Can I upgrade this prebuilt PC's processor?

[Instealer]

The PC I'm talking about is this one: http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/product-support/servicetag/FVWTHS1/configuration

It has an i3-2120(dual core 3.3Ghz) which is on the LGA 1155 socket.

I want to upgrade the processor to an i5-3570(non-k, quad-core, up to 3.8Ghz) which is also on the LGA 1155 socket.

Since the TDP is 65W vs 77W, and the prebuilt pc's motherboard is not an overclocking one, I don't plan on upgrading the cpu cooler.

My main question is: will I run into compatibility problems?

I know that some prebuilt pc's have a list of processors on the manufacturer's site that list compatible processors, but I can't find them for this pc.

I don't know what may happen in terms of BIOS problems either.

Does anyone have any experience doing this? or any good guesses as to whether this is a good idea?

[Mi26]

There shouldn't be any problem 

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

According to a representative from Dell, The Inspiron 620 can be upgraded up to a Core i5 so a i5-3570 should have no problem working in your system.

 

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/t/19492806

[asand1]

@InstealerProbably not. OEM Sandy Bridge motherboards, while both using the same (FC)LGA 1155 socket generally won't support Ivy Bridge. With a BIOS flash you MIGHT get lucky. Scour the Internet and find examples of it working. Best bet would be a $130 i7 2600.

[it_dont_work]

Maybe with a bios upgrade (http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1977737/dell-inspiron-620-processor-upgrade.html)

That post suggests what your trying isn't supported from factory.

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

3 minutes ago, asand1 said:

@InstealerProbably not. OEM Sandy Bridge motherboards, while both using the same (FC)LGA 1155 socket generally won't support Ivy Bridge. With a BIOS flash you MIGHT get lucky. Scour the Internet and find examples of it working. Best bet would be a $130 i7 2600.

Good pick up, didn't notice he wanted to upgrade to a i5-3000 series chip rather than an i5-2000 series.

[asand1]

@InstealerI have personally upgraded a Lenovo i3 2100 machine to i7 2600 with no BIOS flash. You should be equally successful as long as you kep it 2nd gen.

 

FWIW an i7 2600 and GTX 960 will play GTA V High settings 1080p @ 60FPS. 80+ with vsync off.

[Ryujin2003]

You probably can upgrade within reason; however, I've had clients try to upgrade some of these things. You're going to be looking at a large overhaul in regards to some basic performance parts. The PSU will not really support any substantial GPU, and will have to be upgraded. Which causes you to run out of internal space really quick. Those cases aren't built for cable management. A legitimate PSU (even modular) will start restricting air flow. Those cases have horrible air flow for performance parts. Not a log of horse power in those 92mm fans (if they are that size).

 

Speaking of PSU, many of these prebuilt systems have super proprietary PSU's. Virtually no expansion past the initial components. Some of them don't even have extra connectors to add an additional HDD. If they have a display, ask to take the side panel off.

[Instealer]

@asand1 I will take your advice and use a 2nd generation Intel processor.

Another poster sent this link: http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/t/19492806

which states that the motherboard supports up to an i5.

Should I take the i7 2600 anyway or should I get an i5 2500?

[asand1]

1 minute ago, Instealer said:

@asand1 I will take your advice and use a 2nd generation Intel processor.

Another poster sent this link: http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/t/19492806

which states that the motherboard supports up to an i5.

Should I take the i7 2600 anyway or should I get an i5 2500?

Look around online and see what people say. Someone has probably already done it. In my case I only found one guy claiming he did it with my motherboard. Google 

[asand1]

This Guy

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/373936-31-dell-inspiron-upgrade

Has an Inspiron 620 with an i7 2600 already in it.

[asand1]

7 minutes ago, Instealer said:

@asand1 I will take your advice and use a 2nd generation Intel processor.

Another poster sent this link: http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/t/19492806

which states that the motherboard supports up to an i5.

Should I take the i7 2600 anyway or should I get an i5 2500?

Lenovo did not list an i7 in the supported processors for my MOBO, I had to search Google and take a gamble. It should work for you. Good luck and may the force be with you.

[asand1]

The i7 has 4 cores and hyperthreading. It will run better in some games that need the cores for optimum performance. You are already running an older CPU, make it the most kick ass on you can.