can I replace my Corei5 with a core i7 on a Dell Optiplex 7020?

mohab · 23 Apr 2016

I have a Dell Optiplex 7020 mini tower PC. Can I replace the core i5 processor with a core i7 processor?

Thank in advance

fireberd · 23 Apr 2016

This would probably be better asked on the Dell forums.

Dell tends to use some proprietary CPU coolers (and motherboards). The extra heat of an i7 (if it can be used) may be too much for the proprietary Dell CPU cooler.

Dell Community

wasnotwas · 23 Apr 2016

You can compare the processing power of i5 vs i7 (or any cpu's) on this site

PassMark - CPU Benchmarks - List of Benchmarked CPUs

the benchmark score gives a good indication for video rendering times etc - 2X the score = 1/2 the render time. The i7 hyperthreaded cores are not equal to real cores. I did a test on an i7 with HT on/off, and found HT gave about 26% boost -still useful.

LMiller7 · 23 Apr 2016

I have a Dell Optiplex 7020 mini tower PC. Can I replace the core i5 processor with a core i7 processor?

Thank in advance

That would be rather questionable. There is more to CPU compatibility than just using the same socket. OEM computers tend to be rather picky about which CPUs will work. The manufacturer will have the most reliable information but are often not very helpful. The Dell forum would be a good place to look into this.

fireberd · 23 Apr 2016

I dug a little deeper into the Dell manuals.
The spec's for this model show an optional i7, but the issue is whether the motherboard you have will accept it. I worked with Dell's and their forum for over 10 years, Dell uses proprietary motherboards and "could" use a different board depending on the CPU model.

ThrashZone · 23 Apr 2016

Hi,
You can use cpu-z/ cpuid and go to the Main Board section and post a screen shot and possibly Fireberd can identify more info about the mother board
CPU-Z | Softwares | CPUID