CPU upgrade options for a HP Z800

[Louchavelli]

Hello Community,

A few months ago I ended up with a used HP Z800 workstation and some components.  I upgraded the unit with the following:

• additional E5630 Xeon ( I have two installed)
• Added x10 16GB server RAM sticks
• 4gb Video card
• 1TB SSD
• x2 2TB HD

I wanted to know what upgrade options do I have on the CPU.  Looking to upgrade the 2 Xeon chips.

Thanks in advance.

[wb2001]

@Louchavelli,

Here are the limitations, as listed for this 10 year old unit. 

The CPU chips your using at not on the list.

[Louchavelli]

@Wb2001,

Thanks for the link, but that list is not complete.  After further digging and research in these forums, found this website:

http://www.cpu-upgrade.com/CPUs/Intel/Xeon/X5690_motherboards.html

I was able to upgrade to two x5690 chips and it makes a world of difference.  But before you do, somethings to keep in mind:

1)  From the BIOS menu, check the "boot block" date of the MB.  This will determine which cpu you can upgrade to.  The 2nd version of the MB, allows you to use the better cpus.  Big thanks for the forum users who posted this info, over a few different threads.

2)  The best CPU I can find for this MB (and assuming you have the better version) is the x5690.  You can find these on Ebay, a lot of times in pairs.  Average price for a used one seems to be around $100 or $190 for a pair.  I would advise anyone upgrading thier cpu to do both of the same type or just do one for now. 

3)  there is a slightly better chip, the x5698.  I have only seen a few on eBay and they run for $1400 or better. 

4)  The better CPUs require a high performance heat sink.  This is the one I have seen for an HP Z800, part number HP 535588-001.  Without this, your pc will beep and you have to hit F1 to continue.  Doesn't interfere with performance (as far as I can tell), just a bit annoying.  I see them online for about $240 each.  If there is a cheaper option, I would love to know.

Hope that helps.