precision 7530 Precision 7530 upgrade

[Jers6410]

Hi everyone!

This topic is for asking some help from you.

 

I'm the owner of a Precision 7530. Here are the specs:

-Intel Xeon E-2176M

-Heatsink Nv-128 model with Sunon fans

-RAM 16x2 Hynix DDR4-2666 PC4-21300 1333.3 Mhz

-Wifi/BT card Intel AX200

-Windows 11

 

The goal? Well like any tech enthusiast get the max from this machine. Here you can give me your recommendations, I'll be really thankful to read your suggestions.

 

Also this machine came with two problems:

1) Bluetooth seems to be blocked by BIOS

 I read in some forums that in some cases companies ask Dell to block bluetooth for security reasons, so in this machine the option in BIOS is grayed out...

Is there any way to unlock that by modding the BIOS or something like that? Also is that even possible? And if so, is there any other benefits from modding?

2) This machine includes a Quadro P1000 physically installed but it is not recognized

I already did the necessary maintenance to the machine and checked for any physical damage in the mainboard or the DGFF cable and the three GPU connectors but nothing seems to be broken... My guess is that the GPU is simply dead. Should I test anything else? I'm not an electronics expert so maybe there is something I'm not seeing but what do you think?

 

If you have any hardware upgrade recommendations I'll be happy to read your advices in terms of fans, RAM, GPU or any other. The main purpose for this topic is to know which upgrades can I do to this machine.

Thanks for your help.

 

Best regards to everyone!

[Chalybion]

Welcome!  Some thoughts on upgrades:

- CPU:  It is BGA of course.  The highest upgrade option is the Precision 7540 motherboard with a 9980HK or Xeon 2286M.  If you go this route, it is probably best to get a whole, working computer for cheap and swap out the mobo.  This would solve your BIOS issue too...

- RAM:  The memory controller isn't good.  The only upgrade is a lower latency.  I tried 3200 MHz RAM from the small list of 'officially supported' DIMMs, and it gave a bunch of errors no matter how I tweaked.  2933 MHz might be possible, but I didn't want to spend more time/money, and 2933 MHz DIMMs are rarer than 2666 or 3200.  128 GB of 2666 MHz is also possible, if you can use it.

- Delta fans are less whiny than Sunon, but harder to find.  Look for the white connector (instead of black):  eBay Delta Fan Listing

- GPU:  I have a spare Quadro T1000 if you want to double your P1000 performance for cheap.  It uses the same heat sink.  Midrange is the RTX 3000 (~$200 + 2nd heat sink design), high end is RTX 4000/5000 ($300-450 + third heatsink design - best to buy a complete machine)

- Screen:  The LG LP156QHG-SP(V1) is the best available option - 40 pin, 0.4mm pitch eDP connector, 1440P, 400 nits, 240 Hz.  Requires the UHD screen cable, which is only compatible with the silver lid and IR camera.

- PTM7950 is a super, stable thermal interface material

- Undervolting can be enabled via BIOS variables (see Precision 7540 thread); your 2176M should accept a healthy undervolt and run max all-core turbo speeds at <80°C

- Wi-fi:  Not sure if Wi-Fi 7 would work, if you find an A+E key module?  Otherwise, the only better Wi-fi modules are the AX210 and the Killer (Intel) AX1675

[Chalybion]

The 8950HK is an intriguing processor at a reasonable price:  eBay Link

The heatsink can dissipate a maximum of ~110W from the CPU; this limit is challenged by the octa-core CPUs.  However, the unlocked hex-core 8950HK should have plenty of headroom for tweaking and overclocking; it is potentially the most fun CPU in this computer model.  Extrapolating my 9980HK voltage frequency curve to the 8950HK - 4.8 GHz all-core should be do-able; the magic 5.0 GHz all-core might be possible if the CPU undervolts well and with a good cooling pad.