Dell XPS 8940 / G5 5000 - Upgrading CPU Cooler and Fan Upgrades for better performance?

[@purpledrillmonkey5548]

Great video! Glad to see the fan mount getting some use!

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

It’s clever!!

[@rigaudon12]

Used this guide to install a NH-U9S in my 8950 and it worked perfectly. Grabbed those screws from AliExpress. Thanks 👍

[@KingKalonjiRool]

Thank you so much for taking the time to actually explain and show how to upgrade and get better cooling, I got the XPS 8940 refurbished on Amazon and love it, its a powerful computer and my configuration (i7 11700, RTX 3060 Ti, 32 Gb Ram) allows me to play games in good quality with good response times, but the damn thing is a furnace, or was until I followed your upgrade guide. Now at full load my highest core temp is 78 C which is down a whole hell of a lot from my 99 C thermal throttling temps

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Noah, thank you for taking the time to comment. I’m glad you’re getting improved performance from your 8940!

[@banjomanToddTaylor]

Can you edit 4k video with this machine

[@KingKalonjiRool]

@@banjomanToddTaylor yes it seems it’s adequate for the task and while not laggy it isn’t the fast computer for 4K editing either, if you have a budget you are trying to keep to then go for it but if you have the extra money and plan to do a lot of heavy editing then I would buy the i9 version of the machine and that one comes with the proper cooler so you wouldn’t have to mess with it at all. I think the 3060 ti does a good job in general but obviously it depends on how much your using it

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Mine, as reviewed, is the Intel i9. I added more memory (64 gab now) and everything runs better with more resources

[@pauljones8129]

Thanks for the video I added the cooler and fans with the huge temp differences as expected with it now able to play high end games much better. I found a comment in one of the Dell treads that instead of 3D printing the HDD bracket you can just cut the cage in half ( I used a grinder). This worked well and it secured very well with a few zip cables to the top and back panels of the cage.

[@kadens2147]

this is the besdt guide thanks my friend just got this computer and didnt know it had bad thermals so im using this guide to fix it for him

[@sewing1243]

For everyone that performed this upgrade if you've updated the system BIOS to 2.7x you may have noticed that the system may not be happy with the Noctua Fans connected to the MB fan headers (I see the issue if I run Dell's Support Assist, it now tests the fans as part of its hardware checks and it fails with the Noctua Fans connected). My workaround was to buy a Corsair Commander Pro rgb/fan controller, connect the Noctua Fans to it (along with installing two of the temp sensors that comes with it) and then reinstall and connect the Dell Fans (in modified locations) to the Dell fan headers. In order to make the Corsair unit work it needs to connected to a spare Sata power connector and a USB 2.0 header (Dell didn't go with standard USB headers, all USB connectors are hard wired to the MB. So my work around was to buy a PCIe to USB adapter and adapter cable). I obtained a Cablecc USB 3.1 Front Panel Socket & USB 2.0 to PCI-E Express Card Adapter for Motherboard and a USB 2.0, IDC 5 Male (single row) to USB A Male cable on Amazon and made it work. I also found that if don't want to install a PCIe to USB adapter you can use one of the two USB 2.0 Connectors on the back of the PC (but you'll have to figure out how to get the cable from there to inside the PC to connect to the Corsair fan controller)

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Very interesting. Thanks for making us aware

[@sewing1243]

Now Dell has released BIOS version 2.8 for the XPS 8940. I have no clue what, if anything that may have done to the fan issue.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

@sewing1243 I had the same update show up yesterday. I let it install. Really no choice. I didn’t check everywhere but my rear fans are spinning normally. Ran the PC today without issue.

[@somapusher]

@@WhereNerdyisCool so, if I do your install with the new BIOS upgrade I wont need to do this confusing workaround? also did all the fans conect to the one fan plug on the MB, or did you use a hub?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Hi ! So far (knock on wood) I’ve had NO issues with any updates Dell has sent over. Of course your mileage may vary. I had to extend one fan cable for the one I put in front of the graphics card. In hindsight I’d skip the video card one and just do the front and back fans.

[@kellymark8767]

I bought my Dell 8940 from Costco was on sale, I thought, I got a good deal... ha.ha. I feel sad, everytime I play with it. After, watched your clips and copy your steps. Upgrading CPU Fan is a must, change the out take fan and added 120mm Front fan, Upgraded the memory sticks and GPU. I believed, I can live with Dell for a while. Thanks for yours links for the parts. Fans are super quiet rmp not bad at all. thousand thanks. Keep it up!

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Thank you for your comment. Was your cpu cooler an aluminum hockey puck like mine? It runs so much better now that is can cook itself better

[@amirn6893]

Thank you for the Video! I did actually evaluate the solution in several steps so far and like to share my experience. Installing 90 mm fan result in 7C temp drop from 92C, relocating hard disk from front to top of the case cooling additional 7C the cpu temp down to 78C. And Installing the CPU fan result in temp down to 56C which is impressive. GPU temp has also cooled down to about 20 C. 120 mm fan mount has been ordered and yet to be arrived to be Installed hopefully to cool it down further. I prefer to keep Graphic card mount and not to install the 3rd 80 mm fan. Appreciated for creating this video!

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Thanks for chiming in. And welcome back some cpu processing power not that it’s not suffocating in heat!

[@maxwelltindall9932]

I've been out of the pc community for a couple years and just purchase this exact pc, I'm gonna go ahead and buy these fans and cooler so when my computer gets here I'm ready to get it ready for some games. Thank you!

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Welcome back to the DIY upgrade thing!

[@GamesPlayedBadly]

My stock fans have been running supper loud lately and the temps are way too high, IMO. Great video and timely. Ordered everything and will get it installed when it comes in. Hoping this helps!

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

It will. Be sure to do some test runs and compare to after the upgrade !

[@ToddAmyotte-im1pr]

where did u buy everything from?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

@@ToddAmyotte-im1pr links in description

[@GamesPlayedBadly]

@@WhereNerdyisCool That's what I used! Worked pretty well

[@ToddAmyotte-im1pr]

@@WhereNerdyisCool perfect. i’ll probably order them, comes up to $171 CAD, should help keep my cpu cooler lol. i got the i5-11400 and rtx3070, runs great. just really hot lol

[@steve318k]

Great video ! Visuals always help !!

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Thank you for your comment

[@jordyreyna3437]

Thanks! I did this upgrade for myxps 8940 with i7 10700 and rtx 2060 super. My computer runs way better at cooler temps!

[@onedominant]

I'm wanting to do this upgrade to my computer. I opened it last night to get a gander of the innards for comparison to the video. I cannot figure out how he is wiring the 120mm front fan to the system. I'm sure there must be something there, somewhere. However, I see only one label that reads "fan sys", and that is dedicated to the rear fan. What should I be looking for?

[@jblico]

I like this tutorial, despite me not owning the xps 8940, the inspiron 3891 has simmilar hardware and the same stock cooler, so thank you this has directed me for future upgrades and airflow improvement

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Thank you for the comment

[@jblico]

@@WhereNerdyisCool Just wondering, whered you find the headless m3x25mm screws

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

As mentioned in the video and countless times in the comments 🙂… I just used a Dremel and cut the heads off some M3 x 25mm

[@jblico]

@@WhereNerdyisCool Thanks, I got the tools in the garage

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

How did it go

[@Alex-wb2yw]

I generally use a bluetooth antistatic strap. Seems to work just fine

[@dracolusus]

Would have been interesting to see the results with just the added fans without new CPU cooler.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Right? Or just the cpu cooler

[@sewing1243]

It would have been good to see each upgrade added individually and then tested, and then add each upgrade one at a time (in order) and compare results after each step to see what the additional fan improved (if anything). I suspect the CPU cooler would make the biggest improvement, next the front fan, and then I suspect the case fan replacement and the fan for more air for the graphics card probably had the least effect.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Right? Hindsight

[@deseipel0076]

I just upgraded the one exhaust and the improvement is minimal. 2-3 degrees cooler at best. And that's with both OEM cpu fan 80mm and the A9 set to run at 90%.

[@zeroturn7091]

CPU Cooler makes the most difference.

[@lawrence1986ify]

well, i tried to upgrade the fan son my dell 3010 for my pfsence this is what Noctua told me I also updated the bios as well in the hope it was an issue nope still a problem Systems from Acer, Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo or other major brands often use motherboards which differ slightly from the specifications issued by Intel and AMD. While those changes are usually subtle, they can lead to compatibility issues with coolers that were built to comply with these specifications. Even in case the cooler is mechanically compatible and can be installed, other issues can occur, e.g. proprietary fan connectors, BIOS errors due to a low fan speed, shutdowns, etc. Some of these problems can be avoided with some technical knowledge, but especially BIOS-related issues can often not be resolved. Due to the large number of possible issues that cannot be resolved with different mounting parts alone, Noctua does not officially support systems from Acer, Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, or other major brands.

[@rezz5570]

This is such an awesome project.

[@Sarcastro7338]

This is a great solution! I usually Build but due to supply Issues I bought this PC as a great bang for the buck. I too have been after solving the heat issues. If I can offer one thing. Upgrade to the K version. for the 100 ish bucks more you will get the upgraded CPU cooler and the VRM Heatsink. I upgraded the back fan to the Noctua, and moved the stock one in front. I now am getting the front bracket printed out for the 120. I did find the font cover is limiting airflow at the top vs bottom. I am considering a front grill of some sorts, or some extra vent holes but i want it to look decent.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Hi Jason. Same situation. I’d rather build. But nice to do a few tweaks for improved performance

[@mogdlaesmo4005]

What? A gain of like 3 cores more! Fantastic!

[@TheRedCap30]

Tip for anyone reusing the exhaust/stock cpu cooler fans for intake: they do work but are loud af. I recommend just buying the noctua ones

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Yes. I agree!

[@robfraser377]

I noticed that when you put the front fan adapter on the case you only secured it with the single screw. The adapter has slots in it that are supposed to slide into tabs on the case. The screw is only there to keep the bracket (or hard drive) from sliding out if you move the case.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Good catch

[@Angry_Old_Man_In_Pain]

This and the Ventoo look like much better designs that the Thermalright I just sent back to Amazon. There waa total lack of craftmanship and I couldn't get it to center to the I7 processor. A waste of two days.

[@jameswubbolt7787]

Now you need a vrm cooler.Nice job.

[@bertro514]

A free way to have the GPU and CPU run even cooler is to undervolt them. Undervolting the GPU is super easy using MSI Afterburner. I've set my RTX3070 to a max voltage of 975mV @2000MHz (down from over 1100mV stock). This brought the temps down by 5-7 degrees in games. Undervolting the CPU is a bit trickier as the BIOS blocks that by default, but there is a way to hack that (takes about 30 minutes and you have to be careful). A pretty conservative undervolt of -125mV brought my CPU temps down about 5 degress under load. Not spectacular, but not bad for "free cooling" :)

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

That’s interesting. It would be fun to compare benchmarks

[@bertro514]

@@WhereNerdyisCool I used to get 14000 in Cinebench R23, but for some reason now I can't get above 12k anymore. 3D Mark Time Spy is 13k (14K GPU and 9.3k CPU). Looks like something is slowing my CPU down. I'm on a i9-10900F + RTX3070. CPU temp maxes out at 72-73 degrees in all-core Cinebench and GPU goes to about 75 degrees in Time Spy.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Try single core Cinebench?

[@bertro514]

@@WhereNerdyisCool God, I'm so dumb. I realized I had turned Hyperthreading off in the BIOS a while ago when testing gaming performance, and never turned it back on. I got 14700 in R23 now on all core. Single core is about 1350

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Phew an easy fix!

[@CentralJerseyGuy]

Thank you for the excellent video. Would installing the Noctua CPU cooler on a Dell Precision 3660 be the same? Given Dell uses proprietary motherboards, how do you know which Noctua spacer to use? Also, did you get any Bios errors after replacing the CPU Cooler?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I’d check the Dell Forums on that model. I am not sure since I don’t own that machine. The forum has some pretty bright people in there and good resources.

[@dongarden3577]

did the new cpu cooler come with the screws needed to install it?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

No. That’s in the video and description. Check the comments too 🙂

[@aaronmeyer2741]

Thanks for this helpful guide! I went the cheap, fast & easy route - I just removed the side cover! It has helped a lot! LOL! This isn't a permanent solution, but the open side of my 8940 is tucked behind my monitors. I wonder if just replacing the back fan with a 92 mm and replacing the CPU heatsink would get good enough gains without adding the front fans. How noisy is your computer now after adding the two front fans as well?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Not very. I don’t hear the fans at all

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I think the cpu cooler upgrade is the first thing to do. Offer rear fan to get that heat out second. Any additional airflow is a bonus

[@shaklab]

How are the two front fans powered again? Using Y splitter, the top front fan is coupled with the CPU fan and the bottom front fan with the rear fan? Finally installing the case fans this week after 2 years of waiting!

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Oh wow you waited a bit. I think that’s right. I don’t remember off hand. Don’t bother with a fan in front of the video card. Check my recent update video too!

[@bluetimes8261]

I tried to install the same fan on my CPU heat sink and I keep getting bios CPU failure any advice? Thanks.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I've never heard of that. Check the Dell Forum I linked in the description and mention that in the thread. Let me know how it turns out Mine is still working great

[@skarrerx8493]

This was an absolutely killer video my bro! My configuration came with a 1660ti and looking to upgrade this to a 3060 phoenix for some rtx features, do you reckon the upgrades you do in this video will still fit space wise?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

If you have that hockey puck like cpu cooler, definitely do that and a bigger/better rear fan. You’ll feel an amazing blast of hour air flow out of that XPS after

[@Janiko_L]

hey man i really feel like the sound should be a bit better , maybe just try to position the mic ab bit closer to you and reduce the gain.. if thats possible of course. Other than that great vid

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Always working to improve. Working on getting some new Rode wireless lapel mics.

[@NostromoFeratu]

Great video, i am just about to do the same upgrades based on your video, I am wondering though-are you using the 500w or the 750w power supply?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

My 8940 is 500 watt and being proprietary, that’s as high as I can go. If I had it over I wouldn’t bother with the fan in from of the gpu. No real gain. However it runs so much better and has done great for games. I just ordered an Alienware R15 that should arrive this week

[@quinnchau7166]

Hey there, noobs here and will follow your guide soon. Just two quick questions: Will there be instructions in the boxes on where to connect the case fans (not the CPU one)? Are all three case fans directly connected to the power supply and not the mother board? This is my first time modifying anything with the desktop so I'm overwhelmed to say the least, your video is very helpful but since it's my first time I'm still trying to fill in my knowledge gaps :(.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Check the Dell forum I listed in the description for full details. In short you are replacing existing connections so that’s the easy part. I used the Y adapters (4 pin) that came with the fans. Go slow and have fun

[@danmatthews]

Hi! Great video, It helped me upgrade my recently purchased Dell XPS 8940, thanks! What program/app/software are you using for the temps in your videos?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Hardware Info (HW info) I’m away from the computer so can’t give a link.

[@danmatthews]

@@WhereNerdyisCool Thanks!

[@chezmond1444]

hey could you add the link from where you got the m3x25mm screws i can’t seem to find them anywhere

[@Logan-pq6wi]

Since you install the chassis from the back with those screws well the wait of the cooler not crack the motherboard since you’re not install the chassis from the back

[@SamBrandon-x6j]

Regarding those m3 screws, I have them. Yay!! So, here is the question. How far do I insert them? Do I screw them until they stop on the floor, as in touching the case? Or is there a different depth ? Also, I think you used the lock nuts on the screws. If so, did you still need the black spacers ?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Hi! It’s been a little while so I can’t recall everything. You can scroll through the comments of what others did. If memory serves I just used some 25mm screws and cut the heads off. Filed and used those. Also - check the Dell Forum link in the description. A lot of the steps I did came from there. Be safe and good luck!

[@SamBrandon-x6j]

@@WhereNerdyisCool Wow! That was a fast reply. Thanks. Yeah, I read every comment, nearly 500 of them. No mention of how far to insert the screws. No mention of locknuts or spacers. You did tell a few people how you got the screws. No problem there. I have the screws. Just confused about what to do with them. So, since it has been awhile since you did this, maybe let's forget about this specific project. Please let us speak generally. Generally, when you insert a screw into a motherboard, how deep do you put it? Do you go all the way to the wall? Or is there some other depth you stop at? Any insight? -Sam

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

@SamBrandon-x6j I just gave enough twists it didn’t touch the case

[@SamBrandon-x6j]

@@WhereNerdyisCool Thanks a million! Good to go now.

[@onedominant]

@Where Nerdy is Cool! -- I'm wanting to do this upgrade to my XPS 8940. Apparently, it's getting too hot. Streaming videos results in random screen freeze with buzzing noise, and I have to manually power off and let it cool down. I opened it last night to get a gander of the innards for comparison to the video. I cannot figure out how you are connecting/wiring the 120mm front fan to the system. I'm sure there must be something there, somewhere. However, I see only one label that reads "fan sys", and that is dedicated to the rear fan. What should I be looking for? Will upgrading the rear fan alone be enough? I paid $3600 for this machine, specifically for video capabilities. That's a lot (for me) for it to have problems that seem to be inherently built in. :( On another note, I had no problem locating that 120mm fan mount for the XPS 8940 on ebay. There are lots of them out there now, under $10. I'm not ordering anything until I know I can plug in that front fan though,... and I am stumped. Help?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I’m using a splitter to get that front fan plugged in. It helps but honestly if you want the minimalist way to cool that thing down - replace the stock heat sink with what I suggested and replace the rear fan. Those two things will blast a lot of heat out of that little case!

[@onedominant]

@@WhereNerdyisCool - Aha! A splitter! I can certainly do that. It came with the super-duper heat sink already installed, but halfway through a movie, you could use the top rear of the casing as a coffee warmer. I think (hope) that getting more air moving through the casing will make the difference. Many, many thanks for your video and for your response. Greatly appreciated.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

@onedominant that’s pretty toasty. Yes try the fan and see what that does to your temps for sure

[@dopeboy4552]

What are your thoughts on swapping the case? Is it possible/practical?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Don’t think it’s very practical. If I buy a new case, I’m piecing together my own computer 🙂. Since I couldn’t find RTX cards, that’s why I settled in the Dell. But a better cpu cooler and some added airflow does wonders. Even just the cpu cooler and a bigger rear fan will be noticeable

[@T-man22]

Do you need the 3d printed part to install the 120mm fan?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Unless you can come up with another way to secure it to the front of the PC

[@T-man22]

@@WhereNerdyisCool would the 80mm fan fit in that spot without needing any other parts?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Hard to say. I’m sure you could find a way. Honestly, if you can’t get that front one installed, stick to the better rear fan and the cpu cooler. That alone will do a lot!

[@ACABan88]

Thanks for the video! Went ahead and followed your advice. Question for the 80mm fan near the PSU/GPU, how did you attach it? I just picked two holes and secured them with those two only. Is that what you did as well? Unfortunately you didn’t give a view of the back of the case so I couldn’t see which grid holes you picked… Also, what would your thoughts be on flipping the 80mm fan’s direction? I know it’s against best practice to have an an egress on the front, but my 3070 is taking so much space in the case that it feels like that area is closed off from the rest of the pc’s components; it makes me wonder whether hot air gets trapped in the area surrounding the power supply…

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I’m not sure that fan my the gpu is really doing much. I figured any extra air moving out of the case had to be good!

[@MrNagant007]

Hmm... Seems like a more a cooling thing. But temps are still within spec for the chip and it won't go over its thresehold. Me personally, that is something I don't care about. Seems like a cheaper option for cooling is $40 for a 92mm fan and the upgraded Dell cpu cooler if you really want to. Temps won't be as good, but still much better and likely give you similar gains if you run a program that pegs the 100% all the time. If you just play games or use applications where the CPU utilization bounces all over the place you don't really gain anything. I'd be more interested in 1% lows. See if there are any gains there.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

The big thing to note is the cpu speed drops as the temp soars. With the new heat sink and additional cooling, your processor isn’t powering down to stop from overheating. In hindsight I’d skip the fan by the video card. But for not a lot of money you get the full capabilities of the processor.

[@saketmohakar4800]

Hi @where nerdy is cool Amazing video. I used dell cpu heat sink for k series which reduces the temp from 85 to 75 for gaming. Then i added 120mm nzxt fan, noctua 92mm exhaust fan and (old exhaust fab)80 mm for GPU. After adding these my temperatures are still same didn’t change much. Any suggestions what i might be doing wrong? Thanks My current config i7 11700 32 GB Ram 2133 Corsair RTX 4070 2TB SSD nvme lexar Game- Call of duty

[@studmonkey7664]

If you need a bracket for the 120mm fan, I have some made and up on ebay

[@thunder145]

Hi, link?

[@studmonkey7664]

@@thunder145 search my same user name on ebay. Thanks

[@studmonkey7664]

@@thunder145 hope its ok to post the link www.ebay.com/itm/Xps-8940-G5-Dell-Gaming-Desktop-Front-Fan-Bracket-For-120mm-Fan-Color-Choice-/304074565935?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

[@fusella]

Notice you don't ship to Canada. Any chance you could send one over to BC?

[@studmonkey7664]

@@fusella have no idea on what shipping to Canada would be

[@GoodFellaSexual]

Do you think you could release a longer video or a tutorial for how to do all these steps? I know this is a late request, but me and my father know nothing about how to disassemble and upgrade computers, and this was a prebuilt. Sorry if this is a lot to ask, or you could tell us the steps just because we are so nervous about messing up. If you could tell us all the screws to get aswell that would be helpful, because we are beginners at this kind of stuff. Thanks again. Have a good day.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I’ve provided a link to the Dell forum for more information. I’ve also answered the screw size question a few times in the comments. Again, attempt your own risk. If you aren’t comfortable doing this upgrade , consult a computer shop / technician

[@fenerbahce100year]

Very helpful :) Ill be doing this shortly, what kind of fan splitter should I use ?

[@stevejones6030]

Hi - I did this same upgrade on my XPS9840 using the same fans. The fan splitter cables come already supplied with the Noctua fans, in the box.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Everything comes with the Noctua fans.

[@mdeetz2850]

Nice video! Do you think that if I put just the fans in, and not mess the cpu, that it will lower the temp in any significant way? Also, where did you get your fancy static bracelet? :) Thanks!

[@studmonkey7664]

If you are talking about the bracket for the 120mm front fan, I have some up on ebay.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

You could try, I knew my CPU cooler was pretty lame, being the pancake one. (Intel i9) That was the biggest game changer. Then getting all that warm air out with stronger fans! Anti-Static Wrist Strap here amzn.to/2UMimdU

[@LGG97]

Hi! Great video! What are exactly the screw that you are using to put the CPU cooler?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

It’s mentioned in the video and the description. M3 x 25 mm. Cut the heads off. Or if you can find 20mm long M3 set screws, no cutting required

[@vinmangob8555]

Have mine with the 3060ti , fast as hell, I can't believe how fast this thing is. If I lose 5 frames to heat, o well. I had a HP desktop with even a smaller cooler and it lasted me 10 years, the good old I7 3770k , but my gtx 77 died on me.

[@Spawn223311]

How much did it cost? Costco has it with 3060ti, i7-11700, 32gb memory and 512gb ssd + 1tb hdd at $1300

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Ooh small SSD. I’d plan to upgrade that thing quickly.

[@Spawn223311]

@@WhereNerdyisCool yeah, cooling must be done first from what I've seen already all over the net. I'm wondering if it's a good deal. Gpu plus cpu, even on normal gpu prices (pre-pandemic), seems like a decent deal.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

It’s the only way I could get a GTX card last year too. I prefer building my own systems!

[@Spawn223311]

@@WhereNerdyisCool Same situation I would prefer it too! Good thing is I have until dec 24 to think about it 🤔

[@maincreation]

Question about the 80mm front bottom fan. How did you mount the 80mm fan? Did you mount it like the rear 92mm fan with the pull rubber tabs or a 3D printed bracket like the one for the 120mm fan? I've watched the video and tried to see how you mounted the 80mm front fan and I can't catch it. Thanks!

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I zip strapped it to the front of the case in front of the video card. I’m not sure it does a lot but any added airflow in that little box is a win

[@bentontramell]

You would think with the number of videos on this subject, Dell would read the room.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Right? I’m told the i7 coolers are way better than my i9. I just ordered a Dell Alienware R13 so curious how good that liquid cooling is

[@wildwoodtop]

Curious about Dell XPS 8950-7931 BLK-PUS Desktop PC. Do some models come with PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD and other models have PCIe M.2 SSD?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Good question. I don’t have that model

[@strangledude1745]

what do you recommend for a beginner, because I really don't know how to do most of the things you did in this video.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

When in doubt, ask a techie. Don’t damage your computer. Please be safe

[@One_-_Man-_-Clan]

In other videos, reviewers were saying the heating bottlenecked the cpu and held back the FPS on the GPU. guess not.

[@SilverShadow2LWB]

Nice video. Out of curiosity, where do you plug the two front fans in for power? Do you use two splitters off the rear case fan? Thanks

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Yes

[@pinkypromise111]

Is the ac power plug white or black on that mineral white tower? Thanks!

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Just checked. Black!

[@ajd711]

Thanks for the detailed video! Did you have to purchase the 4 M3x25mm set screws or did they come with the kit?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Bought them and cut the screw heads off. 🙂

[@ajd711]

@@WhereNerdyisCool Oh not mentioned in your video. Thought it came with the cooler kit. Is there any other mods made not mentioned? I purchased all items listed to install on my xps that arrives this week. Thanks again for your assistance.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

You should have everything you need!

[@ajd711]

@@WhereNerdyisCool One more please, did you have to purchase additional power cables for the fans? Or did it come with them?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I didn’t need any additional cables. I used the 4 pin adapters that came with the fans

[@ryanhauser3014]

If you took the GPU out, is there enough room for one of those thinner ITX 120mm case fans to put in front of it? That's the reason the GPU didn't show much difference. The air from the 80mm is hitting the PSU mostly. Positioned dead center in front of it you'd be able to cool the GPU a little.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Or use Afterburner and crank up the fan speed as I recently did 🙂

[@JeremyBatesWriter]

great video! do the extra fans add much noise? also, do the quality of fans really make a difference? thx

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

They are silent! Noctua fans are quiet. If you go cheap, they could be loud. Your mileage may vary

[@Teksers]

One other free thing that you could've done is installing Intel XTU and increase the Intel Turbo thing to the max time period, that would've given you more CPU performance after you installed all those fans and changed the cooler. Do you have a video on the HP Omen 25L(AMD version) made. I searched everywhere and can not find VRM heatsinks for sale.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I looked into that but last I saw, the boost was a max of 15 minutes?

[@theinnerkingdom]

Very insightufl video. I am wondering, will an XPS with an i5 and a gtx 1650 be able to work well for light web browsing (like watching videos) and learning to code or will it overheat? The monitor set-up will be two 4k monitors. It will be a productivity machine not for gaming.

[@pao_dalho]

for light web browsing its okay, for gaming only that it gets really bad

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I know for the 3070 it does okay with a good dealing of tweaking and careful over clocking. For VR is use OpenXR

[@Logan-pq6wi]

I bought the NH-D9L what screws do I need to buy so that I don’t have to take out the motherboard and I can just screw in from the front?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

This question has been answered many times in the comments. Take a peek!

[@WoojimalGaming]

Which fans did you have as exhaust and wich were intakes? Also did you use the splitter that come with the fans to split the fan output from the motherboard to all the case fans?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Watch the video. It’s all in there

[@Pockieee]

Hi. I am new to all this. Got my Dell xps 8940 for a good deal. Due to budget constraints I will be using the vetroo v5 for cpu cooler. I see the other brown fans you use. Instead of those, can I use Noctua NF-B9, Noctua NF-R8, and Noctua NF-P12? What is difference, color or how silent it is? Any help is appreciated. Thank you for this video! Saves me hassle of buying a whole new case, mobo, and power supply. Also, i do not have 3D printer for the 120mm bracket. I know its probably no good but can it be zip-tied somehow to stay in place or is the bracket required?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I’m sure if you reach out on social media one of your friends must have access to a 3D printer. They are everywhere! As to your fan questions, give them a try and let me know! Someone else might come across your comment asking the same. My PC is quiet and doesn’t interfere with filming videos, live streaming or gaming. Do yourself a favor and collect some before and after stats to compare!

[@BaoTran-jo1zk]

How do I reuse the stock cpu cooler fan for intake? Yes, I know it will be a bit noisy. Much appreciated for your help!

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Might be a good question for the Dell Forums. I prefer the silence of the Noctua

[@BaoTran-jo1zk]

@@WhereNerdyisCool Thanks

[@DesignBuildFixReview]

Thanks so much for the video, I have built hundreds of machines about 20 years ago and knew enough back then. Now I have to relearn some stuff. I have been struggling to find a prebuilt that doesnt have issues mostly crappy power supplies or cooling issues these should be no brainers and cheap issues that should never have been an issue on machines made today. Stupid companies put in 500 watt cheap power supplies just barely enough to run. I settled on an xps 8940 with i7-11700 and a 3060 I just purchased for $1200 from dell. I may replace the cpu fan with your setup and maybe the rear fan. I hope my setup uses the same cpu fan yours does. Thankyou for all the links. I did find the screws online does the fan come with the nuts for the top?

[@3_L_mafia]

How did you get this deal bro??? I got it at 1400 with a discount

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Which cpu and graphics card?

[@ToxicThug11]

Did you get the M3 screws from the Noctua CPU Cooler box?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

No. I bought some M3 30mm sized ones, measured 25 mm and gut the tops off.

[@Jasper-ju8lt]

Any ideas on how to make the GPU run cooler? Mine dosent run at harmful temperatures however would love it to be quiter as the GPU fans are super loud.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I used MSI afterburner and cranked up the gpu fan speed up

[@brianrees52]

Great video! Question about the 120mm front fan. They have 3 pin and 4 pin options. I know the Noctua A9 for rear is a 4 pin but the splitter used has a 3 pin and 4 pin tails and the rear fan would take the 4 pin tail. Does that mean the front top fan be a12x25 would have to be a 3 pin version?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Not sure I follow. Everything I did used the 4 pins

[@brianrees52]

Sorry for confusion. In looking at the y splitter from Noctua, one branch has a 4 pin end with 4 pins and the other has a 3 pins in a 4 pin. Will I be okay getting a 4 pin noctua 12x25 for front?

[@terryforever84]

Hi. May I ask what thermal paste you using for the cooler? Can I use Arctic MX-5 with the Noctua NH D9L?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I used what came with the Noctua cpu cooler.

[@terryforever84]

@@WhereNerdyisCool ok. Then maybe I guess I will try use Arctic Mx-5 since I check another video using Mx4 on it. Thanks

[@terryforever84]

I just install the cooler. Any software or Dell bios can control those fans speed?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I didn’t touch any software settings 🙂

[@NewfieVortex]

Did those screws you put into the motherboard for the cooler come with the cooler kit or did you buy them separately? Thanks!

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

As I stated in the video and numerous comments … no. 😀. I bought some 25mm M3 screws and cut the heads off.

[@user-fs9eg2sc4r]

Hi, great video. When you installed the front fan on the printed bracket, you said you were concerned about "bottom but so far nor wires have touched". Is there some "danger" to be worried about / avoided?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I didn’t seat it properly the first tine into the slide guides. I wanted to make sure the fan blades didn’t chop away at any cables 🙂

[@user-fs9eg2sc4r]

@@WhereNerdyisCool Thanks for reply.... that makes sense.....thought it might be some special techie magic!!!

[@numba1stunna8813]

Hey, I did your setup except for notcua cpu cooler i went with artic 13x, great stuff! I even added the vrm heatsink. I do notice at full load I can still hit 85ish, is this normal? It does seem faster and more able to keep cool longer though. Thanks!

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Any improvement helps. You must feel a whole lot of hot air blowing out the rear fan now

[@pjtec4]

THE REAR FAN YOU INSTALLED TO EXHAUST, IS THAT PREFERRED WITH THE TOWER CPU COOLER?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Wow. Capital letters. Yes the big rear fan helps a lot. And the better cpu cooler does an amazing job.

[@pjtec4]

@@WhereNerdyisCool what direction is the airflow< in or out?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Front fan pulls air from outside. Rear fan blows it out (exhaust)

[@charleskitterman7114]

Thank you so much for producing this video and information, very informative. I ordered the listed parts and hardware (Noctua NH-D9L CPU Cooler with NF-A9 92mm Fan, Noctua NF - A8 A9 and A12 fans, 3D Printed 120mm Fan Bracket, M3 X25MM Grub Screws, and VR Heatsink for XPS 8940) and can’t wait to start this project. One question: I see that there are two 4 pin fan connector sockets on the mother board, one for the CPU fan and the other for the rear box fan. Did you connect the A8 (front bottom fan) and the A9 (rear exhaust fan) fans together using the supplied Y-cable and extension cable to the 4-pin fan socket? Does the A12 (front top fan) and the CPU A9 fans together using the supplied Y-cable and extension cable to the 4-pin CPU fan socket? or did you run all A12, A9, and A8 fans using 2 Y-cables and extension cables from box fan 4 pin socket and the CPU fan to the CPU 4 pin socket?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I used the Y adaptors that came with the fans 4 pin connections

[@EZzO444]

How did you do it? Curious to know I had the same questions of which one should be together ;)

[@charleskitterman7114]

@@EZzO444 * Using a Noctua supplied Y adaptor I connected the top front Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM (120mm) and the Noctua NH-D9L, Premium CPU Cooler with NF-A9 92mm fans to the CPU Fan Connector on the Motherboard. * Using another one of the Noctua supplied Y adaptors I connected the rear Noctua NF-A9 PWM (92mm) and the front lower Noctua NF-A8 PWM (80mm) fans to the Fan Connector on the Motherboard. Note: All four fans started up when the computer was power up and have run perfectly since.

[@EZzO444]

@@charleskitterman7114 thanks Charles for the intake bottom did you find a way to keep the GPU bracket?! Last question did you use a specific fan profile or created a new one?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I removed it. No need for it, really

[@comesthru]

Seems to me the added CPU fan was a good investment. The three case fans? Not so sure.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

You have a point. If you only do two things…do the better cpu cooler and a bigger rear exhaust fan. You’ll feel a big difference in how much hot air can escape now

[@Jerome-bn6ym]

Hey! Thanks for the great video, I just made the same exact modification (3 Noctua fans and Noctua CPU cooler). I was wondering what is your idle temperature. My idle temperature is arround 50celcius and i found it a little bit high for a system with no load... Thanks!

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I’ll have to check again. Last tine I looked it was low 40’s

[@chuckschweitzer491]

What's running in the background you might want to check

[@TeomanErtan]

Disable the Realtek Universal Audio under Services. It's a RAM and system resources hog, possibly causing CPU to over work!

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

That’s a really great idea

[@anthonyallen2538]

Does the front panel allow for sufficient air flow? The grate on the bottom front panel doesn't line up with the fan which is on the top front. Is there a custom front panel to fix this?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I feel some air definitely gets through that front area.

[@HaythamFareh]

Thanks a lot for this video! I only wanted to ask if you would be still able to add another two memory modules or not? in other words, does the cooler block the fourth Ram module?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I think everything fits! I just ordered a ram upgrade so I’ll know for sure soon

[@HaythamFareh]

@@WhereNerdyisCool always helpful .. thank you! Please let us know how it goes. I hope you get lucky with your order delivery, mine have been stuck with UPS for a little time (not to much) due to "extreme global weather" :) coming from ON to BC.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I had no issues putting ram in last night!

[@HaythamFareh]

That's great! Still waiting on mine, but I'll put the cooler on order. Once again thanks a ton!

[@gsogymrat]

I bought an XPS 8940 from Costco two days ago. I'm wondering if I need to make these modifications since I don't play games. I wanted 32 GB memory and a somewhat capable graphics card (it came with a GeForce RTX 3060Ti) because occasionally I edit 4K video but 95% of the time I'm just in a browser or Office. Honestly, I feel like if I have to modify a brand new $1600 PC then perhaps I've made the wrong purchase.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Well it’s a Dell… as my video points out, $125 in fans plus new cooler helps it run a lot cooler, which means a lot less cpu throttling. I don’t take a lot on my Dell, it’s for live streaming, which can be very cpu intensive. I also like that all that hot air and getting pushed out way better

[@pinkypromise111]

I just purchased this XP’s 8940 also and will be using it also mostly for 4k video and browser and Office . Have you had any problem as yet ? Thanks!

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Now that it runs a whole lot cooler, no issues!

[@jne232]

No, you don't have to do this upgrade. The PC is fine on its own and you won't have any troubles. Dell's R&D team's objective is to minimize warranty claims as much as possible. These sort of upgrades are for the enthusiasts in the world who just like to tinker and squeeze/maintain every bit of power available. If you do like the idea of upgrading, the CPU cooler is the one to target. You will see the same results without changing and adding in the extra fans.

[@stevie6621]

Does the rear fan (Noctua NF-A9 PWM 92mm) make much of a difference compared to Dell's one?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Huge!

[@radiofranky]

question on M3 screws... Does the cooler came with M3 screws? Do you have to customize M3 screws by cutting the head off?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Hi. The needed M3 screws were not included. Yes, as commented elsewhere here, I took 30 mm M3 screws and shortened to fit (cut heads off). 🙂

[@boiled4safety598]

Great video! Is there a link to the m3 25mm screws you used? Thanks!

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I just bought some at my local hardware site and cut the heads off with a Dremel

[@boiled4safety598]

@@WhereNerdyisCool Cool, yeah I was having a tough time finding some without the heads, guess I'll just bring out the dremmel. thx!

[@nomad7781]

Hi all, quick question: where do you get the black spacers? Do they come included with any of the main addon parts (fans/screws/etc) or is it a separate buy? Last piece of the puzzle for me!

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Mine came with the Noctua cpu heat sink

[@nomad7781]

@@WhereNerdyisCool Thanks!:)

[@nomad7781]

@@WhereNerdyisCool Just wanted to add, successfully finished cooling upgrade on my XPS - your vid was a huge help! Keep them coming mate, gl

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Awesome! I hope you opted to subscribe and see my other fun projects

[@DM-fp8uw]

Nice video! Before and after temps?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Clearly listed in the video. Watch. 🤓

[@tac6044]

What are your max temps and average temps when running Cinebench R23? Please do take the time to let me know.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

There’s video clips from Cinebench. Or is there a newer version you wish to see?

[@weareasmr2922]

Wouldn't just upgrading the cpu cooler be enough? Random guessing, but seems only cpu benefited and that probably is doing most of it.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

It might. But getting all that hot air out of the case helps too. And it’s not a lot more money

[@nhatbui5826]

Thank you for the video. I will try this out with mine. I have a few question though. 1. The 120mm fan is located at the upper part of the front case, which doesn't have any holes like the bottom. Do you think that obstructs the air flow quite a bit ? 2. Mine come with the rtx 3060 Ti so I have room to put the 80mm fan right in front of it. Do you think it will have better effect on the GPU than the fan is below it ? 3. Do you have any idea about reuse the stock cpu cooler and stock rear exhaust fan ?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

1 I think anything that pulls more air into that case is a win. 2. I didn’t see any GPU temp gains but as above , moving more air helps. 3. No idea on reusing the old components

[@sewing1243]

Where Nerdy is Cool! If you are still responding to this thread on this video. Did the CPU cooler come with the adapter for the oddball Dell mounting system? If no do you have a part number for that adapter? Did you have to buy screws to mount the Noctua custom cooler mounting plates to the PC's motherboard or were they included with the cooler or the yet unnamed adapter kit?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Everything I used came with the cpu cooler for my Intel i9

[@sewing1243]

@@WhereNerdyisCool Thanks for the additional info!

[@sewing1243]

@@WhereNerdyisCool I now have the NH-D9L cooler in hand and the m3-25 set screws are not included in the box with mounting kit that comes with the cooler. I have now ordered a package of 10 on ebay. I'm still waiting for the custom 3d printed fan mount to arrive so hopefully the screws will be here before it arrives.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

As I said in the video and numerous times in the comments, you’ll need M3 screws and that I trimmed the heads off some M3 25mm ones for my install (and also referenced in the Dell Forum link). Sounds like you’re well on the way to unlocking some performance!

[@damien2198]

is the the D9L the biggest you can fit or could you go for a larger model (D15 ?).Thank you

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

That I don’t know. Great question!

[@gordongg2384]

so, do i need to buy the m3x25mm set screws apart?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

As I’ve said numerous times in the video and comments - I just snipped off the screw head off some m3 x 25mm screws, filed and used that.

[@jwkpov734]

Is it safe to split fans with splitter? Thanks.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I did Check the Dell forum too!

[@1RobHunter1]

Basically you had to fix what Dell didn't engineer in and should have. A front intake fan, a propper heat sink, and propper exhaust fan is a given not an option.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Right? I mean it’s sad to see a good Intel i7 or i9 heat throttling down the performance

[@michaeltan9512]

How did you change the fan speed? It seems like dell does not allow that as speed fan couldn’t detect the fan at all.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I didn’t touch any fan settings. Just new fans

[@kingievo4411]

Hi, I just want to upgrade one fan. Can I just remove the OEM Dell's fan and replace it with the Noctua NF-A9 PWM? How many pin the Noctua NF-A9 PWM is? Can I plug it directly to the mainboard without the splitter? Thank you!

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I believe I used the included splitter and connected up the four pin connector

[@neelp9433]

So I did 120 mm and 92 mm fan from Noctua and NH-D9L, have you figured out how to monitor fan speeds? My config is i7 with 3060Ti, 32G.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I left them stock

[@computer6476]

Just have a question with regards to XPS 8940 120 mm fan mount. How did you get it? What are the steps? Thank you.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I printed my own. The links have the file. If you know someone that has a 3D printer, it’s a simple print

[@computer6476]

@@WhereNerdyisCool Okay thank you.

[@stew9918]

Can you use (4) M3/25MM screws without cutting the heads off by placing black spacers on board first and then placing mount on top and then screw M3 25MM to tighten without using supplied screw caps? Trying to prevent cutting anything if possible.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Well if you use the threaded nuts in the Noctua heat sink , it can’t fit over the screw heads

[@briana4511]

Yes you can. Just don’t use the Noctua cap screws. It works great

[@briana4511]

In fact, you probably will just need shorter screws. I don’t remember what I used, I think they were 20mm

[@iceman89231]

why didn't do a case exchange?

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

Proprietary board

[@chrismaffeo5862]

So, I don't know if you are still reading comments on this video. I purchased the CPU cooler you mentioned in the video. And it no longer comes with the 25mm screws. Now you have to remove the motherboard. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I read all the comments. And in the video and comments, I stated you have to provide your own 25 mm screws. I just used a Dremel to remove the heads and filed them to clean them up. Have a safe upgrade