CQ5110F Processor Upgrade Question

[talesofandy]

I bought this CQ5110F from Office Depot and have already maxed the RAM, upgraded to a corsair psu, and installed a Radeon HD 4850. Now I want to upgrade the processor. I have done some research but I want to make sure the processor I'm looking at is definitely compatible with my motherboard.

My Mobo: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01701270&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=3978596

The processor I'm looking to buy is the AMD Phenom II X4 945 3.0GHz AM3 Socket 95W Quad-core (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103696&cm_re=95w_phenom-_-19-103-696-_-Product)

Are these compatible? If they aren't, can anyone suggest a good processor that is? Thanks a bunch.

[old_geekster · Accepted solution]

The "Socket AM3" CPU's are not compatible with the AM2+ motherboards, without a BIOS upgrade.  There is no BIOS available for this purpose on the website. 

Since your CPU is dual-core, any of the "Triple or Quad-core" CPU's listed in the specs would be faster.  Here is a link to the "Motherboard Specifications" for your computer:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01701270&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=3978596&lang=en

I edited this for a spelling error

Message Edited by erico on 11-01-2009 05:28 PM

[talesofandy]

Thanks for the response. I have one more question: I see that most of the processors I am looking at say either 95w or 125w. Will either work?

[old_geekster]

This is a very good question.  Since the specs mention an "Athlon X2 (K) 7550 2.5 GHz (95W)", I suggest staying with the ones that specify 95W.  You should be safe.  Someone else may say something different.  I always tend to go with the safe option.

[talesofandy]

I agree. I have decided to go with the Phenom 9750 2.4GHz, AM2+, 95w. It is the fastest AMD I found that is still AM2+ and 95w. Thanks again for your help.

[sportside]

A little late to actually help you, but hopefully someone searching in the future will be saved the trouble of using a lesser processor... Yes an AM3 chip is supported by the Narra5-GL6 motherboard.  I just installed an AMD Phenom II X3 720BE in my CQ5110F.  Checked in bios before letting it boot, and it was recognized.  Started up Windows, drivers loaded and told me to restart, done.  For the price I am VERY happy with the upgrade.  The motherboard is holding it back, but it's a big improvement over the Athlon that came in it.

[tookans]

Greetings,

Would the below processor work with a cq5110f?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103471

TIA

[talesofandy]

No, to be compatible with your motherboard the processors TDP must be 95w or less. I can confirm that the Phenom II x3 720 BE is compatible with the motherboard (I'm running one right now) even though it is socket AM3.

[tookans]

Thanks for the timely reply. Is the below your upgrade:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649

Does it make any sense to spend the extra money for the below:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103696

[tookans]

Anyone? Bueller?