Can I squeeze blood out of a stone - processor tweak or upgrade?

Hi all -

I have two loaded Dell XPS-8930 SE desktop systems each with an Intel i7-8700 CPU running at 3.20 Ghz.
I've been thinking about squeezing out more horsepower from the processor, but they are not "K" editions.

I turned off SpeedStep in the BIOS but I think that's all I could do.
Intel has a utility to tweak the CPU but what can it do on a non-K CPU?

What about replacing with i7-8700 with a i9 like this:

Intel® Core™ i9-9900K Processor (16M Cache, up to 5.00 GHz) 186605

Is an easy CPU swap possible without another heat sink and fan? I did update the Dell BIOS for i9 capability.

If not, is a i7-8700K doable?

Thanks!

Intel has a utility to tweak the CPU but what can it do on a non-K CPU?

You mean Intel Extreme Tuning Utility?
Watch these two videos:
Ok this is der8auer and he's taking it to the extreme, but what he does with XTU is what you're looking for.

Hi,

It looks like a BIOS update is available for your PC's to support the new Intel CPU's, use each system's serial number to confirm if the available BIOS update is relevant.
Drivers & Downloads | Dell US

Dell XPS 8930 System BIOS | Dell US

XPS 8930 Service Manual

Hey everybody -

Please take a look again at my original post.

1) I did update the BIOS for the Core i9, buy will the MOBO accept that CPU?
2) Yes, it's the Intel XTU but what can it do on a non-K CPU?

So these questions need to be answered...

1. Can the i7-8700 be directly swapped out with a i7-8700K with the same stock fan and cooler?
2. Can the Dell Motherboard handle a i9-9900K via direct swap, again with the same stock fan and cooler?

Service manual only gives procedures for replacement of like kind, not compatibility. Dell claims ignorance.

TIA!

@Geneo -

I totally agree with your post.

I might be able to get one i7-8700K for free. If that is the case, would it work with the same stock fan and cooler?
If so, how much more speed can I squeeze out of it with Intel's, XTU?

The system(s) are new, purchased in July, 2018.

System replacement is not required. This is a fun thing.

Thanks for your reply!

badcrc said:

This comparison at cpubenchmark says (at stock speeds) TDP is 8700 65W, 8700K 95W.

Then I wonder if the stock fan and cooler can handle it.
Probably but with more noise?

IDK.

Compumind said:

@Geneo -

I totally agree with your post.

I might be able to get one i7-8700K for free. If that is the case, would it work with the same stock fan and cooler?
If so, how much more speed can I squeeze out of it with Intel's, XTU?

The system(s) are new, purchased in July, 2018.

System replacement is not required. This is a fun thing.

Thanks for your reply!

IDK, I don;t know what your stock PSU is or what your stock cooler is or whether your BIOS permits overclocking. If the BIOS does not permit overclocking then an 8700k is a waste of money. 8700k overclocked run hot, so if your cooler can;t handle that then it is a waste of money, An 8700k overclocked draws a lot more power, so if your PSU cannot handle it then it is a waste of money. It is hard to tell what these pre-built systems can do, but it is usually less than you would need for an upgrade.

Hey but if you can get it for free, go for it and find out.

I would not waste 1 dime on upgrading a Dell.

Build yourself a new system