CPU Compatability for Foxconn 2abf

[ClintonBrits]

I have an HP pro 3500 MT series desktop that i tried to update to get my ram to 16gb and maybe get a bit more speed that the 2.6 dual core that i have now.  I read up online and CPU-z says i have a

1.  foxconn 2abf motherboard.

2.  Chipset Ivy bridge rev 09

From different sources i read that i should be able to install a core i7-2600k but after i did this i get an error that the cpu is not supported and it just shuts down.  Is there an update that needs to be done or is this not possible and if not what would be the best cpu i can install?

[BeemerBiker · Accepted solution]

There is a bios upgrade to allow newer graphics cards such as gtx-1060 or even RTX but you will need a bigger power supply

https://archive.org/details/gpu-fix-for-hp-ipisb-ch2-modified-bios-image

Your 2600k is not on the approved CPU list, see page 79

The cupertino2 (2abf) motherboard accepted a pair of 8gb PC3-12800 (double sided) ram to give me 16gb .

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/Some-thoughts-on-the-Pro-3400-M...

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, @ClintonBrits 

This userbenchmarking website has reports of over 1,000 HP 3500 Pro processor and graphics configurations.

UserBenchmark: HP Pro 3500 Series Compatible Components

I see one report where someone installed an i7-2600K in one of those models, but I also am skeptical that every entry is 100% accurate because I see one entry where someone reports an Intel 4th gen core processor installed and working.

There is no way that I know of how that can be.

I recommend you install one of the supported processors listed in the service manual that BeemerBiker posted.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the supported i7-3770 and the i7-2600K:

Intel® Product Specification Comparison

Seems to me that the i7-3770 is better in almost every respect including that it uses 18W less power than the i7-2600K, which translates into a cooler running processor.

[SDH]

Good advice above.

Attached below is the HP QuickSpecs v10 for your computer. The fastest best processor it lists is a bit more specific on page 3, the "Intel® Core™ i7-3770 with Intel HD Graphics 4000". It is easy to find on the Intel ARK site and has a single sSpec code, SR0PK, which is handy. Look that up on eBay and they now cost roughly $25.00 USD including shipping, from respected sellers.

Same processor can be used in the Pro and Elite SFF business class computers (6300/8300, respectively). I've put some of those in as upgrades, and that is well worth doing even now, especially with the prices of that processor finally coming down. It has Intel graphics built in... I turn that off in BIOS (or OS... can't remember). I also run the SFF nVidia K620 in those, still getting official driver updates. There is a nVidia Display Port firmware updater 1.1 for those too, free. Same for the bigger sibling of that, the K2200. Since you have the tower form factor I'm quite sure you can use that excellent PCIe card too. 

Remember to update your BIOS if it is old... old BIOS + newest processor = potential for non-boot. I'm able to run up to W11 23H2 on those, running from good 2.5" form factor SATA SSD. Have not yet tried W11 24H2 but that processor does have POPCount capability built in (now hard coded by MS into 24H2 OS as a requirement).

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, @SDH 

You should be able to run W11 24H2 on the 3500 Pro with no problem.

The Intel Core processors it has support SSE 4.2 and POPCNT

I'm running W11 24H2 on a much older Dell consumer class 580s slim tower.

It originally came with a Pentium G6950 'Clarksdale' processor.

That did not support W11 24H2 as SSE 4.2 was not supported.

W11 24H2 would not install.

So, I bought an Intel Core i5-660 'Clarksdale' processor on eBay for $7.00, installed it and the PC now happily runs W11 24H2.

Intel® Product Specification Comparison

The above PC does not meet any of Microsoft's core requirements to run W11...unsupported processor, legacy BIOS only, no secure boot, no TPM security device at all.

I found that this video is the easiest way to upgrade any PC that meets W11 24H2's new processor requirements of SSE 4.2.

How to install Windows 11 24H2 on Unsupported PC (Early Access) 2024 (youtube.com)

Download the W24H2 ISO file and use that (3rd option).   

Download Windows 11 (microsoft.com)

You can download the free 7-Zip file utility from the link below.  The top line is for 64 bit.

7-Zip

You'll have to repeat this procedure each October when Microsoft rolls out the new builds because a PC that does not meet Microsoft's minimum W11 hardware requirements will never automatically get the update to the next build.

Other than that, your PC will continue to get the monthly cumulative and other updates.

That's only a minor inconvenience to have continued OS support beyond October of 2025.

I have used the above method to update around 12 or so Dell and HP PCs and notebooks to 24H2--including an 8200 Elite CMT and a HP 350 G1 notebook with no TPM security device.

[ClintonBrits]

Thanks for the reply i sold the 2600k and bought the 2600 per that document.

I managed to get an Rx 580 graphics card and after tight squeeze i got everything connected to a 650w power supply.  If i start the pc i get a black screen but if i listen to the hard drive activity, dvd rom spinning up etc it seems like its booting but the screen on vga port is blank.  If i unplug the power connector from the graphics car there is a red light on the card indicating there isnt external power but it starts up fine but obviously no graphics card.

Will the vga still work with the card or is it now disabling my vga and wanting to use the hdmi instead or does this indicate that i need that bios update.  I tried the update for my board and i confitmed thr model being thr 2abf cupertino but it still says its the wrong bios for my system.

[ClintonBrits]

I dont have an hdmi screen right now but i can confirm that windows is booting with the graphics card with external power because i can connect to the pc over the network.  I can only assume the computer knows its a graphics card and is using it as the preferred output and is disabling the vga.  I will have to get a new flat panel screen in the morning.  Im making progress though.