XPS 8910, CPU upgrade? #5

Thank you for the timely response! A follow up question: What motherboards are compatible with the i9 9900k (intel 300 series chipset) and can also fit in the XPS 8910 case? Are there any other changes I should make to the PC, like the PSU or cooling system when installing the i9 on the new motherboard?

@slabo If you are going to get a new motherboard I strongly suggest that you not consider installing it in the XPS 8910 case. There are Dell components that are part of the case that will not be compatible with the motherboard.  Also, the motherboard's I/O shield will not be compatible. It would be better to get a new case and transfer the major components, like disk drives and PSU, to the new case. In addition, with the i9 processor, I would consider a better CPU cooler since in a new case space for the cooler should not be a problem.

@slabo  - Keep in mind that if you put a new motherboard into the XPS 8910 case, or into a new case, you're also going to need to purchase a new license for Windows. The license you have now is tied to the Dell motherboard. So don't forget to budget for that too.

And Windows on your HDD in the XPS 8910 may not work with a new motherboard and a 9th Gen i9 CPU, meaning you're probably going to have to clean install the OS and all your apps on that HDD. So make sure your personal files are backed up on external media, and you have the product keys for your apps.

If you compare 8910 with 8930 motherboard, there is striking similarity between the front panel connector and USB connectors.  swap a 8930 board in 8010 case may be doable if you are willing to invest in a 8930 motherboard (would not be cheap).  on the other hand, whether it is better to to build your own PC using aftermarket Z370 board than purchasing Dell OEM board, it is a personal choice.

8910 motherboard (p.12)

https://dl.dell.com/topicspdf/xps-8910-desktop_service-manual_en-us.pdf

8930 motherboard (p.12)

https://dl.dell.com/topicspdf/xps-8930-desktop_service-manual_en-us.pdf

Can you use any generic 6th gen i7k or do you need to use a Dell specific part number?

@hidperf 

It's not a "Dell-specific" CPU. But it comes down to whether a specific after-market CPU is supported by BIOS on the XPS 8910.

So make sure you have the latest version of BIOS running before you swap CPUs, in case Dell added support for additional CPUs along the way...

I found this interesting post, may be you need to check it out:

https://www.pcbuildersclub.com/en/2018/11/intel-core-i9-9900k-runs-on-z170-motherboard-with-5-5-ghz/

Also check this one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hghT2iOvWTU

@RoHe​ My God! , i'm very confused I have also Dell XPS 8910 and i'm looking to get only  the CPU i heard about Rizen 5 7600 (don't know nothing about processors.

Wish anybody can help to get  a good CPU  fit for my pc.,thanks

@Norbert58​ - XPS 8910 uses a 6th Gen Intel CPU, but not any AMD (Ryzen) CPU. So a Ryzen 5-7600 is not going to work.

What 6th Gen CPU do you have now, i5, i5K, i7, or i7K? There are >1000 XPS 8910 PCs benchmarked here, and the best CPU I see is i7-6700K. 

Keep in mind that XPS 8910 with any 6th Gen Intel CPU can't run Win 11. Win 10 will be supported until Oct'25 but that doesn't mean Win 10 will stop working after that date. There just won't be any new security updates after Oct'25, which could be a problem. 

So is it worth upgrading your 6th Gen CPU, even if you go from a 6th Gen i5 to a 6th Gen i7K? 

@RoHe​ 

My processor is i7-6700 ,3.40Ghz.

I know that 6th processors can't run win 11 but   what 7th gen that can be plug and play and run my computer and can run win 11?

@Norbert58​  - From what I see, you'd need at least an 8th Gen CPU to run Win 11. An 8th Gen CPU might not be compatible with the socket on your motherboard. Even if it is, the Intel Z170 chipset (non-removable chips) on the XPS 8910 motherboard doesn't support 8th Gen CPUs. 

Keep in mind that Dell doesn't support Win 11 on XPS 8910, and doesn't offer any hardware drivers beyond Win 10.

If this were doable, I'd think you'd see at least one of the >1000 XPS 8910 systems benchmarked at that link would list an 8th Gen CPU. 

Time to upgrade to a new PC...?

@RoHe​ "Time to upgrade to another PC"? Uuuhhh! what about time to upgrade to another motherboard only with  next gen CPU Win 11 capable? will be possible?

@Norbert58​

@RoHe​ "Time to upgrade to another PC"? Uuuhhh! what about time to upgrade to another motherboard only with  next gen CPU Win 11 capable? will be possible?

You haven't explained the sudden need to upgrade to  Win 11. Win 10 will be supported until Oct'25 so your XPS 8910 still has life in it.

Don't know if a new motherboard (Dell or non-Dell) will fit in the XPS 8910 case. You may have to mod the case to get a non-XPS 8910 motherboard to fit, assuming the mounting holes on the new board align with the case's mounting screws.

Dell typically uses customized wiring between front panels and their motherboards, which can differ between different PC models. So you may have to map those connections to keep using the XPS 8910 case. 

The heat sink on XPS 8910 motherboard might not fit the mounting on a new motherboard. Even if it does, will that heat sink be adequate for a newer gen  CPU?

XPS 8910 uses 2133 MHz DDR4 RAM so you'd have to find a motherboard that works with DD4 RAM and with at least an 8th Gen CPU. Otherwise you'll need new RAM too.  

And before you go this route, be sure to confirm whatever 8th Gen CPU you want can actually support Win 11.

You might want to poke around in Dell's Outlet Store for refurbished PCs, with reduced prices, to see if there's a Win 11 system that fits your needs and budget. Inspiron desktops are less expensive than XPS desktops, assuming they meet your needs...