XPS 700 MOBO Exchange Program Thread

Here is Lionel's Post about the mobo exchange:

Today, we're launching the air-cooled version of the XPS 720 red chassis in the United States and Canada.

More importantly though, wanted to take a few minutes to shed some light on what customers can expect from the upcoming XPS 700 Exchange program. Lots of you are asking when we will launch it. Unfortunately, I can't have specific dates I can share at this point, but know that we're working as quickly as we can to ensure that the XPS 700 exchange program is a good experience for all of you.

Now for the details: 

XPS 700 customers are entitled to the following:

• Hardware Kit at no charge
  
• Option for in-home installation service at no charge
  
• Option to purchase the QX6700 quad-core processor at 25% off of the Electronics & Accessories price
  

XPS 710 customers are entitled to the following:

• Option to purchase a hardware kit (price to be determined)
• Option to purchase in-home installation service (price to be determined)
  

Hardware kit details:

• XPS 720 motherboard
• Front panel I/O assembly
• All required cables and mechanical assemblies
• XPS 720 Resource CD
• XPS 720 Owner's Manual
• XPS mouse pad
• DTS solution
• Installation techsheet

There will be much more information to come. Soon we will publish pictures of the parts in the hardware kit both on the blog and in the Dell Community Forum. We will also publish a vlog where we will walk you through the actual upgrade process, so you can see exactly what's required.

Lots of folks here know how important this is to many of you. The reality is that this is a very complex process for us to implement and we're taking the time to do this right. We'll keep pushing forward.

 In the meantime, thank you for your continued patience.

SO let me get this straight.  First they promissed us XPS 710 owners a new MOBO free of charge in the exchange program.  Now we are going to be being charged for it?  Why is it that we have heard so many stories from dell but seen no action.  I wonder if this exchange program will actually surface in my lifetime.  All talk gets you no where, you should know that Dell......

The XPS 710 owners were NEVER promised a FREE mobo.  Go back and read what Lionel posted. 

 

http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archive/category/1027.aspx

 

The XPS 700 was advertised falsely.  Dell corrected the advertising before the launch of the 710.  Sorry if that isn't what you wanted to hear.  The good news is you can still choose to upgrade if you want.  This is something that Dell has never done before.  That in itself is an accomplishment. 

It looks like the processor Lionel linked to as the quadcore option is a 64 bit processor. My XPS-700 doesn't have a 64 bit anything in it. Will this work in my computer without upgrading OS, drivers and all software apps?

Yes,

All quads and C2Ds are 64 bit compatible.  It all depends on what OS you are running.  If you are not running a x64 OS, then the processor will run in 32 bit.  No need to upgrade your OS unless you want to run in 64 bit.

Dave,

 

I would also consider waiting until July 22nd for the 3rd Qtr Intel price cuts.  You will have your choice of a E6850 dual core running over 3Ghz stock or a Q6600 quad for $266.  Those are AMAZING prices on two great CPUs.  I would say Dell's price on the QX6700 is ridiculous.  You can buy the QX6800 for less that they price the 6700.

 

EDIT: As stated below, the E6850 will most likely NOT work with the 720.  There are still quite a few options for upgrade after the 7/22 price cuts. 

Dave,

 

As long as you are comfortable installing the processor your self you will have all of the Core 2 and Quad options open to you for upgrade. Its even possible you could by the processor you want, say an E6700 for $316, and have it there when the Tech shows up to install the new mobo. He's going to have to move the cpu to the new board so I would just hand him my new one out of the Intel box and let him do it. Just a thought.

 

Regards - MichaelO

 

Intel Core2 Duo processor E6700 1.4.1 Bios
4GB DDR2 PC2-5300 @ 667 Mhz
24 in Dell 2405FPW Wide Aspect Digital Flat Panel Display
512MB NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GTX
XFI w/ Logitech Z-5450 5.1
1 x 300 SATA root
2 x 250GB SATA
1 x 320 SATA Seagate perpendicular Storage Technology

At the currently listed price the processor upgrade will run around $945....

is it really worth that price on top of what we generally paid for a 1 yr old  computer?

 

In my case with the Pent D that is currently in my system is there another option that would make more economic sense?

 

I really want the new MB but have to think about what would be the best processor upgrade...

  I myself, am very happy with my X6800's, although I wouldn't mind getting my mitts on a QX6800 to try.

I would just like to try any of the "X" processors but when PG put the price cuts coming in July out there the eXtremes were not on the list. Makes them a bit pricey for my wallet even at the tray price. Though I did just cash enough airline miles for a free 8800GTX. I bought the EVGA as it seems to get good reviews and also had a nice rebate on the basic 'unOCd' model.

 

Regards - MichaelO

 

Intel Core2 Duo processor E6700 1.4.1 Bios
4GB DDR2 PC2-5300 @ 667 Mhz
24 in Dell 2405FPW Wide Aspect Digital Flat Panel Display
512MB NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GTX - soon to be 8800GTX
XFI w/ Logitech Z-5450 5.1
1 x 300 SATA root
2 x 250GB SATA
1 x 320 SATA Seagate perpendicular Storage Technology

Dave,

 

You should have adequate cooling. Remember your current processor has a much higher thermal signature than the newer Core 2's not mention higher wattage use.

 

Regards - MichaelO

Intel Core2 Duo processor E6700 1.4.1 Bios
4GB DDR2 PC2-5300 @ 667 Mhz
24 in Dell 2405FPW Wide Aspect Digital Flat Panel Display
512MB NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GTX - soon to be 8800GTX
XFI w/ Logitech Z-5450 5.1
1 x 300 SATA root
2 x 250GB SATA
1 x 320 SATA Seagate perpendicular Storage Technology

Thanks to all who replied to my last msg..

It looks like i do have some nice choices...i was more concerned with having to get the Dell processor.but if the tech will install a different one then that raises the bar a whole bunch..

maybe i missed this but what cooling options will be offered or given with the new MB?

 

Will we 700 owners have to upgrade to a newer cooling system or will the current design work well with overclocking...