HP Z8 G4 Workstation CPU Upgrade

[lemence]

I’m looking to upgrade HP Z8 G4 (CPU-0) from Gold 5122 to Silver 4216 and I need some help,

Do I need to upgrade BIOS?

Do I need to replace / upgrade existing Heatsink / Fan unit?

At the moment, I have 1x CPU onto CPU-0 socket only, if I need to install another Silver 4216 onto CPU-1 socket, should I buy the same heatsink unit or do I need a different Heatsink / Fan Unit for CPU-1?

Can I run HP Z8 with 1x CPU on CPU-1 socket?

Thanks

[Prométhée]

hi

check , but maybe not this one

HP Z8 G4 Workstation Product Specifications

 Maintenance and Service Guide

https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-z8-g4-workstation/16449803/manuals

If you are using an untested processor (provided it could be compatible)
either it works, or it is not possible, sometimes a bios update can work, but, in doubt ..
It is preferable, if you install a more powerful processor to use the adapted heatsink, in order to have a better efficiency

[SDH · Accepted solution]

You need to ensure compatibility of that processor to your workstation by proving to yourself that it is listed in one of the QuickSpecs officially by HP.

Key thing... you always should update your BIOS to the latest before any processor upgrade. Older BIOS may not know anything about your newer compatible processor and then when you install that processor your old BIOS can't run it. Now you are backed into the corner of why your workstation is not working. Is it a bad processor? If instead you have upgraded to the newest BIOS it will know how to work with your newer compatible processor. Don't ask how I know...

[joselso]

HP Z8 G4 QuickSpecs have had several updates.

Intel® Xeon® Gold 5122 processor was included in HP Z8 G4 QuickSpecs c05527763 — DA – 15956 — Version 8 — March 27, 2018. It featured 4 cores, 3.6GHz, 16.50 MB Cache, Memory speed: 2666 , 105 Watt.

Intel® Xeon® Silver 4216 processor  is included in the current HP Z8 G4 QuickSpecs c05527763 — DA – 15956  — Version 56 — October 1, 2022. It features 16 cores, 2.1 GHz, 22 MB Cache, Memory speed: 2400 , 100 Watt.

So, as far as heat dissipation is concerned, 4216 may dissipate slightly less than the early CPU 5122.

As to the different performance of the newer CPU - it is the buyer's decision.

[Prométhée]

hi

The indications given here are based on the product support page here

https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-z8-g4-workstation/16449803/product-info

there are indeed several references
but it would be necessary to know at least the exact product of the user

https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-z8-g4-workstation/16449803/document/c05791621

French one  same !

https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-z8-g4-workstation/16449803/document/c05791621

another one

Station de travail HP Z8 G4 

https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-z8-g4-workstation-customizable-z3z16av-1#techSpecs

https://zworkstations.com/products/hp-z8-workstation/#tech-specs
unfortunately sometimes hp is not sufficiently clear in the available documents..
it is therefore difficult to affirm anyone

[lemence]

UPDATE

1: Updated the BIOS

2: Replaced the processors from 5122 to 4216

3: Using the same heatsink / fan units and everything  working is fine 

Performance is much better now, the only drawback is the memory is running 2400 MHz not 2666 MHz although the 4216 is a newer model !