Dell Xps 630i Specs

Downloads 87 Drivers, Utilities, Manual, Firmware and BIOS for Dell XPS 630i Desktops & Worstation. Here's where you can download the newest software for your XPS 630i. Find Dell Technologies XPS 630i specifications and pricing. See the latest ratings, reviews and troubleshooting tips written by technology professionals working in businesses like yours. Dell internally discontinued the XPS 730X and XPS 730X H2C in its US online store on August 1, 2009 and cancelled any remaining orders after August 15, 2009. It has been mentioned that this was done to focus more attention for customers seeking gaming computers, such as Alienware. DELL XPS 630i 2 120mm fans speeding up to MAX. System spec: Intel 2.33Ghz Core 2 Quad Q8200 (soon 3.Ghz Q9650)1 1024mb GTX465 Graphic card6Gb of RAM mem. Popular components found in the Dell XPS 630i. CPU; Core2 Quad Q6600 Intel $190 Bench 45%, 49,337 samples: 47x: Core2 Quad Q9400 Intel $170 Bench 49%, 18,750 samples: 29x: Core2 Quad Q9550 Intel $290 Bench 53%, 28,670 samples: 21x: Core2 Duo E8500 Intel $130 Bench 45%, 17,504 samples: 16x.

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Overclocking

Basic steps and guidelines

From Dell Liaison Chris Mixon:

In the following list of XPS 630i Dell processors, only the Kentsfield Quad Core QX6850 and Yorkfield QX9650 (in bold text) are CPU multiplier unlocked. Those are the only processors in which you can adjust the CPU multiplier under the BIOS's Advanced ->Overclock Configuration screen. The Intel site might say something different, but Intel is not referring to Dell OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) processors. So, if your CPU multiplier is locked, you must use the FSB (Front Side Bus) to overclock the XPS 630i.

• Yorkfield (Quad Core): Q8200, Q9300, QX9300, Q9400, Q9450, Q9550, Q9650, QX9650 (CPU multiplier unlocked)
• Wolfdale (Dual Core): E6750, E6850, E8300, E8400, E8500, (E8600?)
• Conroe: E6750, E6850
• Kentsfield (Quad Core Kit): Q6600, QX6850 (CPU multiplier unlocked)

My Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 Kentsfield default CPU Clock Ratio is 9X 3.00GHz:

6X = 2.16GHz
7X (CPUZ 7.5) = 2.50GHz
8X (CPUZ 8.5) = 2.83GHz
9X = 3.00GHz
9X (CPUZ 9.5) = 3.16GHz
10X (CPUZ 10.5) = 3.50GHz
No boot 11X (11.5) = 3.83GHz

For locked processors:

1. Enter your BIOS by pressing F2 on startup.
2. Go to Advanced, and then CPU.
3. Disable C1E.
4. Disable SpeedStep.
5. Go to Advanced and then Overvoltage Configuration. Add incrementally to the FSB clock for the CPU. It may require a small increase to FSB VTT of not more than one or two available increasable values in the BIOS settings.
6. Press F10 to exit and save these settings to CMOS by pressing Enter to accept the default 'Y'.
7. Be sure to test the stability of your overclock settings and system by running either O.C.C.T. for one hour using the mix of tests or Prime95 for 10-12 hours overnight. O.C.C.T. is more stringent, so it can perform the tests much faster (your temps may also be higher when running O.C.C.T.). Seeing as they use different algorithms, you may also want to run both to be thorough.

For unlocked processors (Kentsfield Quad Core QX6850 and Yorkfield QX9650 only):

1. Enter your BIOS by pressing F2 on startup.
2. Go to Advanced, and then CPU.
3. Enable the CPU Clock Ratio Unlock.
4. Disable C1E.
5. Disable SpeedStep.
6. Increase the CPU Clock Ratio by one.
7. Press F10 to exit and save these settings to CMOS by pressing Enter to accept the default 'Y'.
8. Check the PC out, and if warranted, go back in and try another increase.
9. Be sure to test the stability of your overclock settings and system by running either O.C.C.T. for one hour using the mix of tests or Prime95 for 10-12 hours overnight. O.C.C.T. is more stringent, so it can perform the tests much faster (your temps may also be higher when running O.C.C.T.). Seeing as they use different algorithms, you may also want to run both to be thorough.

From My630i.com user 630beta:

After some extensive experimentation, I noticed something very interesting: overclocking from within the Nvidia Control Panel seems to link the memory to the FSB (even if you selected 'unlinked' from the BIOS). I overclocked my Q6600 to 2.9GHz from the BIOS (memory unlinked). It booted at 2.9 GHz and my memory stayed unlinked at 800MHz. Then from within the control panel, I upped my FSB clock to 367MHz for an overclock of 3.3GHz. At this point, the memory then becomes linked to the FSB. Now my RAM is operating 12.5% faster at 900MHz, and it seems to be stable. I was never able to accomplish this directly through the BIOS, but every time I bumped the FSB clock up in the control panel, my RAM would speed up accordingly (until the memory hits a frequency where it is no longer stable). I'm not certain where that limit is, but 12.5% is a fairly respectable overclock for RAM. All this is assuming you have enough voltage everywhere else of course. I kept the RAM at stock voltage; all others up to 1.40v.

I'm hoping this technique may help some of you get your 1066 RAM up to speed. But this is key: it's not just about how much you overclock from the BIOS or the control panel, it's about the percentage of difference from where it's been overclocked in the BIOS, and where you increase it in the control panel.

An example: For a while now I've been overclocked to 3.2GHz. Beginning at 3.0GHz from the BIOS, then up to 3.2GHz in the control panel. A very similar overclock, but a difference of only 6.5%. The result? My memory ran 6.5% faster than stock at 854MHz--I just didn't realize why at the time. It's just that quirky ESA doing its thing, but it can be turned to your advantage.

Step-by-step instructions for overclocking (click to expand text)

CPU: E8300 (2.83GHz to 3.6GHz), User: gatattack, RAM used: stock Dell

1. Enter your BIOS by pressing F2 on startup.
2. Go to Advanced, and then CPU.
3. Disable C1E.
4. Disable SpeedStep.
5. Go to Overclock Configuration.
6. Change FSB - Memory Clock Mode to Unlinked.
7. Change FSB (QDR), MHz to 1700 MHz).
8. Go to Memory Timing Setting.
9. Change the following:
• tCL (CAS Latency) to 5
• tRCD to 5
• tRP to 5
• TRAS to 15
• Command Per Clock (CMD) to 2T
10. Press Esc once to return to the Advanced menu.
11. Open Overvoltage Configuration.
12. Change CPU Core to 1.40v.
13. Change CPU FSB to 1.40v.
14. If you have RAM designed for overclocking, and know the rated voltage, change Memory Voltage to 2.0v or 2.2v; otherwise change Memory Voltage to 1.90v.
15. Change Northbridge/MPP to 1.40v (sometimes disabling virtualization will help make an overclock stable).
16. Ensure Chipset Voltage is set to Auto.
17. Press F10 to exit and save these settings to CMOS by pressing Enter to accept the default 'Y'.
18. It should then look like this (screen shot pending) in CPU-Z.
19. Be sure to test the stability of your overclock settings and system by running either O.C.C.T. for one hour using the mix of tests or Prime95 for 10-12 hours overnight. O.C.C.T. is more stringent, so it can perform the tests much faster (your temps may also be higher when running O.C.C.T.). Seeing as they use different algorithms, you may also want to run both to be thorough.

Notes:

I was wondering if you could change the multiplier on an E8300? You hit a wall at 3.7GHz for stability--might be poor RAM.

CPU: E8400 (3.0GHz to 3.6GHz), User: Obijon, RAM used: OCZ Reaper PC2-6400 CL4

1. Enter your BIOS by pressing F2 on startup.
2. Go to Advanced, and then CPU.
3. Disable C1E.
4. Disable SpeedStep.
5. Go to Overclock Configuration.
6. Disable SLI-Ready Memory.
7. Change FSB - Memory Clock Mode to Unlinked.
8. Change FSB (QDR), MHz to 1700 MHz.
9. Change MEM (DDR), MHz to 850 MHz.
10. Go to Memory Timing Setting.
11. Change the following:
• tCL (CAS Latency) to 5
• tRCD to 5
• tRP to 5
• TRAS to 15
• Command Per Clock (CMD) to 2T
12. Press Esc once to return to the Advanced menu.
13. Open Overvoltage Configuration.
14. Change CPU Core to 1.40v.
15. Change CPU FSB to 1.40v.
16. If you have RAM designed for overclocking, and know the rated voltage, change Memory Voltage to 2.1v; otherwise do not change this setting.
17. Press F10 to exit and save these settings to CMOS by pressing Enter to accept the default 'Y'.
18. It should then look like this in CPU-Z.
19. Be sure to test the stability of your overclock settings and system by running either O.C.C.T. for one hour using the mix of tests or Prime95 for 10-12 hours overnight. O.C.C.T. is more stringent, so it can perform the tests much faster (your temps may also be higher when running O.C.C.T.). Seeing as they use different algorithms, you may also want to run both to be thorough.

Notes:

I have OCZ Reaper PC2 6400 CL4 memory, a CPU cooler, and a 92mm rear exhaust fan, so it might not work for you with stock Dell RAM, or it may run hot without good cooling.

CPU: E8500 (3.16GHz to 4GHz), User: gatattack, RAM used: stock Dell

1. Enter your BIOS by pressing F2 on startup.
2. Go to Advanced, and then CPU.
3. Disable C1E.
4. Disable SpeedStep.
5. Go to Overclock Configuration.
6. Disable SLI-Ready Memory.
7. Change FSB - Memory Clock Mode to Unlinked.
8. Change FSB (QDR), MHz to 1688 MHz).
9. Change MEM (DDR), MHz to 800 (or manufacturer specified MHz).
10. Go to Memory Timing Setting.
11. Change the following:
• tCL (CAS Latency) to 5
• tRCD to 5
• tRP to 5
• TRAS to 18
• Command Per Clock (CMD) to 2T
12. Press Esc once to return to the Advanced menu.
13. Open Overvoltage Configuration.
14. Change CPU Core to 1.40v.
15. Change CPU FSB to 1.40v (some chipsets may have to use 1.45v).
16. If you have RAM designed for overclocking, and know the rated voltage, change Memory Voltage to the manufacturer's specifications; otherwise change Memory Voltage to 1.90v.
17. Change Chipset Voltage to 1.40v (some chipsets may have to use 1.45v).
18. Press F10 to exit and save these settings to CMOS by pressing Enter to accept the default 'Y'.
19. Be sure to test the stability of your overclock settings and system by running either O.C.C.T. for one hour using the mix of tests or Prime95 for 10-12 hours overnight. O.C.C.T. is more stringent, so it can perform the tests much faster (your temps may also be higher when running O.C.C.T.). Seeing as they use different algorithms, you may also want to run both to be thorough.

CPU: E8600 (3.3GHz to 3.625GHz), User: Lil4cyl, RAM used: OCZ Reaper PC2-8500

1. Enter your BIOS by pressing F2 on startup.
2. Go to Advanced, and then CPU.
3. Disable C1E.
4. Disable SpeedStep.
5. Go to Overclock Configuration.
6. Change SLI-Ready Memory to Expert.
7. Change HT Speed to 5X.
8. Change FSB - Memory Clock Mode to Unlinked.
9. Change FSB (QDR), MHz to 1450 MHz).
10. Change MEM (DDR), MHz to 1067 MHz.
11. Go to Memory Timing Setting.
12. Change the following:
• tCL (CAS Latency) to 5
• tRCD to 5
• tRP to 5
• TRAS to 15
• Command Per Clock (CMD) to 2T
• tRRD to 4
• tRC to 26
• tWR to 5
• tWTR to 10
• tREF to 7.8uS (these were set by the BIOS)
13. Press Esc once to return to the Advanced menu.
14. Open Overvoltage Configuration.
15. Change CPU Core to 1.40v.
16. Change CPU FSB to 1.40v.
17. If you have RAM designed for overclocking, and know the rated voltage, change Memory Voltage to 2.2v; otherwise do not change this setting.
18. Change Chipset Voltage to 1.35v.
19. Press F10 to exit and save these settings to CMOS by pressing Enter to accept the default 'Y'.
20. Be sure to test the stability of your overclock settings and system by running either O.C.C.T. for one hour using the mix of tests or Prime95 for 10-12 hours overnight. O.C.C.T. is more stringent, so it can perform the tests much faster (your temps may also be higher when running O.C.C.T.). Seeing as they use different algorithms, you may also want to run both to be thorough.

Notes:

I could probably back down on voltages, but I'm keeping them there and trying to increase overclock slightly until they need to be raised. I decided to do a conservative overclock, and went from 3.3GHz to 3.625GHz. I tested stable with OCCT 2.0.1 for one hour mix. The ESA Performance setting for my CPU fan was set at 40%. Temps never went above 67°C (my CPU generally idles in the low 40s range right now). I also used Arctic Silver 5 when installing the CPU, and I am using my Q6600 heatsink. The one that came with the E8600 didn't look as 'capable'.

CPU: Q6600 (2.4GHz to 3.2GHz), Users: 630beta and tripknotix, RAM used: unknown

Note: these instructions have been modified by My630i.com user beta630 from the original post for reliability and accuracy.

Step 1: Overclocking to 3.0GHz

1. Enter your BIOS by pressing F2 on startup.
2. Go to Advanced, and then CPU.
3. Disable C1E.
4. Disable SpeedStep.
5. Press Esc to return to the main menu.
6. Go to Overclock Configuration.
7. Change FSB - Memory Clock Mode to Unlinked.
8. Change FSB (QDR), MHz to 1333.
9. Do not change MEM (DDR), MHz.
10. Do not change CPU Multiplier (leave at 9.0, it also says 9.5, that is fine, do not change it).
11. Press Esc once to return to the Advanced menu.
12. Go to Overvoltage Configuration.
13. Change CPU Core to 1.40v.
14. Change CPU FSB to 1.40v.
15. If you have RAM designed for overclocking, and know the rated voltage, change Memory Voltage to 2.2v--otherwise do not change this setting.
16. Ensure Chipset Voltage is set to Auto.
17. Press F10 to exit and save these settings to CMOS by pressing Enter to accept the default 'Y'.
18. Be sure to test the stability of your overclock settings and system by running either O.C.C.T. for one hour using the mix of tests or Prime95 for 10-12 hours overnight. O.C.C.T. is more stringent, so it can perform the tests much faster (your temps may also be higher when running O.C.C.T.). Seeing as they use different algorithms, you may also want to run both to be thorough.

Step 2: Overclocking to 3.2GHz

1. From the Nvidia Control Panel (the Performance item), select Device Settings from the list on the left.
2. Click the CPU icon, and change the following:
• FSB to 356.
• CPU core Voltage to 1.388v.
• Vref boost to 0.959v under Core 1 (you can change the other cores as well, but it seems that changing Core 1 will apply to all. Cores 2-4 will revert to a much lower voltage reading after a restart, but I believe it's still applied to all four cores).
3. Click Apply at the bottom right to save your changes.
4. You should now be stable at 3.2GHz. Double check all settings from within the Nvidia Control Panel and change as needed.
5. Be sure to test the stability of your overclock settings and system by running either O.C.C.T. for one hour using the mix of tests or Prime95 for 10-12 hours overnight. O.C.C.T. is more stringent, so it can perform the tests much faster (your temps may also be higher when running O.C.C.T.). Seeing as they use different algorithms, you may also want to run both to be thorough.

Notes:

Dell Xps 630i Motherboard Layout

The quality of your RAM may have a lot to do with whether or not you can successfully overclock (i.e. whether or not you're using the stock Dell RAM vs. better quality RAM), so these settings may not be appropriate for everyone, but they should work for most. Remember though that some processors may just not be overclockable as shipped from the factory; the only guarantee is the default CPU clock speed.

Recommended fan settings are: CPU at 46%, Chassis (both fans) at 33%. Dell Liaison Chris Mixon recommends 45% for the Chassis fans, but this may be overkill, especially with a rear exhaust fan. Simply deselect Auto, drag both sliders to 33%, and click Apply at the bottom right of the screen. The numbers will then jump back down--ignore this. When set to Auto, they spin around 25%, so you will hear an increase. This should keep your idle temps in the mid 20s according to Core Temp (gaming = high 30s, stress = high 40s). If this sounds cold to you, and if you use Core Temp, be sure to read this. Tjunction offset can be set to -10°C in the settings of Core Temp to get a more accurate reading for the Q6600. As an example, a single GPU fan on a 9800GT can be set to 50% with RivaTuner by setting up a Windows startup registry key. There should be only a very slight increase in volume from that fan. It typically idles at 50°C and gets into the high 60s when gaming. I find these to be the best settings for me (My630i.com user 630beta)--the best cooling/noise ratio anyway.

CPU: Q9550 (2.83GHz to 3.103GHz), User: Jakeman66, RAM used: stock Kingston

1. Enter your BIOS by pressing F2 on startup.
2. Go to Advanced, and then CPU.
3. Disable C1E.
4. Disable SpeedStep.
5. Go to Overclock Configuration.
6. Change FSB - Memory Clock Mode to Unlinked.
7. Change FSB (QDR), MHz to whatever your frontside bus is rated for (should be 1333MHz).
8. Change MEM (DDR), MHz to whatever your RAM is rated for (mine is 800MHz).
9. Leave all voltages set to Auto because you can change them via the NVIDIA performance module.
10. Press F10 to exit and save these settings to CMOS by pressing Enter to accept the default 'Y'.
11. From the Nvidia Control Panel (the Performance item), select Device Settings from the list on the left.
12. Click the CPU icon, and change the following:
• CPU core Voltage to 1.388v (you shouldn't go any higher with this CPU).
• CPU GTL Vref boost to 0.959v for all cores.
13. Click Apply.
14. Now, start creeping your way up on the FSB clock (I crept by two).
15. Creep FSB clock, wait a minute or two to see if you freeze up, if not, creep again.
16. I made it to 365MHz on the FSB clock and froze at 366MHz.
17. Once you find a comfortable FSB, start creeping down your CPU core voltage one setting at a time (the lower the voltage, the lower the temperature of the CPU).
18. Once you find your setting, be sure to test the stability of your overclock settings and system by running either O.C.C.T. for one hour using the mix of tests or Prime95 for 10-12 hours overnight. O.C.C.T. is more stringent, so it can perform the tests much faster (your temps may also be higher when running O.C.C.T.). Seeing as they use different algorithms, you may also want to run both to be thorough.
19. Monitor your temperatures and adjust CPU cooling. Mine are set to: CPU at 33%, Chassis (both fans) at 33%.
20. Save your profile and load at boot up.

Notes:

I attempted to load good settings via the BIOS, but for some reason it wouldn't boot for me--odd. Keep in mind that not all chips are the same, even from the same model/family. You may get worse or better results. Validated by CPU-Z.

Everything (and I mean everything) I've read about overclocking the Q9550 successfully over 3.2GHz details having much better RAM than the stock RAM in the Dell. All successful overclockers are using overclockable RAM, and of course, everyone is using better motherboards. I've seen results in the 4.2GHz range running stable on air cooling. Those are great overclocking results for this chip, but again, they are all using much better RAM and motherboards. I'd be happy approaching 3.5GHz. I'll attempt once I upgrade the RAM. From what I've seen, the Q9550 is a great overclocking chip if you have the appropriate motherboard and RAM.

Feel free to copy and edit the following overclocking instruction template to create one and help other users:

Dell Xps 630i Motherboard Specs

CPU: ? (?GHz to ?GHz), User: ?, RAM used: ?

Getting started

1. Enter your BIOS by pressing F2 on startup.
2. Go to Advanced, and then CPU.
3. Enable the CPU Clock Ratio Unlock.
4. Disable C1E.
5. Disable SpeedStep.

CPU screen (go to Advanced, and then CPU).

1. CPU Default Ratio:
2. CPU Clock Ratio Unlock:
3. CPU Clock Ratio:
4. C1E Function:
5. Execute Disable Bit:
6. Virtualization:
7. Speedstep:
8. Frequency Unlimit:

Overclock Configuration screen (go to Advanced, and then Overclock Configuration).

1. SLI-Ready Memory:
2. Current CPU Freq, MHz:
3. CPU Multiplier:
4. HT Speed:
5. FSB - Memory Clock Mode:
6. FSB - Memory Ratio:
7. FSB (QDR), MHz:
8. MEM (DDR), MHz:
9. PCIe Bus, Slot 1, MHz:
10. PCIe Bus, Slot 2, MHz:
11. Memory Timing Setting:
• tCL (CAS Latency) to ?
• tRCD to ?
• tRP to ?
• TRAS to ?
• Command Per Clock (CMD) to ?T
• tRRD to ?
• tRC to ??
• tWR to ?
• tWTR to ??
• tREF to ?uS

Overvoltage Configuration screen (go to Advanced, and then Overvoltage Configuration).

1. CPU Default Voltage:
2. CPU Core:
3. CPU FSB:
4. Memory Voltage:
5. Chipset Voltage:

Saving your settings and exiting the BIOS

1. Press F10 to exit and save these settings to CMOS by pressing Enter to accept the default 'Y'.

Nvidia Control Panel settings (go to Start ->Programs ->NVIDIA ->NVIDIA Control Panel).

1. CPU (Clock speeds)
2. FSB clock:
3. Cooling
4. CPU:
5. Voltages
6. CPU core:
7. CPU GTL Vref boost:

Notes:

Dell Xps 630i Specs

Be sure to test the stability of your overclock settings and system by running either O.C.C.T. for one hour using the mix of tests or Prime95 for 10-12 hours overnight. O.C.C.T. is more stringent, so it can perform the tests much faster (your temps may also be higher when running O.C.C.T.). Seeing as they use different algorithms, you may also want to run both to be thorough.

General overclocking tips and links

• Disabling C1E and Speedstep are not inherently necessary for an overclock, but create a clean slate on which to test settings. Once you've got a stable overclock, you can then enable these functions one-by-one to verify that they don't cause any additional conflicts.
• Although it may not be necessary for everyone, you may want to try uninstalling ESA, restarting, making your overclocking settings via the BIOS, and then reinstalling ESA. Please note that no-one has been able to overclock Q9450/Q9550/Q9650(?) processors using only the Dell motherboard BIOS. Overclocking with these processors is apparently only possible with ESA control software.
• If you overclock, and want to update the ESA control software, you will first need to uninstall the ESA control software, then overclock, then install the new ESA control software. The reason for this is that the ESA control software takes a snapshot of your system after it boots, so when you go into the BIOS and make changes for your overclocking, ESA is not active, therefore when you bootup into the desktop, ESA puts everything you've done back to its snapshot.
• Larry Cootes notes that: '630i user LordPhezposted the following table of BIOS voltages that I used to solve a months-old blue-screen crash on my own XPS 630i (Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Processor Q8200 (2.33Ghz, 4MB, 1333MHz)). After precisely setting my voltages in accordance with his stable table, my system has been rock-solid for about two months. This is with no overclock, mind you, but making a stock system have the stability it should have had from the factory is still a big deal in my book. My settings from BIOS -> Advanced -> Overvoltage -> Configuration (with the latest BIOS version from Dell) are as follows:'

  Default settings (freezes under load)
  Parameters	Setting	Current Value
  CPU CORE:	[AUTO]	1.1875v
  CPU FSB:	[AUTO]	1.10v
  MEMORY:	[AUTO]	1.85v
  CHIPSET:	[AUTO]	1.25v

  Stable system (no more freezing)
  Parameters	Setting	Current Value
  CPU CORE:	[1.30]	1.3000v
  CPU FSB:	[1.20v]	1.20v
  MEMORY:	[1.95v]	1.95v
  CHIPSET	[1.50v]	1.50v

  'I also reformatted/reinstalled Vista and downloaded all updates for windows/video/sound etc. before I changed the voltage.'

Dell Xps 630i Manual