Upgrading CPU on Dell Prec 390
- Thread starter llovering
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captaincranky
Posts: 19,684 +8,825
If this is a Prescott P-4, there probably isn't a BIOS update that will allow you to use any of the C2D issues. The only dual core CPUs I've seen mentioned as working in some older boards are the Pentium "D" processors, and I wouldn't even bother with one of them.
Just a note; When you see later boards advertised as having the ability to handle older CPUs, it's backward compatibility.
Early versions of boards with chipsets as late as Intel 945, can't even deal with the E4XXX series of C2D, let alone the 45nm parts available now.
The E7600 requires a BIOS update to run in boards as late as Intel P45, (that will run an E7300) so I really think I'd shelve that idea.
Having said all of that, why is Dell's website showing me a Dell Precision workstation shipping with Intel Dual core CPUs.....?
Also, I entered your service tag at the Dell site and it showed me a BIOS update version 2.6 dated 5-22-2008
This doesn't jibe with the info you've posted. Why?
Just a note; When you see later boards advertised as having the ability to handle older CPUs, it's backward compatibility.
Early versions of boards with chipsets as late as Intel 945, can't even deal with the E4XXX series of C2D, let alone the 45nm parts available now.
The E7600 requires a BIOS update to run in boards as late as Intel P45, (that will run an E7300) so I really think I'd shelve that idea.
Having said all of that, why is Dell's website showing me a Dell Precision workstation shipping with Intel Dual core CPUs.....?
Also, I entered your service tag at the Dell site and it showed me a BIOS update version 2.6 dated 5-22-2008
This doesn't jibe with the info you've posted. Why?
captaincranky
Posts: 19,684 +8,825
OK, the Cedar Mill Pentiums are 64 bit CPUs, the Prescott P-4s were only 32 bit.Therefore your board must be 64 bit to support that CPU.
With that said, Dell shows the 390 Precision as a "new work station". I'm a bit mystified as to their marketing strategy here, thinking that they have kept the number, and changed everything inside. Or, as the old joke goes, "I'm a virgin, but this is a very old t-shirt".
If the E6600 didn't work in that board, you can be assured that nothing later than that will, and certainly not the E7600.
Sometimes there is a bit of confusion about the E6XXX series of Intel CPUs, since they have been duplicated in the newest "Pentium Dual Cores", notably the E6300, and E6500 issues.
As I said, this workstation may have shipped with the original "Pentium Dual Core" or "Pentium D" models. These were the precursors to the "Conroe" C2D models, such as the E6600 that you mentioned. IMHO, if this is all you could "upgrade to", that would be pointless.
With that said, Dell shows the 390 Precision as a "new work station". I'm a bit mystified as to their marketing strategy here, thinking that they have kept the number, and changed everything inside. Or, as the old joke goes, "I'm a virgin, but this is a very old t-shirt".
If the E6600 didn't work in that board, you can be assured that nothing later than that will, and certainly not the E7600.
Sometimes there is a bit of confusion about the E6XXX series of Intel CPUs, since they have been duplicated in the newest "Pentium Dual Cores", notably the E6300, and E6500 issues.
As I said, this workstation may have shipped with the original "Pentium Dual Core" or "Pentium D" models. These were the precursors to the "Conroe" C2D models, such as the E6600 that you mentioned. IMHO, if this is all you could "upgrade to", that would be pointless.
captaincranky
Posts: 19,684 +8,825
One has to wonder if the 390's that shipped with Conroe C2Ds, have a different service ticket number, and a different BIOS altogether. (!) or (?)
Sometimes OEM machines are model / configuration specific due to the fact many don't even have actual Windows discs. The restore discs are actually dive images, and the BIOS is usually locked down to very few options.
Sometimes OEM machines are model / configuration specific due to the fact many don't even have actual Windows discs. The restore discs are actually dive images, and the BIOS is usually locked down to very few options.
