The Dell XPS 730x is an intense Performance Organization for gaming and high-performance computing[1] released November 16, 2008[2] and ended liveliness in Honorable 2009.[1] The XPS 730 series was unique in that they had substance abuser-serviceable not-proprietary standard ATX-size computer components that allowed the user to upgrade the components through and through an Exchange Program.[3]
History [edit]
Need history inside information supported XPS 700 "User Upgradable" serial publication
Differences 'tween 730 and 730x [edit]
There were a number of differences between the 730 and 730x series.
| Component | XPS 730 | XPS 730x |
|---|---|---|
| C.P.U. Types | Intel Core 2 Quad | Intel Core i7 (First-Propagation) |
| Socket | LGA 775 | LGA 1366 |
| Chipset | Nvidia nForce 790i | Intel X58 |
| Theater Lighting | Non free | Standard connected all models |
| Motherboard Tray | No rim allowing for E-ATX and 40-ATX motherboards | Has a re-implemented lip that essential equal removed to fit an E-ATX Beaver State XL-ATX motherboard |
| Chassis Colors | Victory Colored, Brushed Aluminum, Stealth Blue, Black[4] | Victory Red, Brushed Aluminum, Stealth Blue |
Warranty and Support [blue-pencil]
Dell warranty support was available until August 2012.[5]
Dell stopped internal development support for the XPS 730x in August, 2009[6] and has not released any updated BIOS nor software since.
OEM Package [edit]
Amongst Dell's median cable of software installed, there were two pieces of software program that was specific to the XPS systems.
Alienware AlienFX [edit]
The Alienware AlienFX application is Dell proprietary lotion accustomed control the LED "Zones" for ignition. United intramural and four external zones were configurable to show 15 different colors (plus "black" which in effect inside-out off the LED for that zone). Once a configuration has been set, the shape could equal saved to a Profile.
The AlienFX application too had the ability to hook into a a few 3rd company application events, much as New Mail notification from Microsoft Outlook's email node.
Dell XPS Thermal Monitor [edit]
XPS Thermal Supervise Software
The Dell XPS Thermal Varan practical application is a Dell proprietary application accustomed control a number of chassis devices. The three devices that can be manually controlled are:
- PCI Cage Fan
- Front CPU Fan
- HDD Cage in Fan
Amongst direct hold of these fans, the software is able to monitor additional devices. They are:
- Posterior CPU Fan
- CPU Ticker: Used entirely in the H2C Piddle Cooling models
- ESA Board Temp: via a sensor on the Maestro Control Display panel
- Front Temp: via a front line-mounted sensor connected to the Passe-partout Board
- Rear Temporary worker: Possibly via the rear LED panel, unofficial at time of writing
- Internal Temp: Unexplored location
- Ambient Temporary: Peradventure via a sensor on the motherboard
Using these sensors, the XPS Thermal Monitoring software is able to monitor these inputs and adjust the fans mechanically. When the software is countersink to Automatic, the software itself does non manage the fan and water pump speeds. Alternatively, information technology signals the Get the hang Control Board to ride herd on the inputs and adjust the speeds accordingly.[7]
On that point is also an option to overthrow the automatic operations of the Master Board for the ternion devices catalogued above. Unchecking the Smart configuration allows a user to manually set the speeds of the fan, or to anatomy an tradition monitor curve based on temp inputs.
Build [edit]
The aluminum frame was built and assembled in Japan[8] and shipped overseas for installation of inward parts. The case is an ATX and BTX hybrid design that mounts the motherboard from the right-side of the instance, ascending-side-down compared to normal ATX cases. This places the CPU at the lowest point in the case, which allows the CPU's fan to receive the coolest total of air for overclocking.[9]
The internal space is metameric between an speed chamber and a let down chamber. The upper chamber houses four (4) 5.25" drive bays, 2 (2) 3.5" front-mounted bays for Dell USB accessories, four (4) 3.5" drive bays mounted transversely with a dedicated host-grade high-velocity 80x25mm PWM fan, and the oversized Power Supply Whole. The lower chamber consists of two server-grade high-speed 120x38mm PWM fans mounted in the front in special fan housings that includes separate clastic shrouds, the Dingle Master Control Board which monitors all inputs every bit swell as controlling altogether system LEDs and Fans, Mainframe cooling assembly, and the motherboard meeting place.
The energetic physique is besides structurally different from the majority of PC cases and towers that use a stamped blade construction. The Dell XPS 730 and 730X human body uses a sheetmetal skeleton in the closet soma as the pith to give it structural integrity, with the outermost upper, lower and left-handed panels glued onto this frame. The satellite panels are 2.5mm blockheaded aluminum which creates a very broad-shouldered and sturdy structure.
The XPS 730x chassis was available in ternion (3) colours:
- Anodized Red or sometimes called Triumph Ruby-red
- Brushed Aluminum
- Stealing Blue
In increase, there was an optional "X" English board with clear Plexiglas allowing the internal components to be visible from the outside.
Fans [edit]
There are a issue of fans located in the chassis, and depending connected what model (H2C vs. non-H2C versions), different fans were utilised in different places.
These fans are usually considered server-gradation because of their high static melodic line-flows and Pulse-breadth modulation (a.k.a. PWM) rule of speed.
Upper Bedroom Fan [edit]
The upper chamber has only one fan, an 80mm x 80mm x 25mm PWM fan with general specifications of 12VDC, 0.275 Amps with a minimal airflow of 33 CFM (unknown max). It is used to cool the quaternity HDD bays aside drawing send over the front two, and push air concluded the rear two.
A number of different fans came in the XPS 730/730X systems in this location, only they generally all have the same measurements so much as the Nidec MX940 M35613-35DEL2.
This is likewise one of the loudest fans in the system of rules. Replacing it with an 80x80x25 PWM fan is usually a direct plug-n-manoeuvre since at that place are a multitude of these available.
Lower Sleeping room / Front Fans [edit]
The lower chamber has a total of different fans. The advanced-section consists of two 120mm x 120mm x 38mm axial PWM fans with generalized specifications of 12VDC, 1.4 Amps, 16.8 Watts, 4000RPM max, Airflow: 160 CFM, Static pressure: 0.883 IN H2O, dual-eg bearings.[10] A number of different fans besides came in these positions, simply generally they all have the identical measurements such as the Nidec TA450DC.
The H2C's "Put up Fan" [edit]
This fan is actually used to poise the Mainframe's potential dro regulator modules. It is mounted on the H2C's assemblage and wired through the H2C connector.
The fan is a 60mm x 60mm x 20mm sports fan with the general specifications of Airflow: 12.4 - 18.0 CFM, Static pressure: 2.2 - 4.4 mm H2O.[11]
With the standard system, the arrangement owner has curb over the speed of this rooter to set the racket it generates.
Non-H2C "Nates Fan" [edit]
Unlike the name suggests, this fan is actually accustomed directly cool the Processor's heatsink. Information technology is a 90mm x 90mm x 38mm fan.
The system owner is non able to control the speed of this fan since it is controlled away the overcome board.
Note that with non-H2C systems that use this fan, it is oft the loudest fan in the system. At system start-up, it immediately is jell to 100% duty cycle (full speed) for various seconds while the system performs a number of ego-checks.
Motherboard [edit]
The motherboard is Dell P/N P270J and uses the Intel X58 chipset. It is a monetary standard full ATX motherboard size and design and operates look-alike any other ATX motherboard in regard to using a measure 24-pin and 8-thole might connectors. Information technology has a standard PWM 4-pin C.P.U. header and several 3-pin chassis pin headers.
A ikon of the Dell XPS 730X ATX motherboard and Dell XPS 730/730X 1000W ATX PSU installed into a standard ATX chassis.
The motherboard itself could be removed and installed into a natural ATX soma with different ATX power supplies. There is no wiring surgery physical difference than monetary standard aftermarket ATX motherboards, other than the Dell branding.
Features [edit out]
Primarily, its burden features were:
- Intel's Congress of Racial Equality i7 CPUs (See BIOS versions on a lower floor for nourished versions)
- DDR3 ram of 1066mhz and faster (See BIOS versions below for supported sizes)
- Up to 36 lanes of PCI-E bandwidth
- Six (6) native 3 Gbit/s SATA Revision 2.0 ports (the other deuce SATA ports are provided by a 3rd party controller)[12]
PCI-E Configuration [edit]
The 36 lanes allows for equal to 3-means SLI/Crossfire[12] native to the chipset. The PCI-E slots are assigned as follows:
- PCI_E1: x16 Physical, x16 Link (IOH)
- PCI_E2: x1 Physical, x1 Link (ICH10)
- PCI_E3: x16 Somatogenic, x16/x8[13] Links (IOH)
- PCI_E4: x1 Physical, x1 Connec (ICH10)
- PCI_E5: x16 Physical, x8 Link (IOH)
The PCI-E Bandwidth Links when using multiple GPUs are as follows:[12]
| PCI_E1 | PCI_E3 | PCI_E5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GPU | x16 | Unoccupied | Unoccupied |
| 2 GPUs [14] | x16 | Unoccupied | x8 |
| 2 GPUs | x16 | x16 | Untenanted |
| 3 GPUs [15] | x16 | x8 | x8 |
To boot to the three (3) PCI-E x16 "green" slots, the cardinal PCI-E x1 slots and the single PCI slot go off through the Northbridge control. The motherboard is a standard ATX size, and is rumored to be manufactured by MSI or Foxconn. It accepts standard ATX 24-pin power.
The OEM motherboard is the unvarying motherboard as the Alienware Area-51 ALX motherboard.[16] The alone difference is the BIOS. See BIOS versions below for updating to the latest Alienware bios to enable additional support for newer RAM and CPUs.
BIOS [edit]
The Dell XPS 730x BIOS is an AMI bios.[12]
Version 1.0.5 [delete]
The last BIOS released from Dingle was version 1.0.5. This version has a number of limitations, virtually notable:
- Memory SPD tRFC scope for DDR3 SDRAM is limited to 100. This limits the exercise of memory to 2 GB DIMM sticks.[12] [17]
- Limited eXtreme Computer memory Visibility stick out for Profile 1 and really limited Profile 2 memory profiles.[12]
- Limited overclocking corroborate. PCH Voltages do not change, though being kick in the bios.
- Modest failed overclocking recovery. Have to readjust the BIOS oft via motherboard jumper.
A number of users stimulate installed 12 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (3 x 4GB DIMM sticks) with this bios version. However, while the BIOS will register the full total of ram, retentiveness errors and system instability May occur because of the tRFC limitation of 100.[12] Memory manufacturers of DDR3 SDRAM memory sticks being 4 GB or greater in size of it and gushing at 1600 MHz requires at least an tRFC setting of 122 operating theatre higher.[17]
A BIOS upgrade to Alienware A10 operating theatre higher is required to increase the rRFC limit to 150, which allows for 12 GB (3 x 4 GB) support, as well as enabling additive XMP Visibility 1 and 2 underpin.[12]
Version 1.0.6 [edit]
The last yield machines sold by Dingle, and replaced under warranty, shipped with version 1.0.6 in them.[18] This version was never free on Dell's website. It retains the same limitations atomic number 3 the 1.0.5, except the PCH voltage are now adjustable and whatever overclocking convalescence options have been added.
BIOS Upgrades [redact]
List selective information about 1.0.6 forced upgrades, and Alienware A10 forced upgrades
Upgrading BIOS to Dell 1.0.6 [delete]
Number specialised information on how to install the non-discharged 1.0.6 version
Cross-flash to the Alienware A10 BIOS [edit]
The Dingle XPS 730X series has the identical X58 motherboard that is found in the Alienware Area 51 R1 series. While Dell disconnected internal support of the XPS 730X motorcar, Dingle continued to release BIOS updates to the Alienware Area 51 R1 series with support for sextet-core CPUs, 4 UK Drive sticks, additional XMP Memory Profiles support (including Profile 2), failing overclocking convalescence and more.
In attempt to upgrade the XPS 730X, Eric Duncan first extracted the BIOS binary file from the Alienware A10 BIOS elevate package for the Alienware Area 51 R1 series and by exploitation AMI BIOS tools was able to cross-shoot the Dell XPS 730X X58 motherboard with winner. This was packaged up and released to the public happening July 17, 2011 along the Facebook XPS 730X drug user group under the title "Alienware Area-51 ALX BIOS Upgrade for XPS 730x.[19] [20]
One should personify aware of the limitations of the Alienware A10 cross-flash:
- Power-Push Light bequeath flash lamp On/Off constantly when the machine is powered hit. This is imputable the BIOS that expects to be connected to the Domain 51 R1 frame lighting to "beat" on/off when the machine is off.
- Inability to consumption Dingle's Alienware LightFX application program to control the LEDs (mustiness use NVidia's "System Tools w/ESA brook").
- Unfitness to use Dingle's Caloric XPS application to control the case fans (essential apply NVidia's "Organisation Tools w/ESA digest").
ATI GPU users will non able to curb whatsoever chassis fans or LEDs with this process.
Nvidia GPU users may put in the Nvidia control panel software, so the NVidia's "System Tools w/ESA confirm" addon to control the LEDs and fans.
Crabbed-flashing to the modified Alienware A11b BIOS [edit]
As mentioned with the A10 cross-flash above, the motherboard is identical to the Alienware Orbit 51 R1 series.
A Facebook user by the name of TKMods worked with Eric Duncan to create and release a modified Alienware Area 51 R1 BIOS version A11. The BIOS was modified and enhanced with a number of enhancements and fixes including:
- CPU firmware with all Intel Gulftown series CPUs including the six-core Intel Core i7 980X and 990X Extreme CPUs.
- BIOS strings/DMI values Set back to 730X 1.0.5 values. This allows the AlienFx and XPS Thermal applications to install and function normally.
- BIOS logo test image changed from the Alienware head to an "XPS" logotype to finer symbolize XPS 730X.
- Intel ICH10R RAID Option Read-only storage firmware upgraded to v10.8.0.1303 (12/2011). Requires Intel RST number one wood v10.8.0.1003 (Beaver State higher).
- Silicon Figure SATA controller (Sil3132) changes Device Id requiring a different driver to be installed.
This BIOS reading was prepackaged and discharged under the version XPS 730X A11b. The "b" is probatory as it includes a number of germ fixes from the initial A11a release.
Before upgrading, users must be aware of the following downsides:
- The business leader light will continue to flash on/disconnected while powered off.
- The power light will rest on and constant while in sleep mode.
This can resolved a keep down of different shipway, such as pulling pin #1 from the front Panel I/O cable connector to the motherboard.
Motherboard Tray [blue-pencil]
Info about the special motherboard tray and ATX, E-ATX and Forty-ATX 8-time slot support.
Master Control Board (MCB) [redact]
Rather than having the control mechanism integrated into the H2C unit, the pump, fans and TEC are controlled singly by a Dell daughterboard, the Master Curb Control board (MCB). The MCB uses Fancier Organization Computer architecture (ESA) to Monitor and control the pump, fans and TEC to boot to dominant the XPS LED lights, new fans, and sensors. The H2C cooling and LED lighting system cannot be reused in another computer case without the MCB or custom-made control circuits to consider its place.
Nvidia System Tools [edit]
Because the MCB is based on Nvidia's ESA engineering, it is open to represent controlled via non-Dell package.[7] Currently the sole software available is Nvidia's System Tools which is available as a chew-in for Nvidia's Control Panel that comes with every Nvidia number one wood establis.
Exploitation ATI Graphics Card game [edit]
The control software from nVidia will non set up if no former nVidia products (such equally a graphics card, chipset Beaver State push restrainer) are present in the PC. The software can glucinium installed if the motherboard uses an nVidia chipset, or if an nVidia graphics card is used as the primary exhibit adapter. In a PC with an ATI/AMD graphics card as the primary display arranger, and no nVidia chipset on the motherboard, an option is to establis a secondary graphics wit with a nVidia GPU.
Front Temp Sensor [edit]
Need detailed information
Get the hang Control Board Tray [redact]
Info about MCB tray and Fans mounting.
Power Supply Whole (PSU) [delete]
The Dell 1000 Watt PSU is an oversized (taller and wider) than standard ATX Index supply units, although information technology does utilisation the standard ATX dash pattern to secure it to the chassis. The PSU also has a detachable wiring draw rein allowing for removal of the PSU for replacement without having to disconnect all power-driven accessories. This power supply is the same supply put-upon in the Dell Precision T7400 and T7500 serial workstations.
Multi-GPU Support [edit]
The stock PSU comes with four (4) 6-PIN number connectors. Each pair is chocolate-colored differently and to each one partner off is on a votive 12V rail. This configuration easily supports two (2) GPUs with deuce (2) 6-pin power connectors each. To support three (3) GPUs, operating room two (2) GPUs with 8-pin king connectors, a someone could use a combination of Molex connectors, or upgrade the PSU to an aftermarket unit (visualise upgrades below).
10-immobilise Master Controller Add-in connector [edit]
The stock PSU comes with a proprietary 10-pin power connector for the Master Control panel. It is hardwired into the wiring harness. If changing the PSU, IT is mandatory to modify the new PSU to habituate this same 10-rowlock connector to power the Master Panel for whol LEDs, Fans and detector inputs.
H2C Water Cooling [edit]
The XPS 730x uses H2Instrumentality cooling, also often named H2C. H2C is a two-stage Liquid/Thermoelectric (TEC) hybrid engine cooling system that combines a runny-to-air heat exchanger, a thermoelectric fluent chiller, and control circuitry to optimise CPU cooling.
Theater Kindling [edit]
Another Dell-exclusive only available happening the XPS 730X systems was Field Lighting. It consists of four (4) strategically located super-beadlike white Sandy-emitting diodes (LED) powered away two (2) AA batteries that help system builders see inside of their case for maintenance. These normally abide off until the side cover is removed. When the cover is removed, the lights are turned on and continue on until the cover is placed backbone on. Since the lights operate on batteries, they remain active flat if the big businessman is disjointed from the arrangement.
Thither are five main parts to the system:
- Theater Lighting "Unit" Module, located unofficially of the 5.25" cage.
- (4) LEDs connected via long wires.
The LEDs were betrothed with simple double-sided tape in the general locality of the top panel between the rear of the 5.25" cage and the frontmost of the PSU, above expansion slots attached nether the central barrier, on the rear empanel above the rear I/O ports, and on the bottom panel situated near the RAM location.
Aftermarket Upgrades [edit]
The Dell XPS 730 / 730X uses standard ATX components. Because of this, users are able to upgrade the internal components to newer aftermarket versions. Dependent on the component organism upgraded, more or less custom wiring may be needed.
Upgrading Motherboard [edit]
State the case is actually an 8-slot case, allowing for XL-ATX. Though the top 8th slot only allows for a sui generis-slot width card to be installed and is an extremely tight fit with the bedroom divider in the case.
ATX Form Factor [edit]
The Dell XPS 730X uses the industry criterial ATX form factor making it easy to mount any aftermarket unit of measurement.
The motherboard tray sack beryllium modified to allow appointment of E-ATX or Extended ATX motherboards. E-ATX is not an industry standard, but its general definition is extending a sane ATX from 9.6 in (244mm) to something wider. It is not unusual for approximately E-ATX boards to scope 11 in (274mm) in breadth. Merely all E-ATX motherboards should be captive to 12 in (305mm) tall, allowing them to fit the Dell XPS 730X motherboard tray.
Dell's Front Panel I/O Connection [edit]
A common pertain when swapping motherboards with an aftermarket unit is the front panel I/O connector. This front panel connecter for the Dingle XPS 730 and 730X chassis uses a USB-like interface, though the pins are different for the frontal dialog box (power change over, power light, hdd igniter, etc.).
Dell used the industry standard (industry specification needs to be stated here) USB-like-minded frontmost-panel connector that is compatible with individual mainstream motherboard manufacturers such as MSI, ASRock, EVGA and so on. The XPS 730/730X figurehead panel connective is a direct fit and the right way wired for these types of motherboards.
Other motherboard manufacturers do not use this USB-like interface and opt to manipulation direct pinouts. If you attempt to use a motherboard of an jump brand, you essential electrify the front-panel connector manually by disassembling the connector and using the Dell XPS 730X pinout conduct for the front-panel I/O to figure out what immobilise goes where (pictures needed). In that respect are some additional options, so much A USB debugging pinouts that cook information technology easier (picture and reference number needed).
Upgrading CPU [delete]
List info about support CPUs in 1.0.5-1.0.6, as well as Alienware A10 bios
Upgrading H2C Irrigate Cooling Unit [edit]
Basic Upgrade Information Whatever cooling unit of equal size or little will work as lengthy American Samoa information technology will fit along a lga 1366 processor expansion slot. List information about 120mm replaceable units
Upgrading GPUs [edit]
Heel upgrading on OEM mobo and PSU.
List full-card duration support. E.g. ATI card game
Listing issues with Nvidia System Tools with ATI cards
Upgrading Power Supply Social unit [edit]
Indigence information about 10-pin connector
Upgrading Fans [edit out]
It is non generally required to upgrade the OEM fans. All fans are of server-grad quality, being extreme high-speed fans that act on a very overgenerous amount of beam. Fair-minded about zero aftermarket sports fan can run as much CFM as the OEM fans, leave out other server-range high-quicken fans.
Number info about Dell's 5-pin connector
Inform about Headmaster Control Board's comptroller
Upgrading RAM [edit]
Reference information near 1.0.6 limitations above.
Upgrading Harddrives [edit]
SATA Revision 2.0 motherboard
Number information about standards for showcase cooling that the XPS 730x complies with, allowing for hot Wester Digital VelociRaptors to be installed
References [edit]
- ^ a b As stated through Dingle, Inc.
- ^ "Wikipedia: Dingle XPS."
- ^ "Dell XPS 720 Red System; Details About the XPS 700 Exchange Programme - Direct2Dell - Direct2Dell - Dell Community". Nut.community.dell.com. 2007-06-14. Retrieved 2012-01-03 .
- ^ Warranty replacements came in a not-clearcoat black discolour if the no of the primary colours were non available.
- ^ Adequate 3 geezerhood of support was uncommitted supported appointment of leverage. Dell obstructed taking orders in August 2009.
- ^ Attempted to contact Dell for confirmation
- ^ a b Per ontogenesis past Eric Duncan of the ESA and Nvidia's API, and also the monitoring of sensors listed to a higher place when application was running and not running.
- ^ As noted per Japanese QA language stamping on the inside of the case
- ^ Per Convection principals
- ^ [Nidec Corporation|http://www.nidecamerica.com]
- ^ [Vette Corp|http://www.wakefield-vette.com/resource-center/downloads/brochures/Devotee-Product.pdf]
- ^ a b c d e f g h As confirmed aside Eric Isadora Duncan in testing
- ^ Inserting a card into PCI_E5 switches this to x8 mode
- ^ Recommended in the Dell proprietor's extremity for better cooling.
- ^ See OEM PSU limitations
- ^ Addicted by Dell Support Representative
- ^ a b Mushkin and Nationalist representatives during support calls
- ^ Unchangeable away numerous users
- ^ https://www.facebook.com/notes/the-dell-xps-730-730x-group/alienware-area-51-alx-bios-acclivity-for-xps-730x/10150216132561734
- ^ https://www.facebook.com/groups/93963126733/
Foreign links [delete]
- Dell XPS
- Dell XPS 730x Cite Wiki
- XPS User Support
Dell Precision T7400 Fans Run Full Speed All the Time
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_XPS_730x