Dell Workstation Owners Club

[frankr2994]

Do the fans fit a fan module like the precision PCs? I mean I moved fans all over the place in my 5810 and the system didn't care. I think they are 90mm fans. Really shouldn't be an issue replacing them just have to get the Dell fan adapter cables. If you want to experiment replace one and run dell diagnostics preboot and see if anything complains. Chances are whatever you put in won't spool up to the crazy rpm the foxxcon fans do.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Do the fans fit a fan module like the precision PCs? I mean I moved fans all over the place in my 5810 and the system didn't care. I think they are 90mm fans. Really shouldn't be an issue replacing them just have to get the Dell fan adapter cables. If you want to experiment replace one and run dell diagnostics preboot and see if anything complains. Chances are whatever you put in won't spool up to the crazy rpm the foxxcon fans do.

The Dell T620 he's talking about has a ton fans that are all monitored and run half speed normally but ramp up to full speed quickly. Replacing all of them will be a VERY involved and costly effort.

 

[frankr2994]

Ya I ended up looking around online. There doesn't look like anything would be easy there. I've almost bought a poweredge so many times but have never got an opportunity to work on one or have one open. Something less costly but much more involved would be adding something to each fan circuit to slow it down. I did do some reading before about faking rpm on brushless motors. Could be something to look back into. One more thing though. Aren't the cpu heatsinks passive? Could one possibly put active heatsinks on and use 2 of the case fan circuits. I would imagine the CPUs would be responsible for alot of the heat ramping everything up and a couple of those heatsinks I put in my 5810 would cut that way down.

 

[uco73]

I have two workstations: Dell Precision Workstation T7600 and Fujitsu Celsius R670-2. Both workstations are great but Dell is the best. Dell is Dell.

 

[frankr2994]

Hey I'll throw this out there. I just purchased NtLite to build a windows 7 iso for a dell t1700. Worked nicely but I now paid for software I will rarely use. If anyone needs a windows iso 7 through 10 built with updates and drivers for a dell I'd be happy to help out. I've installed win 7 many times over the years but now a days it seems like getting it up to date and getting all the drivers lined up is easier said than done. This is not a sales pitch I have no intention on charging anything. Let me know if I can help.

 

[jeanpat]

Hello,
My dell T5500 has more frequently issues with one of the three RAM module (undetected DIMM2), so I plan to buy a new set of 6x4Gb ram modules. I found these:

The cpu is a single xeon E5520 with a memory controller for DDR3-1066Mhz. I guess the E5520 won't be capable to handle 1333MHz modules so I also plan to upgrade the CPU for a x55550 (keeping the original heatsink) which has a 95W TPU :

Can you tell me is these choices are correct?
Thank you.

 

[lexluthermiester]

the CPU for a x55550 (keeping the original heatsink)

I would highly suggest the X5650, X5660 or X5675. They all are 95w parts(the same as the X5550) but have 2 extra cores each. The reason they can run at the same TDP is because the X5550 is on the 45nm fab, but the 6 cores are all 32nm. Effectively you get more CPU performance for the same power profile. See links below.

Intel® Xeon® Processor X5550 (8M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 6.40 GT/s Intel® QPI) Product Specifications

Intel® Xeon® Processor X5550 (8M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 6.40 GT/s Intel® QPI) quick reference guide including specifications, features, pricing, compatibility, design documentation, ordering codes, spec codes and more.

ark.intel.com

Intel® Xeon® Processor X5650 (12M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 6.40 GT/s Intel® QPI) Product Specifications

Intel® Xeon® Processor X5650 (12M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 6.40 GT/s Intel® QPI) quick reference guide including specifications, features, pricing, compatibility, design documentation, ordering codes, spec codes and more.

ark.intel.com

Intel® Xeon® Processor X5660 (12M Cache, 2.80 GHz, 6.40 GT/s Intel® QPI) Product Specifications

Intel® Xeon® Processor X5660 (12M Cache, 2.80 GHz, 6.40 GT/s Intel® QPI) quick reference guide including specifications, features, pricing, compatibility, design documentation, ordering codes, spec codes and more.

ark.intel.com

Product Specifications

quick reference guide including specifications, features, pricing, compatibility, design documentation, ordering codes, spec codes and more.

ark.intel.com

 

[uco73]

I would highly suggest the X5650, X5660 or X5675.

I agree with you. Buy X5650, X5660, X5670 or X5675 (one or two of them).

 

[lexluthermiester]

I agree with you. Buy X5650, X5660, X5670 or X5675 (one or two of them).

Right, I forgot about the X5670.

 

[jeanpat]

I would highly suggest the X5650, X5660 or X5675. They all are 95w parts(the same as the X5550) but have 2 extra cores each. The reason they can run at the same TDP is because the X5550 is on the 45nm fab, but the 6 cores are all 32nm. Effectively you get more CPU performance for the same power profile. See links below.

Intel® Xeon® Processor X5550 (8M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 6.40 GT/s Intel® QPI) Product Specifications

Intel® Xeon® Processor X5550 (8M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 6.40 GT/s Intel® QPI) quick reference guide including specifications, features, pricing, compatibility, design documentation, ordering codes, spec codes and more.

ark.intel.com

Intel® Xeon® Processor X5650 (12M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 6.40 GT/s Intel® QPI) Product Specifications

Intel® Xeon® Processor X5650 (12M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 6.40 GT/s Intel® QPI) quick reference guide including specifications, features, pricing, compatibility, design documentation, ordering codes, spec codes and more.

ark.intel.com

Intel® Xeon® Processor X5660 (12M Cache, 2.80 GHz, 6.40 GT/s Intel® QPI) Product Specifications

Intel® Xeon® Processor X5660 (12M Cache, 2.80 GHz, 6.40 GT/s Intel® QPI) quick reference guide including specifications, features, pricing, compatibility, design documentation, ordering codes, spec codes and more.

ark.intel.com

Product Specifications

quick reference guide including specifications, features, pricing, compatibility, design documentation, ordering codes, spec codes and more.

ark.intel.com

unfortunately I have a A02 bios version and I would have to upgrade it up to A06, but I have no tools to do it (https://dip4fish.blogspot.com/2018/04/frankencomputer-for-deep-learning.html). Is the RAM choice ok?

Right, I forgot about the X5670.

In case of buying a x5670, can I keep the passive heat sink (there's the 120 mm fan in front of it)?

 

[lexluthermiester]

unfortunately I have a A02 bios version and I would have to upgrade it up to A06, but I have no tools to do it (https://dip4fish.blogspot.com/2018/04/frankencomputer-for-deep-learning.html).

What? Updating from A02 to A17(the most current) is a software utility easily downloaded from Dell(or the link in that article). Hardware tools are not needed. Use the CPU, RAM and Windows install you have now to perform the update. Then you'll be ready for any CPU/RAM you wish to install.

Is the RAM choice ok?

Yes. The RAM you showed above is fully supported by the chipset used in the T5500. Still, update the BIOS to A17.
https://www.dell.com/support/home/fr-fr/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=c88t9

In case of buying a x5670, can I keep the passive heat sink (there's the 120 mm fan in front of it)?

Yes. As the power specs are the same, the same heatsink can be used. Make sure you buy some thermal interface material(heatsink grease). Arctic's MX-5 has proven to be an excellent performer and is not expensive.

 

[jeanpat]

What? Updating from A02 to A17(the most current) is a software utility easily downloaded from Dell(or the link in that article). Hardware tools are not needed. Use the CPU RAM and Windows install you have now to perform the update. Then you'll be ready for any CPU/RAM you wish to install.


Yes. The RAM you showed above is fully supported by the chipset used in the T5500. Still, update the BIOS to A17.
https://www.dell.com/support/home/fr-fr/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=c88t9


Yes. As the power specs are the same, the same heatsink can be used. Make sure you buy some thermal interface material(heatsink grease). Arctic's MX-5 has proven to be an excellent performer and is not expensive.

The T5500 runs under Ubuntu...I could possibly find an old windows 7 / vista 64 bits to perform the bios update (quite frightening, if the bios upgrade fails the dell is dead)

The T5500 runs under Ubuntu...I could possibly find an old windows 7 / vista 64 bits to perform the bios update (quite frightening, if the bios upgrade fails the dell is dead)

There's :
BIOS executable CPG pour Linux
filename : T5500A17.bin
There's some documentation regarding ubuntu for flashing uefi PC, but the T5500 is too old:
https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/...bios-in-a-linux-or-ubuntu-environment?lang=en

As the system is older than 2015 the BIOS has to be flashed with a freedos (I don't like that at all). I have a win 7 sp1 iso or a win 10 1909 iso... and a free ssd 250 Gb samsung evo. I don't know if the GTX960 would be detected at least by win7 or win10 with a correct resolution the time to flash the bios...

On the other hand, I can try to install a x5660 with the bios A02. One can find some poweredge (Dell # B9B1MN1) with bios A01 and x5660 on ebay.

 

[lexluthermiester]

The T5500 runs under Ubuntu...I could possibly find an old windows 7 / vista 64 bits to perform the bios update (quite frightening, if the bios upgrade fails the dell is dead)

Yes, you'll need to install Windows on a spare hard drive as the BIOS update utility does not run in Linux.

I have a win 7 sp1 iso or a win 10 1909 iso... and a free ssd 250 Gb samsung evo.

That will work. Windows 10 does not need an install key to get to the desktop. Do a quick Windows install, flash the BIOS and you're done. After that you can use any of the hardware we've discussed.

don't know if the GTX960 would be detected at least by win7 or win10 with a correct resolution the time to flash the bios...

Video drivers are not required to flash a BIOS. Don't worry about them.

On the other hand, I can try to install a x5660 with the bios A02. One can find some poweredge (Dell # B9B1MN1) with bios A01 and x5660 on ebay.

No, don't do that.. Just do a quick Windows install on that spare SSD and flash your BIOS. Then you can do your upgrades and get right back to Linux.

 

[PeteT]

Hi,

Has anyone had any luck upgrading their T3500 or T5500 with a regular non-dell motherboard? From what I can see, it should work as it looks to be a regular ATX form factor just upside down. Not too bothered about keeping the front usb etc. Power button and led should be doable with some modifications to the wiring.

The main thing I’m wondering about is the IO shield - this would need to be cut out, but it looks like it might be quite tight in the sides - is there enough space to fit a regular shield once you’ve cut it out?

Anyway, just wondered if someone had tried this and would like to know how they’d got on. Could be a good way to get even more useful life out of these machines as they get older.

 

[jeanpat]

What? Updating from A02 to A17(the most current) is a software utility easily downloaded from Dell(or the link in that article). Hardware tools are not needed. Use the CPU, RAM and Windows install you have now to perform the update. Then you'll be ready for any CPU/RAM you wish to install.


Yes. The RAM you showed above is fully supported by the chipset used in the T5500. Still, update the BIOS to A17.
https://www.dell.com/support/home/fr-fr/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=c88t9


Yes. As the power specs are the same, the same heatsink can be used. Make sure you buy some thermal interface material(heatsink grease). Arctic's MX-5 has proven to be an excellent performer and is not expensive.

I received the RAM modules and a X5660:

With the possible issue that the modules are not identical.
I hope the will in perfect harmony side by side on the mobo with those:

EDIT:
The three modules in DIMM 4,5,6 are not detected (no POST error) at all (mobo: 0D883F, BIOS A02, xeon E5520):

The three modules do not match, may be the explanation is here:

As visible, I didn't perform the bios upgrade up to now.
I'm afraid that I to stick to 2RX8 ram modules:

• cdiscount 27€
• cdiscount 18€ : this annonce claims compatibility with Dell T7500
• ebay 8€
• The most expensive 4 gb module found is on aliexpress for 32€ and mention compatibility with T5500

Which one would you choose?

 

[Susquehannock]

Hi,

Has anyone had any luck upgrading their T3500 or T5500 with a regular non-dell motherboard? From what I can see, it should work as it looks to be a regular ATX form factor just upside down. Not too bothered about keeping the front usb etc. Power button and led should be doable with some modifications to the wiring.

The main thing I’m wondering about is the IO shield - this would need to be cut out, but it looks like it might be quite tight in the sides - is there enough space to fit a regular shield once you’ve cut it out?

Anyway, just wondered if someone had tried this and would like to know how they’d got on. Could be a good way to get even more useful life out of these machines as they get older.

It has been done. Have thought about it a couple times but figured it would be much easier to use a regular ATX case. Here is a comparison of the boards. Dell = red, black = ATX. Only three of the board mount locations line up - marked with arrows. Then there is the front header and rear I/O panel to deal with.

 

[Retrorockit]

Could be a good way to get even more useful life out of these machines as they get older.

The T3500 can be overclocked using Throttlestop software and an unlocked Xeon to extend it's life some. Dell MB swaps usually don't end well. They have been done but not easily, and case by case issues so you're on your own.
The HP Z400 workstsation is a better candidate for a MB swap since it follows ATX more closely except for some minor PSU pinout issues.

 

[lexluthermiester]

I received the RAM modules and a X5660:

Nice!

The three modules in DIMM 4,5,6 are not detected (no POST error) at all (mobo: 0D883F, BIOS A02, xeon E5520):

This is because the new RDIMMs you bought are dual rank and the set you already have are single rank. I should have warned you about that but did not think about it. They should work separately from each other, one set in the system VS the other. Have you tested the new set by themselves in the system?

As visible, I didn't perform the bios upgrade up to now.

Perform your BIOS update. This is needed.

Which one would you choose?

I would buy a matching set(matching model numbers) to the set you already had, keeping the extra new set as spares in case you ever need them. It's always good to have spares.

 

[scoutingwraith]

I have a lot of systems from Dell.
Optiplex 960 - C2D E8400 / 8GB / 250GB SSD. (Mainly sitting as an HTPC system attached to my TV
Optiplex 990 - i5 2400 / 16GB / 250GB SSD + 1TB / Nvidia Quadro NVS510. Mostly a test system for Windows updates and such
Optiplex 9020 - i5 4570 / 16G / 500GB SSD + 1TB / Nvidia Quadro P620 / Running various stuff for testing.
PowerEdge R610 Server - 2x X5680 / A lot of SSDs + 64GB

 

[Susquehannock]

unfortunately I have a A02 bios version and I would have to upgrade it up to A06,

What lex said above. You need to update the BIOS before installing your new X5660 Westmere CPU. Will not boot with old BIOS. May as well go A17.

 

[jeanpat]

What lex said above. You need to update the BIOS before installing your new X5660 Westmere CPU. Will not boot with old BIOS. May as well go A17.

I didn't install the x5660 up to now, I just test the new 2rx4 ram modules and saw they are not compatible with the three 2rx8 installed. I have to install a new win10.

Nice!

This is because the new RDIMMs you bought are dual rank and the set you already have are single rank. I should have warned you about that but did not think about it. They should work separately from each other, one set in the system VS the other. Have you tested the new set by themselves in the system?

Perform your BIOS update. This is needed.

I would buy a matching set(matching model numbers) to the set you already had, keeping the extra new set as spares in case you ever need them. It's always good to have spares.

Nice!

This is because the new RDIMMs you bought are dual rank and the set you already have are single rank. I should have warned you about that but did not think about it. They should work separately from each other, one set in the system VS the other. Have you tested the new set by themselves in the system?

Perform your BIOS update. This is needed.

I would buy a matching set(matching model numbers) to the set you already had, keeping the extra new set as spares in case you ever need them. It's always good to have spares.

Can three of these can be mixed with the original 3x4 Gb 2r8 ?

 

[lexluthermiester]

Can three of these can be mixed with the original 3x4 Gb 2r8 ?

If they match the ones you already had, then yes.

 

[crazydrve`]

Hi all,

Dell T620
Raid card areca arc-1882
Had anyone seen on a dell server about initializing firmware interfaces stalls the boot?

Systems boots fine with out card.
Tested card in my t5500 and t5600 which works flawlessly.

I installed a raid card into what I believe is the proper spot

Thank you
Bill

 

[jeanpat]

Nice!

This is because the new RDIMMs you bought are dual rank and the set you already have are single rank. I should have warned you about that but did not think about it. They should work separately from each other, one set in the system VS the other. Have you tested the new set by themselves in the system?

Perform your BIOS update. This is needed.

I would buy a matching set(matching model numbers) to the set you already had, keeping the extra new set as spares in case you ever need them. It's always good to have spares.

As seen on reddit, changing the order of the ram modules might have allowed to mix single and dual rank modules.
I put the dual rank modules on dimm1,2,3 and the single rank on dim 4,5,6. I thought it was ok, the bios detected the six modules:

But there was a POST error:

And the system was only capable to detect 16 Gb Ram:

So I'll try another batch of 2rx8

 

[lexluthermiester]

As seen on reddit, changing the order of the ram modules might have allowed to mix single and dual rank modules.
I put the dual rank modules on dimm1,2,3 and the single rank on dim 4,5,6. I thought it was ok, the bios detected the six modules:
View attachment 205892
But there was a POST error:
View attachment 205893
And the system was only capable to detect 16 Gb Ram:
View attachment 205894

So I'll try another batch of 2rx8

You really NEED to update that BIOS! I mean seriously, right now!