in no post situation.

Please revert if you need any further assistance. Glad to help you.

4 Posts

June 14th, 2012 18:00

Hi Pankaj,

I have upgrade the BIOS to A21. Do you believe there is a series risk if i replace the CPU with that BIOS?

If so can i revert to what i had? Sorry, i was inpatient.

Thank you

4 Posts

June 15th, 2012 16:00

Thank You Speed Step,

It did work, after my PC booted the on board GPU needed an updated, but it did it by itself.

Speed Step, i was reading another post here in the dell community and i trust your answers because of your information you were providing to other people.

So with that said, i have a question which i believe you already answer a billion times, but i need your help. Sorry.

My question is; what graphics card you recommend with the 305W PSU?

Im not looking for high end something that can run mid range and easy on the wallet.

Ill mostly use it for some gaming, web surfing and anything in between.

Again, Thank You.

P.S: Tha game that I'm really interested in playing is Arma 2.

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