Overclock Dell Inspiron 531?

September 3, 2007 8:31 PM

Will I be able to overclock a Dell Inspiron (Desktop) 531? I know the standard line is that it's impossible, but I hear things about how some Dell motherboards are just slightly-modified from normal ones, and that a little tweaking and flashing will allow overclocking. I can't find any specs on what motherboard the 531 has, though, so I am not sure where to begin.
posted by nervestaple to Computers & Internet (2 answers total)

Look over the motherboard carefully for any part-numbers, model-numbers or other identifying tags. Then go Google those numbers and see if any of the Google results lead you to any information about what model the Motherboard might be. You are correct (from my understanding) that most major manufacturers (Dell, Hp,etc) just use name brand motherboards (Asus, Intel,etc) and "re-brand" them with their own logo.

Re-flashing the bios or overclocking them might be another story however. There is no way for you to know if a standard Asus,Intel,whatever BIOS will work on a Dell 531 motherboard. (unless someone else has tried it and you're able to find that info via Google).

Hopefully this isnt your main system :P.. wouldnt want to brick it..
posted by jmnugent at 12:28 AM on September 4, 2007

I would investigate potential softmods, like this guide I just googled up. SpeedFan also has softmoding options..

You will probably still need to inspect your motherboard for parts and/or identifying information, but unless you have a way to undo your BIOS flashing experiments (undo with a hot flash, maybe?), you should be careful.
posted by Chuckles at 8:17 AM on September 4, 2007