CPU Upgrade Concern

[HopeResolution]

Hello! I have the HP Slim Desktop SO1-pF1013w with the Intel® Celeron® G5900 processor. I am currently looking to upgrade it to a intel core i5-10400 (comet lake-s), and, while i know the motherboard is compatible i am wondering if cooling in the case would be a problem; it would not ever really be under any heavy workload or heavy gaming, im just trying to get it running a little quicker and know the cpu is the bottleneck. Will cooling be a problem? or will the stock cooler be plenty?

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

I believe that you would be fine with the original processor heatsink and fan.

You're looking at a rather small difference (only 7W) in wattage between the two processors.

Intel® Product Specification Comparison

HP probably uses the same cooling solution in a PC in that model series that came with the best processor installed.

[HopeResolution]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the fast response; you set my worries at ease. While we're on the subject of CPUs do you have a recommended brand of thermal paste to use and the best means of removing the old paste?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

That is not my area of expertise.

I recommend you start a new topic on that subject or google 'How to clean heatsink and apply thermal paste.'

That is the most important part of making sure the processor runs cool.

Here's a start...

How to Clean Thermal Paste Off a CPU: A Beginner's Guide (wikihow.com)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=iDETlBwqBDc&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.... 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=Sog0M9OrlME&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.... 

Personally, I would use a non-conductive thermal paste.

If you slather on too much conductive thermal paste it could expand beyond the borders of the heat sink, down over the processor and into the socket.  Poof!

Take it from me.  I did it once and didn't even think I put that much thermal paste on.

Nonconductive paste won't short out the motherboard if you apply too much by accident.