Dell XPS 8940 / G5 5000 - Upgrading CPU Cooler and Fan Upgrades for better performance?
Channel: Where Nerdy is Cool!
Date: 2021-06-20

NOTE! Follow Up video now out (March 12, 2024) https://youtu.be/kYckxQIjZko

Due to the scarcity of graphics card, I opted to purchase a Dell XPS 8940 Special Edition.  My Dell is configured with the Intel I9 10900 processor and most importantly, an Nvidia RTX 3070!  Upon reading the many reviews for the 8940 (and the very similar G5 5000), I wondered about improving the performance.  There's a great Dell Support Forum (linked below) where buyers have upgraded the CPU cooler for a better one and added additional case fans to improve the anemic stock cooling.

Having not seen a lot of real data on before and after results, I decided to give this upgrade a go!  

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Links for more information on the upgrade
Dell Forum:  https://www.dell.com/community/XPS-Desktops/XPS-8940-Better-cooler/td-p/7690322

PARTS FOR THE UPGRADE
Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM (120mm)
https://amzn.to/2TL9KDS

Noctua NF-A8 PWM (80mm)
https://amzn.to/3wHbVHi

Noctua NF-A9 PWM (92mm)
https://amzn.to/3wHuoDD

Noctua NH-D9L, Premium CPU Cooler with NF-A9 92mm Fan
https://amzn.to/3xxFxGR

3D Printed 120mm Fan Bracket File Link (PLA/PLA+ or PETG would be best)
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4785786

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Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
0:58 - Greetings and about me
1:27 - Dell XPS 8940 before upgrading
1:46 - Shopping for parts
3:33 - Before upgrade benchmarks
4:25 - Upgrade walk through begins
5:10 - Moving the hard drive from front to top
5:41 - Removing the front & 120mm fan install
5:53 - Splitter and 92mm fan install
6:46 - Front 80mm fan install
7:36 - CPU heatsink removal
8:07 - Install 4 M3x25mm set screws 
8:36 - Noctua CPU heatsink install
9:31 - Back together and power on
9:52 - Post upgrade benchmarks
11:32 - Was it worth it?
12:17 - 80mm graphics card fan thoughts
12:38 - VRM cooling?
13:04 - What do you think?
13:24 - Wrapping up & my social media
13:47 - My infamous BLOOPER REEL


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