Is my HP Z4 G4 Workstation's CPU not upgradable ?

[SDH · Accepted solution]

It is even more complicated... these workstations have the two types of motherboards and the ones that use Xeon processors are different than the other motherboard. You have the Xeon type. Then came changes in the Xeon processors over time. Faster, better, hotter, some requiring new microcode to be injected by new BIOS versions. Note that your W-2123 is now not even in the list of processors shown in the most recent Z4 G4 QuickSpecs, v59, released 4/2024, attached below. 

But it was in older versions of the Z4 G4 QuickSpecs and the old listed processors can still be installed and run fine under the newer BIOS versions. Yours current processor runs at 120W max TDP but the W-2265 runs at 165W max TDP. The W-2295 runs even a bit hotter at 168W max. That is the key to your answer. Turns out that HP has had several tiers of processor heatsinks/fans for their workstations. The two common ones are termed Mainstream and Performance. Rarely there is a Premium one for really hot highest performance processors that HP has approved. That is what your helpful HP tech was referring to... this is a factory build-to-order configuration it appears. That does not mean you can't pull it off, however. You'll need a homemade Premium heatsink/fan kit on your motherboard to properly use that W-2265 processor, plus the latest BIOS and a little work. A good link to review is HERE and below is from the QuickSpecs below, page 32:

This is the "Premium" setup...

Turns out that is what HP created by use of the original Z440 big heatsink/fan plus a special adapter that converts the wiring signals to get RPM sense from pin 3 back to the motherboard so it knows it has a Premium heatsink/fan attached. I've posted on this here with the big breakthrough provided by forum member Z440Roger originally. Those Z440 heatsinks are available from eBay for under 20.00 USD and the adapter can be bought from a good company in China (ModDIY.com) that many of us have used over the years. To be clear, here is the LINK to their adapter that is equivalent to the one that HP provides in the HP kit (which seems nearly impossible to find and buy). You in fact can do it yourself.

A question you might ask... but the Z440 uses different processors which have different sockets than the Z4 G4 does... how can this idea work? The answer is that the stainless-steel superstructure above the sockets is the same even if the pinouts at the bottom of the socket are different. That same high cooling capacity Z440 heatsink/fan works fine in our ZX20/ ZX40/ ZX G4 workstations. It also fits fine under the optional HP memory cooling saddle in my personal Z4 G4 workstation.

[nico110]

Thank you for this reply @SDH

So I already received my Intel W-2265 CPU and tried to install it yesterday. Unlike the forum post you mention I am not getting that error code, instead I am getting no display at all. The computer will power on, but there is no display. It might be that the CPU was DOA. Regardless, I will try this fix that you mentioned. 

Thanks

[SDH]

Are you running the latest BIOS for your Z4 G4? If not the necessary microcode for the more recent processors may be missing. Then BIOS does not know the processor it is seeing and does nothing. Or, as you said, can be from a dead CPU you got. In such cases sellers have provided another one. I think many sellers don't actually test each processor they sell before sending... they assume they are good.

[nico110]

@SDH 

I made sure to update the BIOS before the upgrade. It is version 2.94. 

I did the CPU used from PC Servers and Parts on EBay. They have pretty good reviews, but you never know.

I bought the parts you suggested, including the heat sink and pin adapter. 

Thank you for your help.

Regards

Nicholas 

[SDH]

Nicholas, happy to help. Please update this post when you get your parts in and the new processor. It will take about a month from now to get that all done. You'll get a good processor from them. This is why I am wary of buying expensive processors from offshore and you were wise to get it from a US seller with a very good eBay reputation. Link this thread to them in your communications so they can see in detail what is going on. I've bought from them in the past with no issues ever.

EDIT: There is only one Intel sSpec code for that processor, SRGSQ. That makes it easy. They would not send you a "qualification" sample (which would not have that sSpec laser etched on the stainless heat spreader top).

[nico110]

UPDATE

I sent the CPU back for testing and it was in fact deemed defective.

They sent me a new working Intel W-2265 Xeon CPU. The fan and pin adapter came in.

Everything works fine now.

Thanks for your help!