So all of those will work with my motherboard?

Hi slow72,

Dell has tested the following processors on Latitude E5430.

Intel Core i7-3520M (4M Cache, 2.90GHz)
Intel Core i5-3360M (3M Cache, 2.80GHz)
Intel Core i5-3320M (3M Cache, 2.60GHz)
Intel Core i5-3210M (3M Cache, 2.50GHz)
Intel Core i5-2520M (3M Cache, 2.50GHz)
Intel Core i5-2450M (3M Cache, 2.50GHz)

Revert for further assistance.

Hi slow72,

Yes, all the above mentioned processors will work with your computer.

Will I need to update or change my BIOS to make one of these work?  I noticed the top 4 you have listed are Ivy Bridge processors and my current processor is Sandy Bridge, will my current BIOS work with those?  Thanks!

Can anyone tell me if the BIOS on my system will work with a Ivy Bridge processor?

Hi slow72,

BIOS is not related or specific to the processor.  However if your system has Sandy bridge chipset, then you need to replace only with Sandy bridge processor.

Can you tell me why.  Intel tells me they are backwards compatible?

They are electrically compatible but require a different BIOS and chipset that doesn't exist for your system.

I am confused, why did you give me a list of 4 Ivy Bridge processors and 2 Sandy Bridge processors that you said would work.  Then tell me I should only use Sandy Bridge processors?

OK, that makes more since now... lol  So what are my options with my current chipset and available BIOS updates?  Thanks for the replies!

If you currently have a sandy bridge CPU --> Sandy Bridge only.

If you currently have an Ivy Bridge --> Ivy Bridge only.

If you buy a CPU, be sure it's the socketed type (PGA).  Intel is rapidly phasing out socketed notebook CPUs in favor of the BGA (soldered on) design -- these won't work in your system.

There are multiple versions of the motherboard with  Ivy Bridge or Sandy Bridge chipset.:emotion-3:

Do I need to look for Sandy Bridge CPUs that Dell has used in this model of PC so the BIOS will support it or will the BIOS support any Sandy Bridge CPU?  Thanks for the tip on the sockets.  Thanks again for all the replies!

The socket isn't the problem - the one thing to be very careful of in NOT to use a CPU that draws more power than your current one. That is, DON'T install a 45W TDP CPU in place of a 35W CPU.