Dell Workstation Owners Club

[Retrorockit]

TS only overclocks unlocked CPUs. This is per Unclewebb the developer of Throttlestop. We have a separate thread about TS overclocking.
https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/throttlestop-overclocking-desktop-pcs.235975/
The cheapest unlocked CPU is the W3570 Nehalem. If you don't already have a T3500 you can save some money on RAM by using a T5500 that can take RDIMMS and also add a 2nd CPU later.
But the 2nd CPU won't be unlocked.

 

[T3500]

For those that have the uprated heatsink, like that in the pic attached, attaching a fan makes a huge improvement to temperatures. Just sitting a 90mm fan @ 12V on the alu plate in front of the stack dropped my CPU temperature from ~81 degrees to just under 50 degrees whilst playing Far Cry 5

 

[lexluthermiester]

For those that have the uprated heatsink, like that in the pic attached, attaching a fan makes a huge improvement to temperatures. Just sitting a 90mm fan @ 12V on the alu plate in front of the stack dropped my CPU temperature from ~81 degrees to just under 50 degrees whilst playing Far Cry 5

View attachment 101722

An 80mm fan works too.

 

[Retrorockit]

Here is some more info. on RAM configurations for the X5600 series Xeons. Not quite as strict as the X5500 series. They tolerate 2 modules per channel OK. But unbalanced configurations are shown.
https://www.siliconmechanics.com/files/OriginalWestmereInfo.pdf

i have 2 w3530 cpu's in my stash, would these be good to play with throttlestop in the t3500? at this point i could always make the freenas server (t7500) back into a dual x5675 workstation and the t3500 can just run a w3530 if it can be tweaked....i need more time to play around with my hardware

You really need an unlocked CPU for TS. The W3570 is the cheapest.
Lexluthermeister was right about newer CPUs having better RAM compatibility. The Nehalems have the speed drop after 1 module per channel, but the X5600 series only does that after 2 per channel. So no issues there with T3500/5500 and the Westmeres CPUs. Since I'm going to overclock the W3570 I needed 1 per channel. Here's the X5600 info.

https://www.siliconmechanics.com/files/OriginalWestmereInfo.pdf

 

[Susquehannock]

Dell T3500 :

80mm fans fit nicely. I do it to all of these that pass though my hands. Install in a 'pull configuration' so flow from front case fans is continued through the sink and toward back. For cooling, more CFM the better. Here I have used an old Panaflo high speed with hydro bearing. Nice and quiet at full speed.

My preference is to run wires behind the motherboard and draw power from the floppy wires with connector cut off. Who uses floppies anymore? Leave the wires long enough at heatsink end so you can easily set it aside when changing CPU. (optional: push bullet connectors at both ends for when complete removal is necessary)
12-volts constant works for me. You can also do the 7-volt trick by utilizing both 12 and 5 volt together, or just run 5-volts. Be sure the fan starts from dead stop at that power level. Not all do.

Mounting the fan is simple really. Slide one zip tie (seen in black) through so it sits flat between the fins. Then zip another (seen in green) to lock it on. Requires 6 zip ties total. Can only do three corners of the fan because of heat sink shape. Clip tie ends off flush when done.



At this time I like to install a small piece of foam on each corner of the fan, then a thick rubber band around the whole thing to put tension on the zip ties. Makes everything nice and tight which helps eliminate vibrations for quiet operation.

 

[Retrorockit]

I came across some more RAM info looking into the RDIMMs for the T5500/T7500 systems. They can run UDIMMs, or RDIMMs.
3 channel single bank UDIMM is 0.5% faster than 3 channel single bank RDIMM which is negligible.
3 channel 2 bank UDIMM is 7-8% slower than 3 channel 2 bank RDIMM due to the memory controller on the modules taking load off of the CPU.
45nm CPUs willl drop down to 1066 speed with this, 32nm won't ( unless that's their base speed anyway).
I suspect that 3channel 2 bank RDIMM is still slower than single bank RDIMM but I have no idea how much.
3 bank setups require RDIMMs since the CPU internal controller won't run them, and they all drop down to 800 speed.
RDIMMs have superior error detection than UDIMM because the controller operates at the module level. This is in addition to ECC.
This does raise a concern for using the W3500, W3600, anxd X3500,X3600 single CPU Xeons with RDIMM capable systems. (This would be me W3690, T5500, 24GB RDIMM).
The RDIMMs on this platform were intended for dual CPU systems. The memory controller on the single CPUs lists 24GB capacity (48 actual).
The dual CPU Xeons all list 144GB or similar which is only possible with RDIMMs. I've seen issues with this mentioned. The reason I say with this platform is the single CPU T3600 takes RDIMMs.
ASFAIK the single CPU Xeons won't work with RDIMMs. A single dual CPU Xeon should work OK. I suppose I'll find out the hard way.
I just ordered an X5687 so I can use my nice new 3x8GB RDIMMs.

 

[TechyTed]

Ok, I posted over in the Throttlestop thread, but I guess I should have posted here.

Newbie who has been lurking on that other thread and learning a lot.

I have a T5500 motherboard and parts on the way to play with.

Yes, I know it won’t be easy to get it fired up and running but I needed a new project and this looks like a fun place to start.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Just FYI, that T5500 mobo will fit into a T3500 case. You'll need a 750w power supply to run it, but it'll work. This opens up a few more options for you if money is a constraint.

 

[TechyTed]

For anybody who might read this thread and consider ordering a bare T5500 motherboard (like I did), found this little tidbit on the Dell support forum, about T5500 motherboard versions interesting.

Quote:
...from our engineering department:
Precision T5500 Motherboard Part number CRH6C supports Westmere Intel E56XX | Intel X56XX
Precision T5500 Motherboard Part number WFFGC also supports Westmere Intel E56XX | Intel X56XX
Precision T5500 Motherboard Part number D883F supports Nehalem Intel E55XX | Intel X55XX
In theory (not tested): Westmere should work on the older motherboard as well (D883F) if you are running latest BIOS.

Unquote.

Guess that means I ordered the oldest version...but hopefully can run the later E56xx/X56xx chips with a BIOS flash.

Just FYI, that T5500 mobo will fit into a T3500 case. You'll need a 750w power supply to run it, but it'll work. This opens up a few more options for you if money is a constraint.

Thanks for that advice, I need all the help I can get! My eyes are peeled for a good deal on a T3500 if I can find a used one locally. There has to be a pile of used ones around here somewhere.

Got two beefy power supplies (875watt and 950 watt) available. So I will probably do some bench tests with one of those first and make sure the system POSTS and boots before I try to install it in a case.

I will probably be asking more questions when this thing shows up and I can give it a go. I am kind of anxious to see what I can do with it.

.

 

[Retrorockit]

Well I got the D833F. But Dell is very bad about updating their CPU support lists. Sometimes it's just what they tested at the time, and they don't go back. I have a W3570 Nehalem to start with.
I notice they don't show the W series. My guess is they'll run, but not with RDIMMs.

 

[TechyTed]

Well I got the D833F. But Dell is very bad about updating their CPU support lists. Sometimes it's just what they tested at the time, and they don't go back. I have a W3570 Nehalem to start with.
I notice they don't show the W series. My guess is they'll run, but not with RDIMMs.

Oh really? Hmm...that’s something I guess I didn’t know. So the T3500s that have W series chips aren’t using RDIMMs. Interesting.

 

[Retrorockit]

It's starting to look like the T5500 won't support W3000 series. I can't find any at userbenchmark. The dual CPU Xeons run OK in the single CPU machines, but that might not work both ways, and with the memory controller on the CPU RDIMM/UDIMM support might be the same way. The T3500 might be as good as it gets for overclocking. The X58 chipset on the T3500 doesn't support RDIMM at all.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Guess that means I ordered the oldest version...but hopefully can run the later E56xx/X56xx chips with a BIOS flash.

You should be alright. The latest bios for that board it supposed to support the Westmere cpu's.

 

[Retrorockit]

I found an X5672 running on a D883F at userbenchmark. I wish I could say the same about the W3680.

 

[lexluthermiester]

I found an X5672 running on a D883F at userbenchmark. I wish I could say the same about the W3680.

For a T5500 board, the W3680 is a no-go as it is a single socket cpu only, it will not run in a dual cpu config. For TechyTed the X56xx series is the best way to go. While they do not have an unlocked multiplier, they are able to be pushed to and locked at their maximum full time with Throttlestop. A pair of X5672's would work, but are only quad cores. X5675's would be a much better option as they are still 3ghz+, have 2 more cores and have the same 95w TDP. Only suggestions though. Lots of options for that board.

 

[Retrorockit]

The T5500 can be run in single CPU config. and they do support UDIMM memory. So the W3680/90 isn't out of the picture entirely just yet. But the odds of it working ARE looking pretty slim right now. At one of the CPU/ Chipset compatibility sites there was a report of "limited" support for them. The X5687 is dual CPU capable, so on the T5500 that's 8C/16T operation. With a base clock of 3.6GHz, and Turbo speed of 3.89GHz it's more of a < 4GHz chip than a >3GHz chip. But I'm looking at it from a Gaming/Overclocking perspective ( because it's the only one I have). I ordered the X5687 because it best suited my purposes and will get the T5500 running. I'll get it set up with some UDIMMs and then see about the unlocked CPUs which I already own. I'll probably try the W3570 Nehalem first because on the older D883F board the chance of "success" is better.

 

[lexluthermiester]

The T5500 can be run in single CPU config.

True, but what would be the point? The very purpose of the T5500 is the dual CPU config. Running it in single CPU mode is a waste. It would have been better to buy a T3500 board if all TechyTed wanted to do was run an unlocked CPU.

But the odds of it working ARE looking pretty slim right now.

Also true. I can not find any documentation or references that can confirm the support of Gulftown based CPU's for any version of the T5500 board. They'll be limited to Gainestown, Jasper Forrest(dual socket versions) and Westmere-EP models, which really isn't bad.

I'll probably try the W3570 Nehalem first because on the older D883F board the chance of "success" is better.

Actually, the W3570 is a Bloomfield, single socket model. It likely won't work either, and if it does it likely won't be stable.
https://ark.intel.com/products/39722/Intel-Xeon-Processor-W3570-8M-Cache-3_20-GHz-6_40-GTs-Intel-QPI
I've personally never seen it work and there is a concern about voltages. There are differences in how much voltage is applied and in what way because of the bridging of the CPU socket's. I'd recommend against trying it because of that uncertainty alone. Would hate to see you damage/fry a perfectly good chip. The Bloomfield, Jasper Forrest(single socket versions) and Gulftown models are designed for the X58 chipset, not the E5520 chipset that comes on the T5500 board. Additionally, none of the single socket models are compatible with RDIMMs. So unless you have standard or ECC, you'll be out of luck there as well.

 

[Retrorockit]

You're correct that losing the RDIMM feature negates any real advantage to the T5500 board. Because the 2nd CPU is on an optional riser card many T5500 are configured single CPU.
Coming at this from X58 where any LGA1366 will run it wasn't obvious that the T5500 would be more restricted. There's only one way to find out for sure. I'm going to try this with the W3570 because they sell for $15-20 so if I" let the smoke out of it" it's no big deal. I have some UDIMMs from my T3500 to try. I'll probably do the T3500 build first, and make a separate project out of the T5500 swap. This is the Workstation Owners thread so things are probably more conservative here than in the Overclocking thread. Proving something doesn't work and sharing that information does serve a purpose.
Actually with cooling mods in place an overvolted unlocked CPU would be a dream come true for me!

 

[jeanpat]

Hello,
My new computer is a ten years old Precision T5500 bought on ebay a month ago. Unfortunately, the BIOS version is A02. I plan to install GTX card, may be a 750ti to give it a try.

Did some of you upgrade the BIOS with success?
What would be the minimal BIOS version to support a GTX (750, 960, ...) ?

Thanks

 

[TechyTed]

Quick update, I have the T5500 board in hand. Did a quick smoke test on my workbench last night (AKA the kitchen table).

Good news is that all the parts I bought off eBay (from half a dozen vendors) arrived in very good condition and are playing well together. This board had an E5520 CPU, I bought 12GB RDIMM (3x4GB), the 0U016F cooler, the stock fans, the front I/O Panel, the 875 watt PS and stock cables, with a basic Nvidia 295 NVS video card. Put it all together and it POSTs just fine. Woohoo!

I did throw an old SATA drive on it and started to load an OS. But it was getting late, so I didn’t get much else done. Had to put it away and get ready for work.

Thanks for all the advice and insight that you sharing! Very helpful!

Also, my budget is such that I can probably pick up a T3500 motherboard too, so we may end up with two complete systems here eventually.

For a T5500 board, the W3680 is a no-go as it is a single socket cpu only, it will not run in a dual cpu config. For TechyTed the X56xx series is the best way to go. While they do not have an unlocked multiplier, they are able to be pushed to and locked at their maximum full time with Throttlestop. A pair of X5672's would work, but are only quad cores. X5675's would be a much better option as they are still 3ghz+, have 2 more cores and have the same 95w TDP. Only suggestions though. Lots of options for that board.

The videos that I saw on YouTube for the T3500 (which is what got my initial interest) were only talking about slapping an X5675 into them, single CPU of course. And they were getting really good performance for the price. I don’t even think overclocking was talked about. This was a “here is a cheaper route to an X58 system than paying a ransom for an old motherboard”. When I found about TS overclocking, I had already ordered the TS5500 MB. No big deal...at these prices I will hold onto it and maybe give the dual CPU idea a shot later.

Hello,
My new computer is a ten years old Precision T5500 bought on ebay a month ago. Unfortunately, the BIOS version is A02. I plan to install GTX card, may be a 750ti to give it a try.
...
Did some of you upgrade the BIOS with success?
What would be the minimal BIOS version to support a GTX (750, 960, ...) ?

Thanks

Hi and welcome. I just got my T5500 motherboard yesterday and did some quick test on it, to made sure it would boot. Hopefully in the next few days I’ll have a chance to spend more time and one of my first tasks will be to do a BIOS update. Will let you know how it goes.

 

[Retrorockit]

"When I found about TS overclocking, I had already ordered the TS5500 MB. No big deal...at these prices I will hold onto it and maybe give the dual CPU idea a shot later."

I'm glad you didn't order that because of our T5500 discussions in the OC thread. It could be a little confusing to someone just joining because a lot of what's going on there has never been done before. There is a trial and error aspect to it that may not be obvious at first glance.

 

[TechyTed]

"When I found about TS overclocking, I had already ordered the TS5500 MB. No big deal...at these prices I will hold onto it and maybe give the dual CPU idea a shot later."

I'm glad you didn't order that because of our T5500 discussions in the OC thread. It could be a little confusing to someone just joining because a lot of what's going on there has never been done before. There is a trial and error aspect to it that may not be obvious at first glance.

No I was already spending $ before I showed up here. <grin>

I got the T5500 motherboard, with a working E5520, for $36 shipped. It arrived in excellent shape and was well packaged. So, if all I can do with that is upgrade it to an X5675..or maybe dual X5675s...I can live that.

 

[Retrorockit]

I went for the X5687 4 core 3.6Ghz, and maybe double down on that.

 

[TechyTed]

Just ran across a reddit post that had some info on the infamous Dell front panel connectors. An attempt to provide a pinout.

https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmods/comments/3x3784
Might be useful if you want to transplant a Dell Precision MB into a different case.

I went for the X5687 4 core 3.6Ghz, and maybe double down on that.

Well to be honest for most of what I do, that single core at 3.6ghz would be fine. Does it have HT? Going to 4Ghz is fun for some single thread things like games, but its not a deal breaker for me if I cant get this MB to run that fast.

 

[Retrorockit]

Well to be honest for most of what I do, that single core at 3.6ghz would be fine. Does it have HT? Going to 4Ghz is fun for some single thread things like games, but its not a deal breaker for me if I cant get this MB to run that fast.

The X5687 is HT capable, and 3.6GHz 4 core, 3.89 GHz single core turbo.