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92879
December 19th, 2013 16:00
Dell Dimension C521 CPU Upgrade
Hello all. I have a Dimension C521 (slim case) and I would like to upgrade my CPU from an AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3400+, ~1.8GHz to an AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000 3.0GHz 2MB socket AM2 89W ADA6000IAA6CZ. But I'm uncertain about a few things, which is why I am here. I would like to know:
- if the AMD Athlon 64 x2 6000 will work with my computer
- what the recommended BIOS is
- if the fan the C521 comes with is good enough to keep it cool
- if a 280W 955.39BTU/hr Maximum PSU is fine
- if you have any questions =D
Here is the owners manual, if it'll help - ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_dimension_desktops/dimension-c521_owner's%20manual_en-us.pdf
Also, if I were to upgrade my GPU, what would you recommend?
shesagordie
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December 19th, 2013 18:00
xXEblisXx
The Athlon 64 X2 6000+ 3.0Ghz 89W Windsor, will work.
Prior to installing the processor, check that you have the latest BIOS version 1.1.11 installed, with BIOS version 1.1.4 support for AMD was added.
The default fan and PSU should be fine.
Bev.
shesagordie
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December 19th, 2013 19:00
xXEblisXx
Yes, version 1.1.11 includes BIOS version 1.1.4.
Bev.
xXEblisXx
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December 19th, 2013 19:00
Thanks Shesagordie
I'm a little confused on the BIOS, though. Does the 1.1.11 version include the 1.1.4 version as support or..?
xXEblisXx
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December 20th, 2013 16:00
Sigh... In the comment section of a youtube video for changing the cpu, the creator of the video said, "'I've actually had a 6000+ in there before, and it will run it, but it's definately not good for it. it'll push it too hard and it'll eventually quit." Is there truth in his words? Would I have to worry about the cpu giving out? If so, would I have to worry about a AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600 2.9Ghz doing the same? If I go with the 5600, should I still upgrade my BIOS to 1.1.11?
Thanks for everything Shesagordie
shesagordie
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December 20th, 2013 17:00
ADA6000IAA6CZ - 6000+, 89W, 3.0Ghz, Windsor (F3) Will work
ADV6000IAA5DO - 6000+, 89W, 3.1Ghz, Brisbane (G2)
Unfortunately Brisbanes are hit and miss. Most Brisbanes were released after Dell manufactured that model.
Bev.
Condover
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July 24th, 2015 17:00
I upgraded my C521 to an Athlon 5600+ (the 65 watt one) but it keeps overheating. Gets to 100c and shuts down. I refitted the original Sempron 3400+ and it idles at 18c and peaks at 25c when running the system benchmark as a test. The sempron is rated as 59 watts so it makes no sense. Seems that the 5600+ uses more power under higher loads.
shesagordie
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July 24th, 2015 22:00
Condover
Athlon 5600+ 65W is a Brisbane core processor.
http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/K8/AMD-Athlon%20X2%205600%2B%20-%20ADO5600IAA5DO%20(ADO5600DOBOX).html
Brisbanes came out long after the last BIOS update for an C521 and therefore not programmed correctly.
Some 521 owners have gotten them to work, but find that the processor settings like speed is incorrect.
For others the computers wouldn't even boot.
Prior to installing the processor, check that the latest BIOS version 1.1.11 is installed, with BIOS version 1.1.4 support for AMD was added.
The following is a list of known supported Dimension C521 processors:
AMD Sempron 3400+, 1.8G, 256K, 62 Watt
Athlon X2 5400+ 2.8Ghz 89W Windsor
Athlon X2 5600+ 2.8Ghz 89W Windsor
Athlon X2 6000+ 3.0Ghz 89W Windsor
Bev.