Optiplex 7050 MT CPU upgrade

Question

So I recently bought a Dell optiplex 7050 MT.

It came with i-5 7600 processor.

. I'm hoping to hear that I can upgrade to a i7 9700k.

Both of them are LGA 1151 socket. I'm not sure if that means it's going to fit or not.

redxps630 · Accepted Answer

to overclock you need to have a bios option to change multiplier of -k cpu (which has unlocked multiplier). Dell optiplex bios is restrictive without this option because this is a business class model. If you put same i7-7700k cpu in Dell Aurora R6 then you can overclock because it is a gaming pc line with bios and AWCC written to help user OC. In addition pc hardware needs high performance heatsink and fans to cope with high power high heat from OC. Optiplex heatsink and case is not designed to do it. If You put a muscle car V8 engine in Corolla it is not going to work with the rest of components.

bios is essential machine level code to help user manipulate cpu voltage etc during OC, it cares more about cpu engineering operation than Windows which is high level code and relatively independent of cpu spec. both new and old -k cpu work, just old one has no record of mileage.

redxps630 · Answer

No you cannot.

7050 motherboard uses Q270 chipset supports 7th gen Intel cpu, but not 8th or 9th gen cpu which require 300 series chipset such as Z370. even though socket is same, without the right chipset i7-9709k cpu is not supported.

Bassman999 · Answer

Thanks for the reply! I was told the same by an eBay seller this morning also.

Im disappointed, but at least I know now and didnt buy the 9700K!

Someone else mentioned to me that Ryzen cpu might fit. But I have doubts of that also now.

It probably comes down to the bios?

redxps630 · Answer

Oh no that someone gave you misinformation. Ryzen cpu needs amd motherboard with a whole different family of socket and chipset.  bios is of course different.  we are talking about a difference like that between Lexus and bmw.  The only thing you can move from Intel to amd platform is ddr4 memory and gpu.

Bassman999 · Answer

Thanks for the reply! Im confused... You cant overclock the K unless bought new? How does the bios know and why does it care?

Bassman999 · Answer

I see ok. So 7th gen I7 is the limit. So will the I7-7700K work, or only the non K variant?

redxps630 · Answer

i7-7700 and i7-7700k both work but k variant cpu has no advantage and only potential disadvantage in Optiplex. Dell bios does not let you overclock the -k cpu. Unless you buy new or from trusted seller, you do not know how much -k cpu has been abused (overclocked to high temperatures for unknown length of time which may affect life span).

Bassman999 · Answer

I think the bottom line Dell wont do a bios to include the K because they would rather you buy a new console then to update one that wont make them anymore money

Im sure there's a cpu cooler option that would fit. I was already looking into that.

Not saying it was a mistake buying dell instead of building from scratch. The mistake was assuming all cpus from same product line were usable AKA (Kaby Lake). I can understand the issues with 9700 since its a different line and generation.

Thanks for the help!

naeem1s · Answer

Hi, I have a Dell Optiflex 7050 with i7-7000 CPU. Can I change the CPU to another version on this motherboard so that my PC will meet WIN11 requirements. I was thinking of i7-8700 but please advise if this work and if not which should I select. Thanks

redxps630 · Answer

this is a duplicated question that you asked on a separate thread.  Re: CPU Upgrade - Dell Community

MadLuke79 · Answer

I assume you meant i7-7700 and unfortunately this CPU is the most powerful you can run on Optiplex 7050. i7-8700 is 8th generation processor while your Dell is capable to run 6th and 7th gen only

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Optiplex 7050 MT CPU upgrade

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