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- HP p2-1266il processor upgrade

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09-05-2025 11:48 PM - edited 09-07-2025 01:57 AM
Welcome to our HP Community forum!
Your HP Pavilion p2-1266il desktop PC utilizes an LGA 1155 socket and is compatible with Intel 2nd and 3rd generation Core processors.
However, it's crucial to note that the Domino Cork2 motherboard (SSID: Hewlett-Packard 2AE2) motherboard supports only low-power ("T") CPUs with a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 35-watt (and maybe 45-watt) such as the 2nd gen Intel Core i5-2500T or the i7-3770T.
Also, make sure you got the latest BIOS version (8.16), which you can get from here: https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers/hp-pavilion-p2-desktop-pc-series/model/5295633.
Kind Regards,
NonSequitur777
09-06-2025 12:22 AM - edited 09-06-2025 12:23 AM
Just to clarify, are you asking about upgrading your processor to a compatible “T” CPU, or about updating your BIOS to the latest version?
Once I know which upgrade you mean, I can guide you step by step.
Kind Regards,
NonSequitur777
09-07-2025 02:40 AM - edited 09-07-2025 03:02 AM
OK, delving deeper into the HP p2-1266il PC, even though I mentioned "maybe 45-watt [TDP] processors", I could not find a definitive confirmation of that. Personally, this is something I might try just for the heck of it, but you may not be interested trying it out &/or you may not have the funds to explore trying out, say the 45-watt i7-3770T processor.
So, the best 'official' compatible processor for this system would be the Intel Core i5-3470T (35-watt TDP) -but wait before you would even consider this.
This processor can be purchased for around US$20 via AliExpress, but you may be able to buy this processor for less in your country.
Mind you, if what you have in mind is upgrading to a Windows 11 compatible processor, that is not possible on your system. You can still upgrade to Windows 11, but you will have to use a bypass method -and if you are interested in that, I'd be happy to share it with you -let me know.
It must be said though, that this system -I can't even call it a PC because it is powered as if it was a laptop through a power brick, is arguably one of the worst "PC" models HP has ever produced.
The p2-1266il runs on a 65-watt laptop-style external power brick, not a traditional internal PSU you might expect in a PC. This design explains why HP restricted the CPU support to low-TDP (≤35-watt) processors: the 65-watt power brick has to cover both the CPU and the rest of the system.
What I am trying to say is that on second thought you should not spend an additional penny on this system.
Kind Regards,
NonSequitur777
09-07-2025 12:48 PM
If the i5 2nd gen processor is not a "T" processor, it will not be compatible.
Which Intel Core i5 2nd gen processor did you install?
Kind Regards,
NonSequitur777