X3210 in an XPS 410

[rpmpv1]

Hi guys,
I recently bought a server with an Intel X3210 2.13 ghz Quad Core processor in it, to use as a HTPC/Server. The server case was so scratched up that I decided not to use it in my living room, but, I did manage to pull the X3210 out and drop it into my old XPS 410. Both my Dual Core E6600 and the X3210 are socket 775, so I figured, hey, why not give it a shot. The first boot was very slow, BUT, after a restart, I'm booting up and running much faster than before! Windows experience index also went from a processor rating of 5.9 to a 7. So far, the system seems stable. I haven't run any processor intensive applications, but general web surfing and such seems to be just fine. My question is this: the X3210 has a TDP of 105W and I'm using the stock heat sink that came with my E6600. Should I be concerned about my motherboard frying or CPU overheating, and/or not having enough juice to power the chip long term?

 

[blazorthon]

It probably won't cause a problem, but you should monitor your CPU's temps to be on the safe side. You might want a slightly better PSU, but it probably won't make much difference anyway. It would decrease the chance of a problem occurring (such as the PSU dying), but by how much, I don't know.

 

[rpmpv1]

Thanks for the quick reply blazorthon! I actually replaced my PSU back in 2005 with a Cooler Master 430W model. I originally did this to make sure my GeForce 9800gt graphics card had enough power. Do you think I should still upgrade the PSU just to be safe?

 

[blazorthon]

PSUs lose maximum output wattage as they age, so it might not be able to output high enough wattage for much longer. I'd replace it, even if it's with another 430w.

 

[delluser1]

Nice, first time I've heard of it being done
Temperature really shouldn't be a problem, same TDP as the Q6600
A Coolermaster 430 wasn't an upgrade

 

[rpmpv1]

I'll get one ordered! Thanks again blazorthon!

 

[rpmpv1]

Yeah I couldn't find any threads on using the X3210 in an XPS 410, so.. I created one! Any suggestions delluser1 as to what kind of PSU I should upgrade to?

 

[delluser1]

Yeah I couldn't find any threads on using the X3210 in an XPS 410, so.. I created one! Any suggestions delluser1 as to what kind of PSU I should upgrade to?

Kind of depends on the card you're using, still the 9800 ?
An Antec EA or Corsair CX430 would be upgrades ( a CM430 is lower quality than the stock Dell 375w )
If you're upgrading the card a 500 watt model from either

 

[rpmpv1]

I haven't quite decided yet whether to keep or replace the 9800.. It's still a decent card and albeit noisy and lacking HDMI, it does what I need it to do. I'll probably just upgrade to a 500w PSU regardless, in case I decide to upgrade in the near future. Thanks for the suggestions!