Anyone know the best cpu offered for the Dell Precision T3500?

[Costa K]

I've been thinking of upgrading to a used Precision T3500. I've looked on wikipedia and pdf's and saw that it comes with either a Xeon 3500, 5500 or 5600 series. Which series is the best one?

I'm assuming the 5600 series is the best one. And if so, anyone know which cpu in this series is the best one offered for this particular system?

 

[Batmeat]

It uses the X58 chipset so it should be compatible with any of the I7 900 series processors.
Here is the link.

 

[Costa K]

Are you sure? 6-core processors are offered for this system. I've looked on ebay and found one listed as "Hex core x5680".

 

[Costa K]

the t3500 only comes with xeon processors.

 

[daxzy]

Xeon processors are usually interchangeable with their desktop counterparts. Should follow this discussion

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/t/19598555

You need to flash your BIOS to the latest version. Looks like the X5675 is the best for a 95W part. There's also the 130W X5677, but you may need to up your cooling.

 

[MongGrel]

Are you sure? 6-core processors are offered for this system. I've looked on ebay and found one listed as "Hex core x5680".

X5680's run pretty hot, have one on my main.

If it is a X58 that is Xeon compatible I'd look for a used X5675.

Depending on the board, even a X5650 is not bad still, have one in my HTPC.

Chips can vary also of course.

Here is the old thread.

https://forums.anandtech.com/threads/xeon-l5639-overclocking-on-x58.2335636/page-108

 

[Mercennarius]

Well since I don't think that board allows for any overclocking then the best CPU would be the Xeon X5690 as it's the highest clocked hex core chip you can install in that board.

 

[Costa K]

I figured it would be one of the 5600 series. Thanks Mercennarius

 

[Retrorockit]

The W3680, and W3690 are unlocked. You can access OC through Throttlestop software in Windows.

Throttlestop overclocking Desktop PCs

Myself and a few others have used Throttlestop software and unlocked CPUs to overclock OEM locked BIOS PCs. Throttlestop was designed for underclocking, and undevolting laptop computers to extend battery life. It also allows full control of Voltage and multiplier on unlocked CPUs. There is a...

www.techpowerup.com