How to tell what processor I REALLY have in Dell XPS 13?

[RBroo1]

I just purchased a Dell XPS 13 from Costco. The specs say the processor is

Intel Core i7 - Quad HD+ (3200 x 1800)

The Dell system utility says the same, Intel Core I7-6560U @ 2.20 GHz, 2 Cores, 4 Logical Processors

When I ran the Intel Processor ID Utility I downloaded and installed, it said I had i5-3320M

When I ran the Intel Processor ID Utility online, it also said I had i5-3320M.

My question is, what processor do I really have?

This isn't just curiosity. I have a buzzing noise that some people in a Dell support forum think needs an Intel driver update. I cannot even try driver updates without knowing what processor I have.

The XPS 13 came with Intel graphics 540 driver v. 20.19.15.4454. When I got Windows 10 Home to update, it changed my driver to v. 20.19.15.4531, dated 9/29/16. It looks like Intel has released new drivers this month but I can't tell if any are appropriate for my XPS 13.

[AlHill]

On Windows 10, go to Settings, System, About. It will provide your processor information there.

And, for one more tool, download and use http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html CPU-Z | Softwares | CPUID

The above link is provided for your convenience.

Regarding drivers, you should be using the drivers provided by Dell. To get the proper drivers from Dell, use your Dell Service tag and enter it here:

http://www.dell.com/support/home/au/en/aubsdt1?~ck=mn Support | Dell Australia

The Dell Service tag is unique to your machine. It will help with drivers specific to your machine.

Doc

[idata]

Great information from Doc.

You can also run the Intel® processor diagnostic tool, this will provide system information and processor identification as well.https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/19792/Intel-Processor-Diagnostic-Tool https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/19792/Intel-Processor-Diagnostic-ToolAllan.

[RBroo1]

Thank you, Doc and Allan.

If you look at my original post, you'll see that I already ran Intel diagnostics. I also looked in Settings, System, About. Both agreed that I have an i5-3320M.

The problem is that the Dell diagnostics and spec sheet say I have (and paid for!) an I7-6560U.

So my question is: Which processor do I really have?

Alternatively, why do the two diagnostic tools disagree? I would hate to think that Dell is doing a Volkswagen trick by making their diagnostic tool show a better processor than is actually in the machine.

[AlHill]

You have two Intel tools, and Windows, saying you have the i5-3320M.

I would, just as an additional test, run CPU-z (in the link you provided). If that provides the same as the previous three, then you have four tools saying the same thing.

Why does the Dell spec sheet and dell diag say something else? You will have to ask Dell. Good luck with that.

Now, if you want physical confirmation, and I am not recommending that you do this, you can remove the fan and heatsink, wipe off the thermal paste, and read what is on the top of the processor.

Doc

[RBroo1]

Just as a followup, I talked to Dell. Their records show my model has an i7 quad processor.

So, again, why do Intel utilities and Windows 10 say I have an i5?

[AlHill]

Records can be wrong.

Physical confirmation may be your only way to verify this. However, it seems to me your issue is more a DELL issue than an Intel/Microsoft issue.

Now, it could be, and this is a stretch, the BIOS needs updating.

DOC

[RBroo1]

I can't explain this, but I re-downloaded the Intel utilities and now I show an i7 processor.

I guess this ends the story. Thanks for all your suggestions.

[AlHill]

And what does Windows 10 say?

Doc

[AlHill]

RandySea, I am curious about this as you checked Windows 10 using Settings, System, About and it also stated that you have an i5-3320M.

Re-downloading the Intel utilities is highly unlikely to cause them to report a different processor.

What does Windows 10 say now? Did you do a BIOS update, then re-run the utilities?

Doc

[GBoyd]

For XPS13 specifications and graphic details check https://guideusermanual.com/product-name-xps-13-9333-manual&po=344523&lang=English Dell XPS 13 Manual and there are many solutions given in the same manual to fix the noise that is coming out of from your system such as update system drivers, update bios, delete miscellaneous data etc. Try these hacks to fix noise issue.