Studio XPS 9100, PSU replacement

@redxps630​ Thanks for the confirmation. I think I will go with the RM750x because it isn't super expensive compared to the CX750M and I believe it sends 150W to the 3.3V and the 5V rails instead of 130W with CX750M, although I don't think it really matters. I will stop at Memory Express today to pick it up. 

On another topic, before my PSU died, I was planning to update most of the components on the computer because most of them are stock original parts. I already upgraded the graphics card to a XFX RX 580, and I have ordered 6 sticks of 4 GB DDR3-1333 ram for a total of 24 GB. The last thing to upgrade is my CPU. My current i7-930 runs Windows quite well, however it struggles a bit with some of the games I play. Would the W3690 work well with the Computer? It is a Gulftown CPU, and I heard that BIOS updates are needed on the motherboards to allow these 32 nm CPUs to work. However, I wasn't sure whether the XPS 9100 received the required BIOS update as I couldn't find any info online. I am currently on BIOS A02.

yes you need to update 9100 bios to support 6 core gulftown.

A02 seems very early version so you really need to upgrade.

try to flash bios in small incremental version steps until you reach the most recent version.  do not flash in a quantum leap.

X5675 is a popular 6 core cpu for X58.  it is at lower TDP than W3690.  also you may want to upgrade the cooler if you choose a 130W cpu.  the stock cooler with chimney air duct is not a good design for high power cpu.

I believe the XPS 630i cooler (tower) after a socket screw bracket mod from 775 to 1366 positioning will work for LGA1366 in 9100.  both use Dell hard plastic back plate mounted on chassis floor.

PS

I personally mounted a 730 LGA775 tower cooler after the mod but without the original fan.  I also tried remove the air chimney from 9100 stock cooler.

@redxps630​ Thanks for the info. Other than the 630i cooler that you mentioned, is there any new cooler on the market that could work for an upgraded CPU? As the setup is getting older in age now, most new coolers no longer have the mounts required for the LGA1366 socket. 

The CPU is the last upgrade I will do to my computer as I don't believe the XPS BIOS supports overclocking, and I don't know whether the OEM motherboard could handle that. 

XPS 730X cooler heatsink alone without the shroud or fan (the shroud is too tall for 9100 case)

afaik no other new cooler works with Dell hard plastic back plate

if you remove the Dell motherboard then remove the Dell backplate, you can try Intel i7-980x reference heatsink assembly (p.64/72).

https://www.ebay.com/itm/332323657991?

correct the stock mobo does not support overclock.

@redxps630​ That is definitely a lot of work just to install a third-party cooler. I looked at eBay and saw that there were a few 630i coolers available for sale, between $20-30 CAD. How would I go about altering the socket screw to make it compatible with LGA1366? Using that cooler seems a lot easier than having to uninstall the entire motherboard just to get a different cooler in. 

If you look at stock pic of N764D which is 630i cooler the heatsink mounting screws are in the inner square of 72x72 mm for LGA775.

The bracket holding those screws are fastened in metal slot by 4 very small screws. You can remove those 4 small screws and slightly bend the bracket to detach it from metal slot. You then flip the bracket so the 4 mounting screws are at the outer square of 80x80 mm for LGA1366.  The next step is tricky but you need to reinsert the bracket into the metal slots then fasten them using those 4 small screws. I have thick fingers so this last step took me some time to accomplish.  If you feel this is too hard, you can spend a bit more $ to buy bracket ready flipped LGA1366 cooler.

These are DP/N 5F5NM

https://www.ebay.com/itm/166572597430?