Dell XPS 210 one final upgrade

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ExugoAreo

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Sep 26, 2013
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I'm wanting to wring the last drops of life from my XPS 210.

CPU: Intel core 2 duo E6300 running at 1.86GHz
RAM: Kingston 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200)
GPU: Jaton GeForce GT 220 1GB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP (Low profile)
Mobo: Micro BTX (the most I can find).
Storage: 250 GB Seagate HDD
PSU: Dell model: N275P-01, says max output is 275W, but "combined" output is 160W

The RAM and GPU were upgraded a few years ago when I found that Fallout NV ran like a slide show. Sadly, said upgrades turned the computer into a toaster oven, so ever since then the side of the tower has been completely off to allow air flow.

My hopes with this upgrade are to A. ditch XP 32 bit for Windows 8 (or 7) B. get a version of DirectX newer than 9 C. to get games like Far cry 3, Just Cause 2, GTA 4, or E.U. 4 to run (ultra-low/medium D. to get games like Civ 5, Anno 1404, or Bioshock to run well (medium/high). To accomplish this I was thinking of upgrading the CPU to a Q6600/Q6700 (From what I've read, they are the only ones compatible with my set up), and upgrading the GPU to PCI Ex 2.1 card (must be low profile).

So I'm wondering, without sinking more than $200-300 into this 6 year old computer, what would be the best components to upgrade in order to accomplish at least most of my goals? (Also, why does dxdiag show that only 3 of the 4 gigs of RAM are being used?)
 
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clutchc
That must be the slimline model XPS 210. Or maybe that's all they made in that designation. I can't keep up with Dell. Anyway...
Can you read the +12V amperage rating on the PSU's nameplate? The tiny PSU will be hard to upgrade around. And that small case is an oven as you've found out. I think the choices you've come up with are about the best you can do. You might find (on ebay) a used CPU upgrade to get more ooph out of any gfx card you use, but it would have to be 65W and recognized by the existing Dell BIOS. The fastest LP card for that PC would be an HD 7750: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202002
If your PSU holds the GT 210, it will hold the HD 7750, but it will be a lot faster...
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clutchc

clutchc

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That must be the slimline model XPS 210. Or maybe that's all they made in that designation. I can't keep up with Dell. Anyway...
Can you read the +12V amperage rating on the PSU's nameplate? The tiny PSU will be hard to upgrade around. And that small case is an oven as you've found out. I think the choices you've come up with are about the best you can do. You might find (on ebay) a used CPU upgrade to get more ooph out of any gfx card you use, but it would have to be 65W and recognized by the existing Dell BIOS. The fastest LP card for that PC would be an HD 7750: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202002
If your PSU holds the GT 210, it will hold the HD 7750, but it will be a lot faster. http://www.hwcompare.com/11793/geforce-gt-220-gddr3-vs-radeon-hd-7750/

Edit: What resolution is your monitor?
 
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ExugoAreo

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Yes, it is a slimline, it was bought for me before I knew anything about computers. the +12V rating is 17.0 Amps. As for the monitor, well, its older than the tower, early 2000's I'd guess. Its a 15 inch Compaq with a resolution of 1024 x 768 at 60Hz, but a new monitor will most likely be the first component bought for when I build my new one.

Concerning the graphics card, are you sure that won't be bottle necked by one of the other parts? I don't want to go sticking racing slicks on a mini cooper.
 
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clutchc

clutchc

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Yes, there will be some minor bottle necking in certain games with that CPU, but it wouldn't be a deal breaker in my estimation. It'll be faster than the GT 220 in spite of any possible bottle neck. And at the lowly res of 1024x769, you should be able to play at max settings. Moving up to a 1920x1080 monitor will mean reduced settings of course.

Do you have any idea what the fastest CPU Dell recommended for that MB was? If they don't recommend the bigger quad cores and the Dell BIOS is not available anymore, it may not recognize the new processor.

17A +12V rail. Wow. Tiny. But if the PSU handled the other card, it will handle the HD 7750. As you can see from the link I sent, the HD 7750 actually demand slightly less wattage than the GT 210.

 
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ExugoAreo

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Well, Dell does not make any recommendations for upgrading a CPU, even if a customer knew how to change out a CPU Dell would probably rather have them buy a new computer. From what I can find, the best "recommended" CPU (that is, the best that the factory will install) is a core 2 duo E6700 (2.66 GHz), but I think a Q6600 will function perfectly well, and is supported by the newest (released 2007) BIOS as I've found a few instances of people upgrading to them on similar computers (http://www.computermemoryupgrade.net/viewtopic.php?t=855&sid=01196dd57f606ab77bc8d2503ee4bb17 http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=213897 and http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/t/19386701.aspx). The only problem with the Q6600 is that it consumes more power, which seems to be my main limitation now. Though I need someone else to figure out whether or not the Q6600 will cause me to exceed my PSU's max output (and possibly why only 3 of my 4 GBs of RAM are being used).
 
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clutchc

clutchc

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Reading those posts, it appears the Q6600 is a recognized processor by your PC's BIOS. That's good. The extra 40W (3.3A) that the Q6600 will add to the PSU's +12V rail is worrisome, though. But the posters seem to have no issues. Of course that depends on their choice of gfx card. They may not have gone with a discrete card, opting for the on-board graphics instead. (assuming that MB has on-board video)

I'm on the fence as to whether or not the small PSU will handle both. Normally, when the PSU gets over-taxed, your PC will simply shut down or re-boot unexpectedly. But there's always the chance the PSU good die too. And inexpensive PSUs have the nasty tendency to take other components out with them when they go.

Here's a spec sheet for the Q6600: http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Core_2/Intel-Core%202%20Quad%20Q6600%20HH80562PH0568M%20%28BX80562Q6600%29.html
If you scroll down, you'll see other processors of that family, some of which are only 65W CPUs. But we are back to wondering if the BIOS will recognize them.

Windows uses some of your memory for itself and its own housekeeping. Also it sets aside system memory equal to the VRAM the gfx card is using at the time. Usually when Windows is just booted, you should see around 3.xxGB of system memory. That will go down as the gfx card demands more.
 
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ExugoAreo

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I have no quarrels with having an external PSU, as the side panel is already off. It will probably help offset the heat gain from adding a quad core. Do you have any recommendations for what I should look for in a PSU, like wattage, form factor, or brand?
 
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clutchc

clutchc

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If you remove the stock PSU and use a new PSU outside the case, you can go with just about any good quality unit. Here is a tiered list of PSUs according to their quality/dependability: http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx

Considering you still have to have a low profile card, the HD 7750 is still the best choice... about the only choice. If you want a PSU that is enough for that combination, look for something in the 400W+ range for a bit of extra leeway. If you plan on building yourself a new PC some day, then you'll want a PSU much bigger so you can add a faster card. But for now, this is one that will work for the HD 7750: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026
If you want a modular one so you only have to plug in the cables you need (less clutter), look into this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139049

Finally, if you would like to by a new powerful Gaming PC and you live in the lower 48 US states, I have a new one on ebay I'm selling I'd be happy to link you to. $663/free shipping
 
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HeyYouGuys

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I have a Dell xps 210 / Dimension 9200C.
I have upgraded it to the Q6600 quad core 105 watt cpu and just recently added the HD 7750 Low profile video card, awesome performance.
My cpu does run hot 40-75C. When i first installed it ran at 90C+ lol, removed cpu and applied thermal paste and it ran much cooler, I keep the side cover off as well. I have not had any issues with the power supply, in games like WOT it ramps up somewhat but not at full speed. I have heard my machine at full speed and I tell you It's loud. But that was when cpu was running too hot.

I ran LOL at ultra settings with no lag. Ram is at 4 gigs but im running vista 32 bit, but the machine can take 8 gb if you have 64bit.
It turned out to be a nice lil small factor gaming machine. Oh I had this pc now for 7 years, still going, now just need bigger monitor 27 inch. Thinking of getting an imac 27 but WOT is not compatible on it.
 
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