XPS 8940, possible to upgrade my i3-10105 processor?

Question

I have an XPS 8940. When I configured this PC, I had to settle for an i3 processor and 8gb of RAM due to a tight budget.

I have been planning to add an additional 8gb of RAM to the PC, then start putting aside money to configure and buy a more powerful one later on down the road. I was talking about this with my brother and he suggested that instead of buying a whole new PC, that I should just upgrade the processor on this one instead.

I don't know if that is even a feasible option, but I want to look into anyway. I may want to replace the existing processor with maybe an i7 or it most recent counterpart. First thing I need to know is whether or not this PC's motherboard is even compatible with an i7 processor. Next, if the motherboard is compatible, are there any other components that I will have to replace along with the processor do to the existing ones not being compatible with an i7? For example, if I upgrade the processor, would I have to upgrade the power supply and heat sink along with it?

redxps630 · Answer

Yes cpu can be upgraded to i7 10th gen such as i7-10700.

no need to upgrade psu

cpu heat sink upgrade to Dell premium tower cooler is recommended b/c you have a very basic cheap Dell pancake heatsink that does not cool well. Note this is a recommended but not obligatory upgrade.

You cannot upgrade to 12/13/14th gen cpu in 8940 because those require a different cpu socket and motherboard chipset.

PS

If you had a newer 8940 mobo cpu can upgrade to i7 11th gen too, but not much different from 10th gen

JamieLinux · Answer

If you want to upgrade to 10900 or 10900f, don't bother with k versions on Dell XPS boards; it being unlocked makes no difference as you can't edit the voltages. You will get 10 cores 20 threads vs 8 cores 16 threads.

****I wouldn't bother with the 11th gen the performance uplift isn't worth the extra heat and reduced core count. You will miss 100mhz between 10900 and 11900 if you go with the top CPUs for that board.

I only say go with the F version if you never plan on using onboard video and have a dedicated GPU, because you get a little thermal headroom back and the CPU that doesn't have on-die GPUs typically can run a little faster. But if you are like huh.

You can get a 10900 on Amazon for 150-300 dollars if you don't mind used. 300 ish is for new in box.

--------------------this last part optional ----------------------------------but recommended.

Grub screws, 3x25mm x4 you can get from Home Depot for dirt cheap and a Noctua D12L cooler, this is if you want the best cooling for the CPU. Your PC will run decently for a long long time.

DarrenJames · Answer

Dell sells the tower cooler for like 25 bucks but it is not listed on the website. I used support to get mine. I would get the i7 10900  or 11900. Good Luck!

JamieLinux · Answer

@DarrenJames​ don't bother with the 11900 unless you want fewer cores and more heat.  I have a 11900KF it's not worth it.

JamieLinux · Answer

@DarrenJames​ you can buy them on eBay or Amazon for 10-25 dollars.  They are not worth it at all.  Honestly, you can get a Noctua D12L and some Grub screws, (3x25mm)x4 (on Amazon look for set screws)  for about 90 in total on Amazon and have a better experience with the PC.  Traxxas 3x25mm Grub Set Screws & 3mm Locknuts (rcsuperstore.com) You just need the screws, not the nuts Amazon.com: Noctua NH-D12L, Low-Height Dual-Tower CPU Cooler (120mm, Brown) : Electronics Amazon.com: Noctua NT-H1 3.5g, Pro-Grade Thermal Compound Paste (3.5g) : Electronics My 8940 with this setup hits a maximum of 68 - 71c (under Cinebench r23)  I linked the items, which will give you a lot more longevity and no thermal issues on an 8940.  While gaming is 58-61c load.

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XPS 8940, possible to upgrade my i3-10105 processor?

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