XPS 8930, CPU update to i7-9700?

Question

I would like to update my i7-8700 6 core 3.2GHz on my Dell XPS 8930 desktop to a i7-9700 8 core cpu but get a little confused when I see the different types like i7-9700k, i7-9700F. I am running Windows 11 Pro version 23H2 with 64GB. I have my MX-6 thermal compound at the ready but would really like to know my options. I would greatly appreciate if someone could advise and help me. Thank You.

redxps630 · Accepted Answer

while you are on this upgrade planning, you can also run i9 9900 or i9 9900k in 8930 if you have updated bios to latest version

if your bios was early version from the time 8930 was first released, it does not support 9th gen cpu. update bios while the 8700 is still in socket would prepare you for potential upgrade.

the i9 has a more profound psychological appeal while its practical benefit depends on what you do.

read on i7-9700 vs i9 9900 and i7 9700k vs i9 9900k may help.

the high performance Dell cooler for k cpu is blower type (see pic). you would need to add VRM heatsink for -k cooler if overclock is entertained. of note the Dell consumer bios restricts user freedom in how much overclock you can do even though the Z370 chipset supports overclocking.

RoHe · Accepted Answer

An i9 CPU is going to produce a lot more heat, and may require a bigger, better heat sink+fan and/or bigger case fan, on top of the extra CPU cost.

Read this and this about using an i9 CPU in XPS 8930...

BTW: What size PSU is in this XPS 8930? The stock PSU is 460 W and the optional upgraded PSU is 850W. So PSU size could come into play too...

RoHe · Answer

K CPU = CPU is 'unlocked' so it can be over-clocked from base speed. Options/Settings are available in XPS 8930 BIOS setup. 'K' CPUs cost more than non-K CPUs, and will increase heat output when over-clocked. F CPU = Doesn't support onboard Intel Graphics so you must have an add-in video card.  IMO, this is risky. Should the  add-in GPU ever fail, you'll have no video output until you replace the GPU.  If you have an i7-9700 or i7-9700K, and the GPU fails, you can switch to using onboard Intel Graphics until you get a replacement GPU.  NOTE: There are also KF CPUs which combine the features described above, and all come at different prices. And you also need to decide if and how much benefit you might get from a 9th Gen CPU vs the 8th Gen you have now. Or whether adding more RAM would be a better (and lower cost) option.

BeanoBass · Answer

Thank you, I really appreciate your help. I need to way up all of my options and costs this weekend. The support and advice that you all give is a real benifit.

Once again, a very big thank you.

RoHe · Answer

You're welcome. Good luck with the upgrade and let us know what you do...

BeanoBass · Answer

https://youtu.be/cUYxVq3L2IEAfter thinking things over the last weekend about any possible update for my 8930 cpu I have decided that the only possible option (sadly) is to buy a new desktop. I have included a video which I hope will give an indication on my requirements and tasks. I have included two of my compositions #1 “Adagio for a Hero” using just the 8930 (64gig) I had to down score the instrumentation to avoid latency & drop outs. #2 is just the end ‘Finale’ to a major, more complex, 14 minute longer work linking both the 8930 and my old faithful 8500 (32gig). Just too much hassle syncing the two desktops with tempo changes and mastering with drop outs/latency issues, definitely needing more than the combined 10 cores. The 3rd desktop is a HP Envy for printing music scores the ‘Dorico’ program preferred requirements of 16 gig. I have around a $2000 budget!!! Thank you for reading my request and I would really love and appreciate any views, comments and possible suggestions. Many Thanks.

RoHe · Answer

There are a number of threads about dealing with latency/dropouts with music. So search for those.

@fireberd is our resident expert on audio probs so maybe he can weigh in here with some advice to help you resolve the issues....

fireberd · Answer

Although this Dell support Forum, the best advice for a DAW system is to contact Jim Roseberry at Purrfect Audio. Jim is THE expert on building custom DAW systems to client's requirements.

Purrrfect Audio (studiocat.com)

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XPS 8930, CPU update to i7-9700?

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