Optiplex 3070 SFF CPU

Question

Hello,  I was thinking about upgrading the processor on my Optiplex. It currently has an I-5 processor but I was thinking about upgrading to i-7.   I've already upgraded to 32 gigabytes of RAM and converted to a one terabyte NVMe SSD. I've never upgraded a CPU before so I'm not sure if there's anything I should think of before simply purchasing a compatible one from the Dell store.    If I purchase a compatible CPU is there any extra steps that I might need to take in order to upgrade the PC?

redxps630 · Answer

Do you currently have 8th gen i5? Benefit of i5 to i7 8th gen coffee lake is small. both are 6 core. not certain it is worth the investment.

on the other hand if you want to upgrade to 9th gen i7 i7-9700 which is 8 core it may be worth considering.

Intel® Core™ i5-9500 (6 Cores/9MB/6T/3.0GHz to 4.4GHz/65W); supports Windows 10/Linux

Intel® Core™ i7-9700 (8 Cores/12MB/8T/3.0GHz to 4.7GHz/65W); supports Windows 10/Linux

Intel Core i7-8700 (6 Cores/12 MB/12T/up to 4.6 GHz/65 W); supports Windows 10/Linux

Intel Core i5-8500 (6 Cores/9 MB/6T/up to 4.1 GHz/65 W); supports Windows 10/Linux

Intel Core i5-8400 (6 Cores/9 MB/6T/up to 4.0 GHz/65 W); supports Windows 10/Linux

Technically removing old cpu and installing new one in this SFF takes a few steps.

Remove the:
Side cover
Front bezel
HDD assembly
Hard drive and optical drive module
Heat sink assembly

Remove the processor

refer to service manual. If too difficult for you, send it to Dell depot for custom upgrade.

DELL-Cares · Answer

Thank you! We have received the required details. We will work towards a resolution. In the meantime, you may also receive assistance or suggestions from the community members.

tibi500cid · Answer

Oh yes, don't forget to apply CPU thermal grease before mounting the cooler back onto the CPU.

tibi500cid · Answer

Hi,

yesterday I installed a Core i7-9700 into my Optiplex 3070 SFF and it works fine.

I suggest You do the same. This CPU is not in the list of compatible CPUs but it works as I can see.

First update to the newest BIOS with Your current CPU.

Best of luck!

jimtdavis · Answer

@tibi500cid​ that's great news. How's it been running? I'm thinking about a cooleremaster heat sink if you still have it an no problems. Also is there anyway to bump up the ram on this cheapo computer? 64gb would make this thing usable.

tibi500cid · Answer

It works fine with the factory cooler.

I don't remember any more but I think I used it with 2 32GB RAMs.

I am sure I am using 2 32GB RAMs now in my Optiplex 3080 with i7-10700.

I don't remember any more if the 3070 supports 32GB RAMs or only 16GB RAMs.

Optiplex Desktops

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