1801 microcode error

[khao]

I am upgrading CPU for my HP Compaq dc5700 small form factor from Intel Celeron D 360 to Core 2 Duo E6700.

After changing the CPU and boot up, a beep sound was heard and the 1801-Microcode Update Error appear on screen.

I tried flashing BIOS following your advice and files attached in one of your answer in the forum. But the problem is still the same.

The system information in BIOS shows the System BIOS version 786E2 v02.04. It also shows the specs. of the new CPU correctly.

Please guide me to solve the problem.

Thank you very much.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

If you installed this processor, unfortunately nothing will work to remove that error.

http://ark.intel.com/products/42809/Intel-Pentium-Processor-E6700-2M-Cache-3_20-GHz-1066-FSB

The microcode update only works for the E7xxx processors.

[khao]

Thank you so much Paul. I guess from the QuickSpecs of Compaq dc5700 which specifies that the machine can run with Core 2 Duo E6700 processor.

Is it because the BIOS version not the latest one? I read that there is a later version in a file named sp51243 or something. But I could not find it. And I do not know what your point in showing me the link in your answer.

Could you please let me know what to consider when upgrading a CPU other than its socket type and FSD? I tried to read and consult a few people but did not get it.

Thanks again for your quick response.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

If you look more closely at the specs, the supported E6700 is the Conroe 2.66 Ghz processor.  See page 8.

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/archives_North_America/12545_na_v12/12545_na.PDF

For a problem-free upgrade you need this E6700 processor...

http://ark.intel.com/products/27251/Intel-Core2-Duo-Processor-E6700-4M-Cache-2_66-GHz-1066-MHz-FSB

[khao]

Thank you so much, Paul. You make me know better!

There are 2 models of Intel CPU No. E6700 having the same LGA 775 Socket and 1066 MHz. FSB. The differences include;

- their Code name: Conroe and Wolfdale,

- Lithographies of 45 nm and 65 nm,  

- Cashe sizes of 4 MB and 2 MB SmartCashe.

The processors are from different collections, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor and Intel Pentium Processor. It looks so simple for an expert but not so for a novice like me.

By the way, if I upgrade to the Core 2 Duo E6700 processor, do I need to restore the BIOS to the previous version?

Thanks again. 

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

You're very welcome.

You do not have to restore the BIOS to a previous version.

The E6700 Conroe will work just fine with the latest BIOS revision (or any BIOS revision).

I don't understand why Intel made two totally different processors with the same number (E6700).

That made things very confusing.

[khao]

One last thank to Paul.

You have done a very kind and good job in guiding me to solve my problem. At last I bought another second hand Core 2 Duo E6700 processor and put it in my HP Compaq dc5700 Small Form Factor. And it runs without any problem!

HP has proved to make another product that last so long and help save the world's resources. I begin to look for a CPU upgrade when I found that after upgrading to the aniversary version of Windows 10 (ver. 1607) the MS Word and PowerPoint in the Compaq dc5700 run too slow. At first I thouht that this PC cannot be upgraded to a faster CPU. But it's now proved that it can be done.

A lot of thanks to Paul.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.

If you have not done so already...

If you have a 64 bit operating system, install 4 x 2 GB of PC2-6400 memory and the PC will work with 8 GB of memory.

If you don't need a lot of storage space, you can get a nice 240 GB SSD for cheap.  I got mine on sale for $69 USD.

https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-240GB-SDSSDA-240G-G26-Newest-Version/dp/B01F9G43WU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8...

I have two of the above models in my old HP desktops (dc7800 and 8000 Elite).

That will make it fly.

[khao]

Thank you for your advice, Paul.

Yes, I havea 64 bit system and am interesting in your idea of installing my dc5700 with 8 GB of memory. But according to page 8 and 9 of the QuickSpecs you posted the maximum memory is 4 x 1 GB of PC2-5300 (667-MHz). However, it is also noted twice that not all possible memory configurations are represented in the chart.

If what you say is possible in dc5700, I will try to follow your advice about the memory. Did you or anyone ever try that?

Thanks as always.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

I believe the HP specs are outdated...

Here is the link to the Intel specs on the chipset your PC has.

http://ark.intel.com/products/27731/Intel-82Q963-Graphics-and-Memory-Controller

Note the max memory size and speed...8 GB and 800 MHz (PC2-6400).

The dc7700 is an upscale model of the dc5700, and the quickspecs show support for 8 GB of memory.

See page 11.

http://whp-cpq.extweb.hp.com/cpq-products/quickspecs/12543_div/12543_div.pdf

What you can do is this...get 2 x 2 GB of PC2-6400 memory and remove all the memory chips you have in there now.

Put one in the black slot closest to the processor and the second one in the 3rd slot, leaving slots 2 and 4 empty.

When you go into the BIOS you should see 4 GB of memory running at 800 MHz.

If you leave the PC2-5300 memory in there, all the memory will run at 667 Mhz.

Once you confirm what I have written and the Intel specs are correct, you can install the other 2 chips back in there if you want, and you should now see 6 GB of memory.

If the PC works fine with 6 GB of memory, then there is no reason why it won't work with 8 GB.

Then just buy 2 more sticks of 2 GB PC2-6400 memory and you have the best memory configuration available.

You can see that the dc7700 specs date is newer than the dc5700 specs I posted.