Can I just copy this upgrade that you did

[NonSequitur777]

@Daniel358,

I am revisiting your "P1" and "P3" power cables question: Yes, as a matter of fact, the PSU's 4-pin "P3" and "P1" power cables are indeed interchangeable.  Both motherboard's P1 and P3 4-pin connectors are identical.

We talked about adding a front panel intake cooling fan before, and it is pretty simple: unscrew (possibly torx screws) the tiny speaker to allow a 92x92x25mm cooling fan to be screwed in on the inside-mesh of the case (see picture: you can use small 30mm-length bolts and nuts or use at least two cooling fan screws diagonally opposite from each other to secure the fan), and then reposition the speaker as you can see in my picture.  If you can only use one screw to secure the speaker, that will do:

As discussed, you'll need a 4-pin PWM fan power connector extension cable to connect the cooling fan to the motherboard's #22 "Front Chassis Fan" connector:

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Daniel358]

would the i7 8700 be sufficient for the rtx 3060 and how would this pc do in 4k emulation and 1440p gameing

[NonSequitur777]

@Daniel358,

An i7-8700 is a decent processor, it is mostly up to a higher end graphics card to do the heavy lifting for 4K emulation and 1440p gaming.  If you can afford it, I would recommend saving up to get an i7-9700K.

Results may vary, but even though an RTX 3060 is capable of running 1440p graphics at sort of acceptable frame rates for most AAA games at highish settings, but it's definitely pushing the bounds of what it can do for you at that resolution. An RTX 3060 Ti and certainly an RTX 4060 are much better graphics card options. If you're able to stretch your budget a bit, definitely go for an RTX 3060 Ti or, better still, an RTX 4060.

Look, you need to consider your 4K emulation/graphical demands. You shouldn't settle for what you can afford right now if it's not powerful enough to handle your emulation/1440p gaming needs.

In the meanwhile, just hook up what you got, and see how it goes.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur77

[Daniel358]

would i need to get a different cpu cooler for the i7 9700k

[NonSequitur777]

@Daniel358,

Yes, when you upgrade your processor to a 95-watt TDP processor such as an i7-9700K, you'll likely have to upgrade your current heatsink as you probably have the 65-watt heatsink model.  Btw, the HP Z2 Tower G4 Workstation specifications shows that an i7-9700K is an approved processor.

There are, according to HP PartSurfer, two 95-watt rated heatsinks for the HP Z2 Tower G4 Workstation with p/n: L38192-001 "SPS-COOLER CPU 95W Z2 G4 TWR" and p/n: L86253-001 "SPS-HEATSINK - CPU 95W Z2 G4 PREMIUM".  The problem is that these heatsinks are nowhere to be found for purchase online, at least when I looked.

Thus, you'll have to go to plan "B" -which I did, when I upgraded my heatsink with an Intel 130-watt TDP rated heatsink as documented in my (second) HP Z2 Tower G4 Workstation upgrade project: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/Upgrading-an-HP-Z2-Tower-G4-Wor...:

But mind you, there are many more HP (LGA 1151) socket 95+ watt rated heatsink options available.

If you were to prioritize, I would recommend looking for a graphics card upgrade first.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Daniel358]

I see that you modified the cpu cooler would I need to modify it for it to work

[NonSequitur777]

@Daniel358,

Well, I modified the "Intel Thermal Solution BXTS15A Heatsink" because I had it on my shelf and wanted to use it.  However, I didn't like Intel's feeble plastic mounting push-pins, and replaced them with HP originated sturdy metal spring-loaded CPU mounting bolts.

As a matter of fact, I wouldn't recommend this Intel CPU cooler to you.  There are much better-build and less expensive CPU coolers available that will fit in your HP Z2 Tower G4 Workstation just fine, such as the Thermalright Assassin X120, which you can see here: Amazon.com: Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE CPU Air Cooler, 4 Heat Pipes, TL-C12C PWM Fan, Alu..., rated for up to 225-watt TDP processors.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Daniel358]

Do I need to modify the motherboard to screw in this cooler

[NonSequitur777]

@Daniel358,

I assume your question pertains to the Thermalright cooler: no, you don't have to modify your motherboard, but it will require you to remove your motherboard in order to install the Thermalright CPU cooler backplate as seen in this YouTube instructional video -go to timestamp 1:28: THERMALRIGHT Assassin X 120 Refined SE CPU Cooler Installation Guide for AMD AM4, Intel 115X/1200 (y....

Not terribly difficult, but it does require attention to detail and careful work to install this CPU cooler.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Daniel358]

I don’t want to go through the hassle of removing my motherboard is there any other ways I can put a better cpu cooler