Precision M6800 questions and upgrades

[Jers6410]

Hi everyone! 

I recently owned a Precision M6800, I'm really happy with this workstation and all the possibilities it has even now a days.

This post here is to ask for some help... I want to upgrade this workstation to it's max capabilities. For the time I'm written this post the specs I have are the following:

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4200M

GPU: AMD FirePro M6100

RAM: 8Gb (4x2) Crucial DDR3L-1600

DISPLAY: AU Optronics 1600x900 (LVDS)

SSD: Crucial MX500 500Gb

PSU: Flextronics GA240PE1-00 240W

 

My future plans are upgrade everything as long as possible. I spent some time reading about that and learned that I can upgrade to a GTX 980M, an Intel I7 4940MX and up to 32 Gb RAM.

Questions I have are this: 

• Those 32 Gb RAM can be 1866 Mhz (8Gbx4)? or I have to stay with 32 Gb 1600? Also I read somewhere that actually a 2133 Mhz is possible but I wasn't able to find a single seller for this option...
• Is 4940MX really worth it? Or should I stay with... For example with a 4810MQ. I guess temps will not be a big problem cause I have Delta fans installed.
• I read somewhere in the web that BIOS unlock is possible but I was wondering if that is safe and if BIOS unlock will bring me some kind of advantage.
• PSU isn't the original one I know... Should I get the original Dell PSU?
• Is it worth to get the eDP MoBo? I would like to get a 1920x1080 display but not sure if I should stay LVDS or go straight for an eDP display by changing the MoBo.
• And this could sound a little crazy but I noticed JEDP port next to the LVDS one... Is it possible to solder an eDP input in that empty port?

 

This workstation will used for both gaming and working on video editing.

First thing I would like to try is unlocking the BIOS but not until being completely sure that by doing so I will be able to, for example overclock CPU, GPU and RAM if possible. The merely reason for unlock BIOS is actually to get control over fan speeds if possible but overclock something wouldn't be bad don't you think?

 

From now I will really appreciate all of your help if you can spend some time here.

 

Best regards to everyone.

[Hertzian56]

I had an m6700 but there's not much difference, both great systems.  Here's the spec sheet link:

https://www.dell.com/learn/us/en/04/business~smb~merchandizing~en/documents~dell_precision_m6800_spec_sheet.pdf

 

"4 DIMM slots: up to 32GB 1600MHz; Or up to 16GB 1866MHz memory"  ---that's what it says but I always think they say that and it's not always true maybe someone here can confirm from real life on that.

 

I don't know if you're cpu is a dual or quad but I'd make sure I had a quad at least.  I had the 3940xm in my m6700 and that probably contributed to a 980m burnout I had while gaming. The extreme cpu's are marginal returns not necessary and have too much heat to be worth it.  For extra heat management I got some of those sticky felt bumpers for furniture that raised the whole system, especially the back. Maybe get one of those docks if you don't plan on moving it a lot, raises it up as well.

 

I wouldn't worry about the psu unless you have problems, at this point there's so many claiming OEM that are not, too hard to tell why pay the premium.

 

Oof the first thing I did with mine was get a 1080p screen installed, matte to my taste, the cost at that time was almost completely offset by selling the 900p glossy one it came with. I also had an m6100 in there but it didn't work out for some reason can't remember, then a 970m then a great deal on a 980m moved me to that. I think your 6800 can take all those, I'd avoid the HP versions though something about onboard VBIOS with those not good.

 

I'm sure there are owners here who can help more.

 

[Aaron44126]

20 minutes ago, Hertzian56 said:

"4 DIMM slots: up to 32GB 1600MHz; Or up to 16GB 1866MHz memory"

 

The reason for this, I believe, is that 8GB 1866 modules were not available when the M6800 first released.  Intel Ark says that 1600 is the max but I think 1866 will work (from other users' experience as I recall).  Anyway, it doesn't matter that much.  An increase in memory speed also yields an increase in CL and the performance difference will be negligible for most applications.

 

Agree with @Hertzian56, the "MX" CPU is probably not worth it unless it hardly costs any more than a lower-end quad-core CPU.  It will thermal throttle under an extended load and you'll end up with around the same speed anyway.

 

I am not aware of any working BIOS unlock options for any Precision system.  Don't think this matters that much either.  The CPU turbos to the point of thermal throttle (no point overclocking).  You can control the fans through other means.  The closest I can think of to a BIOS mod would be @jeamn's attempt to get a GeForce 1070 booting; he managed a boot-time override of some of the BIOS tables.

 

You want a 240W PSU to avoid throttling.  (These era of Precision systems are pretty picky about this even if it seems like you have power headroom.)  Look at PA-9E on eBay.  They don't cost that much.

 

I think the LVDS motherboard is fine if you are satisfied with the display panel and don't plan on installing a Pascal (or better) GPU.  A 4K panel is not possible even with the eDP motherboard in this system.  It doesn't have enough display bandwidth.  If you ever need to replace the display panel then you might need to get the eDP board.  Good 1080p LVDS panels are hard to find now.  (I tried putting an AUO 1080p LVDS panel in my M6700 and it was pretty bad quality compared to my current LG panel, especially dealing with dark/blacks on the screen.  I was not able to find the LG panel for sale anywhere when I was looking, about three years ago.  I managed to get my LG panel fixed so I ended up not doing the swap and returning the AUO panel.)

 

No idea about soldering on an eDP port.  I have never heard of anyone trying something like that.

 

Other considerations:

• M6700 had one-pipe and two-pipe versions for the CPU heatsink.  I'm not sure if the same is true for the M6800, but if it is, try for the two-pipe version for better cooling.
• I think that 4th-gen is the first generation of CPUs that you can undervolt with Intel XTU or ThrottleStop?  If you can undervolt it that will help with temperatures some as well.
• I also keep the CPU temps (and thus fans) under control by keeping turbo boost disabled when I don't have a high CPU load.  You can do this with Windows advanced power options — set "max CPU utilization" to 99% and put the power slider (click battery by the clock) in the middle setting to disable turbo boost.  Slide the slider to the right to enable turbo boost.  Easy toggle.  You can check to see if it is working by observing the clock speed in Task Manager "performance" tab.

[jaybee83]

for RAM speeds, id check if the machine supports XMP profiles. if that is not the case, then go the safe route and choose ram sticks that run at 2133 mhz with their stock SPD / JEDEC profiles (thus no manual activation needed via intel xtu). that way only ur cpu imc and the motherboard traces habe to play along, but that should be fine. if xmp / ram oc is supported u might massage even more speed out of it! on my previous clevo p150HM with sandy bridge platform i was able to push up to 2200 Mhz and i even saw other doing up to 2400 Mhz!

 

back to the 2133 mhz SPD sticks: Kingston HyperX 2133 mhz were SPD sticks that do not require XMP:

http://geizhals.at/1186628

 

funny coincidence: if youre interested, i might soon be selling 2x8GB of those 2133 mhz sticks, since ill be parting out my gf's old machine 😄 also have a mpcie to m.2 adapter with an Intel AX200 wifi adapter available. lemme know 😊

[Aaron44126]

19 minutes ago, jaybee83 said:

mpcie to m.2 adapter with an Intel AX200 wifi adapter

 

I have this thread on installing a M.2 Wi-Fi card in the M6700, it would be pretty much the same with M6800.  You need U.FL to MHF4 antenna connectors/adapters as well.  I have AX200 installed right now; I think AX210 should also work, but haven't tried it.

https://www.nbrchive.net/forum.notebookreview.com/threads/m-2-ngff-wireless-cards-in-precision-m4x00-m6x00-my-experience-with-m6700.821863/

 

(I am pretty sure M6800 does not support XMP memory profiles.  I don't think that Dell added that until Precision 7730.)

[Hertzian56]

yeah mine had the dual heat pipes heavier duty, I don't think any i5's came with that or maybe even the regular i7's. Seems extreme to do but judging from your comments on the mobo you're in it to that level. Uh maybe the chipset can also tell you about memory too separate from the dell info, intel qm87 express.

[jaybee83]

10 minutes ago, Aaron44126 said:

 

I have this thread on installing a M.2 Wi-Fi card in the M6700, it would be pretty much the same with M6800.  You need U.FL to MHF4 antenna connectors/adapters as well.  I have AX200 installed right now; I think AX210 should also work, but haven't tried it.

https://www.nbrchive.net/forum.notebookreview.com/threads/m-2-ngff-wireless-cards-in-precision-m4x00-m6x00-my-experience-with-m6700.821863/

 

(I am pretty sure M6800 does not support XMP memory profiles.  I don't think that Dell added that until Precision 7730.)

yep good point, forgot to mention that it also includes the antenna adapter cables 😊

[iieeann]

I have a nearly max M6800, but i can't remember how much it costs me, i bought it piece by piece from many shops and assemble.

4940MX and P5000 32GB 1866 ram (corsair).  Not using it anymore let my primary school child to do online class and play minecraft/roblox game.

 

AMD heatsink will not work for nvidia card, u need to buy new heatsink that works for nvidia. Plus some custom thickness cooling pad for the graphic card chips, unless you are buying the stock K5000m.

 

One of the reasons I am not using the M6800 is because of over the years, the palm surface and above the keyboard area coating has degraded/melted and become sticky and dirty.  It is not removable using alcohol and I don't know what solvent will work for plastic.  Another reason is the ever noisy fan because of MX cpu.

 

Flextronic made Dell 240W PSU too, no such thing as non original.

M6800 mostly eDP if not mistaken, seldom see LVDS. too long ago can't remember.  If want touchscreen only LDVS is available.

I don't care about unlocked bios because the fan is already noisy with stock MX cpu.  Even my earlier M6700 with XM cpu is not that noisy.

 

[Jers6410]

17 hours ago, Aaron44126 said:

An increase in memory speed also yields an increase in CL and the performance difference will be negligible for most applications.

So the 1866 mhz wouldn't be a big benefit after all...

17 hours ago, Aaron44126 said:

the "MX" CPU is probably not worth it unless it hardly costs any more than a lower-end quad-core CPU.  It will thermal throttle under an extended load and you'll end up with around the same speed anyway.

This Precision came with the two pipe heatsink for CPU but the cost for a 4940mx is almost three times compared to a 4810QM... So I guess the 4810QM is a better choice. Thanks for that recommendation! This is the kind of things I need to know.

[Jers6410]

17 hours ago, jaybee83 said:

funny coincidence: if youre interested, i might soon be selling 2x8GB of those 2133 mhz sticks, since ill be parting out my gf's old machine 😄 also habe a mpcie to m.2 adapter with an Intel AX200 wifi adapter available. lemme know 😊

Good to know! I really appreciate this offer.

[Jers6410]

10 hours ago, iieeann said:

4940MX and P5000 32GB 1866 ram (corsair)

 

10 hours ago, iieeann said:

Flextronic made Dell 240W PSU too, no such thing as non original.

Thanks! This makes me feel more relaxed about the PSU and about the ram is good to kwon the 32 Gb 1866 is possible. May I kwon if your setting is 8x4 or 16x2?

[iieeann]

9 hours ago, Jers6410 said:

 

Thanks! This makes me feel more relaxed about the PSU and about the ram is good to kwon the 32 Gb 1866 is possible. May I kwon if your setting is 8x4 or 16x2?

 

16x2 ( i will reconfirm later).  This Corsair 1866 ram does not work on M6700.

[Jers6410]

I found this in NBR, is referring to bios unlock.

 

https://www.nbrchive.net/forum.notebookreview.com/threads/guide-dell-precision-m6800-m4800-sbios-mod.788481/index.html

 

What do everyone think? Sounds like a safe process? Will be worth the try?

[Jers6410]

Hello everyone!

 

I'm back here to give some updates of my machine progress!

 

With the great help of @jaybee83 now I can confirm a few things about this Precision M6800!

 

2133 Mhz ram works! And Intel AX200 works too!

 

HyperX 16 Gb 8x2 ram works and AX200 are both compatible for this machine. For the AX200 I attached a picture with a red circle showing the port I installed the card with the adapter, but because the port is msata full size and the adapter is half size I just put a piece of card to keep down the adapter on the place it should while I get something more stylish for that purpose. I also have to mention that the cables used for this to work were the same cables of the old wifi card, I just redirected them to the needed place.

 

 Thanks to everyone here for giving me some of your time again!

 

Next plans are:

1. Get an I7-4910MQ
2. Get another pair of HyperX 8 Gb 2133 ram to complete the 32 Gb set
3. Get the Nvidia Maxwell edition heatsink for this machine
4. Get a Nvidia GTX 980M

And of course I also want to say thanks to @jaybee83 again!

 

I hope this experience can help someone else around here.

[Aaron44126]

Awesome.

 

Maxwell-compatible heatsink is very hard to find these days.  You can also use the ordinary NVIDIA GPU heatsink.  There is one piece that will need to be cut off with a Dremel or similar tool.

 

If you compare K5000M and M5000M...

 

They are very similar, but you will notice that the VRMs at the top ("R22" silver square-shaped things) are in a different position on Maxwell cards.  The ordinary NVIDIA GPU heatsink has a protruding bit that hits one of these, and that is what you need to cut off.

[Jers6410]

On 6/15/2022 at 8:12 PM, Aaron44126 said:

The ordinary NVIDIA GPU heatsink has a protruding bit that hits one of these, and that is what you need to cut off.

I see... That second vrm makes things different. Well, it can be difficult but I still want to try to get the Maxwell heatsink. Right now I'm not able to buy the NVIDIA GPU but even so I want to get the Maxwell heatsink... Maybe someone in the community can sell one to me, in that case we can talk.

 

Thanks for the info @Aaron44126 I really appreciate it!

[TheQuentincc]

If I remember correctly the AMD heatsink for M6800 is more compliant to Maxwell and later card than the original Nvidia heatsink.

[jaybee83]

14 hours ago, Jers6410 said:

I see... That second vrm makes things different. Well, it can be difficult but I still want to try to get the Maxwell heatsink. Right now I'm not able to buy the NVIDIA GPU but even so I want to get the Maxwell heatsink... Maybe someone in the community can sell one to me, in that case we can talk.

 

Thanks for the info @Aaron44126 I really appreciate it!

haha as mentioned before, if ur upgrade is still a few months off id be able to offer u my 980M including Prema Mod vBios for unlocked / energy efficient / stable performance 😉 but i gotta switch to my planned monster desktop first haha

[Jers6410]

On 6/18/2022 at 2:16 AM, TheQuentincc said:

If I remember correctly the AMD heatsink for M6800 is more compliant to Maxwell and later card than the original Nvidia heatsink.

Really? If that's so then I can forget to buy the Nvidia heatsink!

[TheQuentincc]

Well, I checked and with the AMD heatsink you only to remove/grind like 1 or 2mm of copper/metal to make it work properly, whereas on the Nvidia/Kepler heatsink you need to remove a lot more. Since the Maxwell heatsink for the M6800 is very rare and expensive, the best solution is to mod the AMD heatsink which can be found very cheap.

[Jers6410]

On 6/22/2022 at 4:36 AM, TheQuentincc said:

Well, I checked and with the AMD heatsink you only to remove/grind like 1 or 2mm of copper/metal to make it work properly

That's great! Do you have a picture or something like that to see which part needs to be removed?

[TheQuentincc]

It's the "lower" part of the AMD heatsink where one of the three big coil of a 980M should be needs to be removed

[Jers6410]

12 hours ago, TheQuentincc said:

It's the "lower" part of the AMD heatsink where one of the three big coil of a 980M should be needs to be removed

Ok when the time comes I will check that! Thanks for your help!

[Jers6410]

I need help with something...

 

In a few months I'm planning to buy new thermal pads for this Precision M6800 GPU and CPU. Does anyone know the pads thickness I should get? 

 

Gelid solutions 12 W/mK are the ones I want to get.

[TheQuentincc]

pads thickness depends on the particular MXM card you got, like Dell version use slimmer coil than MSI for instance.

I think you should get a mix for 0.5mm and 1mm pads, check the contact with a tiny bit of thermal paste (to see if it spread well), for the GPU you need to check if it's making good contact with the card, specially the mosfet on top, also make sure it doesn't bend the card, you can check the GPU pads contact outside the case (like screw the cooler on the GPU without being mounted on the board, to make it easier to check contact)