15 replies to this topic

[Mordimier]

Hello folks I just bought a new AMD Athlonx2 processor for my Dell Dimension E521 Desktop. I also bought 3 gigs of RAM to install as well. I bought the upgrades for this game "Oblivion" if any of you are gamers and familiar with it. It says for recommended specs to have 3Ghz Intel Pentium 4, 1 GB system RAM, ATI x800 series, NVIDIA Geforce 6800 series or higher video card. I have a NVIDIA Geforce 6150 LE that came with the desktop. It's a 128 MB video card, so it should be able to handle the game. All I really need is any useful pointers or tips on how to go about changing the processor in the safest way possible.. The RAM should be no problem for me, I have done this before. All suggestions are helpful! Thanks!

[Doug]

Hi Mordimier

Caveat: I am in no way a hardware upgrade expert.
But I do like to "get the most out of my existing machine", and upgrades are more possible that manufacturers let on in their manuals.

It appears that this Dell machine E521 will allow upgrade of CPU.

You indicate that you bought a:

new AMD Athlonx2 processor

Which one (specific model number)? It may make a difference.

Are you asking about the physical process of removing the old, installing the new, spreading thermal compound, installing the HSF?

In addition to watching this thread for expert opinion and assistance (we have a few very experienced folks who contribute regularly to this forum) I would also recommend that you do some research about your machine at the Dell sight.

For instance:
Here's a link where the owner describes various upgrades that include what you are attempting.
http://en.community....6...cs=19&s=dhs
also, check out these other Threads at Dell
http://search.dell.c...&...amp;x=0&y=0

Give us a more specific idea of the topic with which you wish assistance.

Best Regards

[Mordimier]

Well I'm not too sure if this is the model number. It looks to be like a sku or an ISBN number. It reads: OPN:ADX6000CZBOX SN:9209874C90475. And was asking how to physically exchange old processor with a new one. I'm not familiar with HSF, and from what you mentioned I guess i need some kind of thermal cooling compound as well? I will look at the links you provided and do a little research. Thanks again for your help Doug!

[Doug]

I'm looking more for the Product Name such as: AMD Turion 64x2 tl-56 @1.8ghz I think we may already have a Thread regarding replacing/upgrading CPU I'll see what I can find. HSF = Heat Sink Fan HSF is mounted on top of the HS HS is the (usually aluminum or copper) metal component with lots of cooling fins on top of the CPU, used to radiate and dissipate heat. It is important to have a smooth polished surface on the HS and the CPU so that they make good contact. Thermal compound is a silicon based, metal impregnated goop that is spread "very thinly" on the surface of the CPU in order to facilitate good contact for dissipating heat. If I cannot find a completed post, I'll see about attracting the attention of one of our experts to assist. Best Regards

[Mordimier]

Ok, I think this is it: AMD Athlon X2 Processor 3.0 ghz True Duel-Core Design 2MB Total L2 Cache Socket AM2. I hope that helps. Is it possible for me to use to fan that came with the computer or do I need a specific one for the processor now? I guess I need to buy thermal cooling compound now. You've been very informative. Once again, appreciate the time your taking to help me out with this. Take your time too, no rush

[Doug]

More powerful CPU draws more electrical power... may or may not produce more heat, but almost certainly will. You should have a Heat Sink that is fitted for this CPU and capable of dissipating heat appropriately. You "may" be able to use the same fan. (most likely) Let's see what an experienced Tech has to say.

[Doug]

Extra help from an experienced Tech may also be necessary to determine that your selected CPU will be compatible with your motherboard, chipset and capable of interacting with your video solution.

[8210GUY]

This appears to be the processor going by the number, but the box the processor came in will have the exact processor details on that, but it appears to be an AMD 6k processor.
Now the motherboard is what will denote what processor(s) you can use in it, the links given above seem to suggest this will work OK, but being a Dell it's not always easy to find out what components they used, so try entering your Tag Number into This Page, hopefully it will show which board you have.
Main point to note while handling components is static, you should not touch the components unless your earthed as static discharge can kill the components, but that said they are a lot hardier than people would believe, *REMOVED on request*, a specialised plug\strap is better\safer.

*edit
OK I Have removed part of the previous comment on request, although I personally do it all the time, because I know everything I am touching is safe, and is widely practised here, but there is an air of caution over this area, mainly due to being a world wide forum and the fact of the unknown, so the static discharge comment is still very valid, but the method to discharge it in the ideal world should be to use a proper anti static lead as I had already stated previously, but most don't have this which is why I mentioned the alternate way, but not knowing your surroundings I think the safest advice is ask a local specialist the methods to safely avoid passing on static charge whilst handling the parts, apologies to anyone who were worried by the previous.

Alternately take the side of the case off and try and read the printed info on the physical board, also watch out for Revision numbers, because sometimes they release more than 1 type of the same board, also don't be surprised if the code doesn't exactly match the makers code, often they re-badge components for use in their systems, but with this info we can hopefully confirm if this processor will work, but everything so far suggests it should be fine.

The physical installation is idiot proof these days, unless someone is extremely determined lol, not sure on AMD these days, last time I touched one you had to put the marked corner of the chip into the marked corner of the socket, 775 boards use notches, so you should only be able to sit it in the one way, so if it looks and feels flat (not wobbly) then it should be sat in correctly, but don't use excessive force, if you bend any pins you could kill the components, so slow and steady does it as they say.

Now thermal compound is essential, and many consider Arctic Silver 5 to be the tops, applying it is not always agreed upon, some apply a line down the middle and sit the heatsink on fixing it down, others (including myself) prefer to use some cling film or plastic over your finger, then apply a spot or two and spread it over the area where they will touch, this helps minimise any voids, then on the CPU apply some more thermal grease, and use a card (plastic that is), credit or bank cards are good, they keep an even spread, I use the cards they send out in applications hoping you will sign up to them, saves messing my bank cards lol.

I dare say there is more to cover, but this will get you started anyway, hope it helps.

Edited by 8210GUY, 30 May 2009 - 02:53 PM.

[Mordimier]

Thanks for all your help 8210GUY. I feel a little more at ease going through this process on my own. I'm probably gonna have to wait for now since I don't have any thermal compound, so will probably have to go out and buy that. I think I should be good with the information you gave me. Thanks again for the help!

[Doug]

Mordimier, I've asked 8210guy to add an important comment to his response. Please do not proceed until you receive that new information.

[Mordimier]

Alrighty Doug, on standby!

[8210GUY]

OK updated the above and explained why, sorry if it was alarming\misleading to some. But a specific hardware list will help us to check your system can take the new processor, pretty sure it will, but as Doug said above there are many areas to consider like the power, so the more you can tell us about the board and the PSU the better.

[Mordimier]

Just found the service tag. I have a list now of all the parts for the computer. Do you need me to post the information on here? I take it post only the items i'm showing a quantity of 1 or more right?

Edited by Mordimier, 30 May 2009 - 03:12 PM.

[Doug]

Thanks 8210guy. Safety always comes first in our help. Your advice above is competent and welcome. The important point is that, though it is sometimes important to visually inspect fans and such for proper spin, with the case open, we always caution folks to use utmost care and caution when performing actual work inside the case. The only sure way to guard against electric shock risk to the owner/user performing work inside the case is to unplug the power cord and then press the on-off button for 10 seconds to discharge the RAM warm-up capacitors. We always instruct to remove the power connection prior to touching anything inside of the case. We also note that even when unplugged, the PSU Power Supply Unit capacitors hold dangerous electric charge. PSU box should not be opened by the average owner/user. There is really nothing in there for the average owner/user to inspect anyway and that type of work should only be done by a trained professional. Simply put.... pull the power plug before you touch inside the case. Thanks

[8210GUY]

The service tag should be on a sticker somewhere on the system, alternately they have an active x control they can install that scans your system to tell you what you have, but Dell is probably not going to be the best place to find out what hardware you have, the problem is they bulk buy, as a result when they have a product range they may buy a different batch of hardware so the same system could have one of a number of specific parts, so we will only use it to start with.

The PSU will only be found out by removing the side of the system and physically reading the sticker on it, the power and amperage (make\model is better) will help see if it should be man enough.
As to the rest of the system you could try some software tools, try starting with signing up (it's free) at the pit and running they're test, lets see if that can pick out your board, just post the link back here and we can then review it's results, then we can go from there.

*edit
NP Doug, brain doesn't always run at full speed these days lol, I forget we are dealing with the world sometimes so whats safe here may not be elsewhere.

Also to Mordimier, no need for a full list, the main areas to know about are the board and the PSU, so just tell us those bits for now.

Edited by 8210GUY, 30 May 2009 - 03:25 PM.