hp pro 3010 cpu upgrade

[3dAdvent]

I have an HP PRO 3010 with a Pentium E5400 and windows 7 home premium. In the product's page, several cpu's are listed: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=c01917308〈=en&cc=us&taskId=101&prodSeriesId=4047665&prodTypeId=12454 starting from celeron 440 to core 2Quad 9650. Does this mean I can install any of those possessors in this motherboard? If not, which of them are an option? What do I need to do?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Yes you should be able to install any of the processors listed as they come.

I would look at this link as it has more detailed info on the machine:

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/13491_div/13491_div.PDF

There is only one system board listed, and only one heatsink/fan combo. That's good news.

http://bizsupport2.austin.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c01920722/c01920722.pdf

I don't see any BIOS release notes pertaining to adding support for new processors, so it should be smooth sailing.

Paul

[3dAdvent]

Thank you Paul. This is very good news for me. With all the search I had done I never found those documents. 

It seems to be a better machine than I thought. You suggest that I just have to plug the new cpu in and I don't even need bios update! Interesting.

Are you experienced on the matter? Do you have any idea as to which processor to head for? Im’ into 3d design and  from what I read there is a certain advantage with multi cores in this field. It is obvious that in these situations what you pay is what you get, but do you think that the extra price of the Q8XXX and the Q9XXX are worth the buck?

Thanks again for your help.

Nick

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Nick:

I have never upgraded that specific machine before, but I have upgraded many HP business desktops processors in the past. I usually upgrade to the maximum processor supported, and have had to apply either BIOS processor microcode updates or BIOS flashes, or both. I have been 100% successful. That is because I research the devil out of everything before I make my move.

Yours does look easy. I see no BIOS updates for microcodes or BIOS flashes to support processors. I see that if you were to install a C2Q, you don't need a different motherboard (I have seen this in some notebooks), nor do you need a different cooling solution.

So, yes what I am saying is you remove the heatsink/fan, remove the existing processor, install the one you want, carefully apply your thermal compound, screw down the heatsink/fan combo and you should be all set to rock and roll. I always tighten the heat sink down in an X pattern until the screws are snug. Not gorilla tight, but tight.

Now...the more cores, the more FSB, and L2 Cache, the better your programs run quickly and smoothly. Coupled with the maximum RAM upgrading you can do (4 GB with a 32 bit OS) or 8 GB of memory with a 64 bit OS, you can have quite a machine!  I would opt for the 8 GB/64 bit OS, and the fastest C2Q I could afford. Q9xxx series.

Look on eBay for used but working processors. That's where I get mine from. Never had a problem.  Of course that's up to you.

The Q9650 ain't cheap!  Still over $300 in used condition.

http://computers.shop.ebay.com/CPUs-/164/i.html?Processor%2520Manufacturer=Intel&rt=nc&LH_BIN=1&_nkw...

The Q9550 is less than $200...

http://computers.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=Q9550&_sacat=164&Processor%2520Manufacturer=Intel&_stpos=...

One guy has a Q9400 for $140. Other than that they are not much cheaper than the Q9550.

http://computers.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=Q9400&_sacat=164&Processor%2520Manufacturer=Intel&_stpos=...

Any of that is a lot of money to experiment with, but affordability is relative.

If you can spring for the $200, I would go with the Q9550 with its 12MB L2 cache over the Q9400's 6MB L2 cache.

If you upgrade the memory, get the DDR3 PC3-1333 to match the processor's FSB speed.

Paul

[3dAdvent]

Paul,

All this information is very usefull. Thank you.

My only concern is about the O.S.

I bought the machine with windows 7X32 Home Premium installed by Hp.

Do you think that after the cpu change, windows will detect the hardware change and take it as another computer?

I hear that it happens some times.(If it happens you are prompted that you have 30 days left to validate your operating system) Do you think Hp has a solution in case something like that happens?

Nick

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Nick:

You'll be fine. MS uses a hardware hash score where different hardware components are given different weights. The network controller gets the highest point total of 3. You'd have to change out the motherboard to need to reactivate.

Anyway, didn't you get a set of Quick Restore Disks with your PC? If in the next to impossible chance Windows would say you need to activate you can always just use those and you are good as new. You don't need to activate windows with those.

If you didn't get a set I highly recommend you order them for $10.  See if they will give you the W7 64 bit set too. Then you can really soup up your PC with 8 GB of memory.

Here's how to order:

1. Write down the part number and serial # on top of the computer on the silver tag. The model # is an HP-Compaq Pro 3010, but the part number will be found on that silver tag below the serial #.

2. Call HP at 1-800-952-7689, option 1 (ordering restore disks is part of the list in the option).

3. Provide the info asked by the rep that answers the phone. Some just ask for the serial #, some want both, or they will just want the serial number and type of computer (Pro 3010).

4. Have a Master Card or Visa ready for purchasing. They don't take Discover. You will be charged $10.00.

You will receive the disks by First Class Mail or you can pay an additional $10.00 for FedEx shipping.

I think you're gonna have to wait until Monday to try ordering them however, as I believe they are closed.

Paul

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Nick:

I have attached a Word document on how the hardware hash works if you are interested...

Paul

[3dAdvent]

Hi Paul

You are being more than helpful.

As a matter of fact I didn't get a set of discs. I found the computer in a big electronics department store in a some kind of a super deal and there was nothing else in the box other than one hp keyboard and one mouse, and one manual. If it is as you say only 10$ I will make the order. Now for 64bit... it will take some thinking because I think I will have to install my programs again and this implements registration for professional programs I have paid for. What you say about the 8G memory is indeed very tempting. But the software license issue is not a simple one if you deal with companies like Autodesk. Anyway, first things first. I have to find the cpu first, install it and see how it goes.  

Thank U very much.

ps: sometimes you try to find answers over forums, and all you get is yes and no' s. Every now and then you find people that really take the time to help you. This gives you the will to help others, so that the chain of the electronic community continues to grow.

Nick

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Nick:

You're very welcome, and please post back and let us know how your processor upgrade went.

$10 should get you a set of restore disks. I have ordered them many times for HP business desktops and notebooks using the exact process I posted above Unless they upped the price in the last 2 months).

Paul

[3dAdvent]

O.K. Cpu is ordered and on the way (Core 2 Quad Q9650). Meanwhile  I would like to know your opinion for the following products:

1) http://www3.pny.com/GTX-560-Ti-1024MB-PCIe-P2961C451.aspx (159,81$ incl. tax)

2) MAXIMPOWER PS-525 350W (94,00$ including tax)

The latter is a psu that can be fitted in one 5.25’’ bay in order to provide power  to the gpu. My Hewlett Packard  psu is only 300W and does not have available Two 6-pin PCI Express supplementary power connectors that are needed for the GTX560.

Do you think that this configuration will work?

Someone would wonder why pay more than the unit initial cost for an upgrade, and not just sell it and buy a new one based on a better platform?  I have my reasons for that.

Thanks

Nick