I want to upgrade the processor of my HP Pavilion p6-2100

[Doctor_Korg]

Good Day or Evening to anyone who reads this.  I would like to have everyone's suggestions, advice and help regarding on me upgrading my HP Pavilion p6-2100. I mainly aim on upgrading my processor which is an AMD A4-3420, FM1 SOCKET, K12  Bridge Chipset according to the readings I got from CPU-Z.

I have done extensive research myself and I concluded that asking in this community is the best way for me to be sure on what processor to buy. Please refrain from suggesting that I should buy or build a more up-to-date desktop for reasons I will not disclose. I will also post more about my current specifications on my PC once people give their responses and asks for my current computer specifications.

I thank you all in advance! 

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Below is the link to the product specs for your PC.

HP Pavilion p6-2100 Desktop PC Product Specifications | HP® Customer Support

The processor upgrade info can be found on the above link.

Processor upgrade information

• 65W to 100W (processor dependent)
• Socket type: FM1
• Motherboard supports the following processor upgrades:

  Processor	TDP
  AMD A8-3850 (Liano) quad core	100W
  AMD A8-3800 (Liano) quad core	65W
  AMD A6-3650 (Liano) quad core	100W
  AMD A6-3600 (Liano) quad core	65W
  AMD A4-3420 (Liano) dual core	65W
  AMD A4-3400 (Liano) dual core	65W
  AMD E2-3200 (Liano) dual core	65W
  AMD X2-198 (Sempron) dual core	65W
  AMD X2-221 (Athlon II) dual core	65W

  You may want to stick with a 65W processor such as the AMD A8-3800.

  A 100W processor will eat up 35 more watts than yours is now and produce more heat.

[Doctor_Korg]

Thank you for your comment! From my research, this is the first article that I stumbled upon. I also saw some articles that this list is an outdated one since some people were suggesting an amd athlon. (I forgot the exact model) Is that correct? or should I just follow this list? If I should follow this list can I use the a8-3850, 100 w processor instead of the other? What would be the least and worst case scenario of that?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Unless you have seen where someone installed a better processor other than those listed in the same AAHD2-HY (Holly) motherboard, I don't recommend you do it.

Yes, you can install the A8-3850 but it will run hotter and use 35 more watts of electricity than your PC is using now.

That would be the worst-case scenario.

I don't see any other disadvantage to it.

What I recommend is to compare the two and decide what you want to do.

AMD A8-3800 vs A8-3850 (cpu-world.com)

[Doctor_Korg]

That would be all I need to know about the processor I think. Do you have any suggestions on what other hardware to buy to upgrade my PC except for an SSD however minute the change may be?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

I checked the parts list for your PC.

HP PartSurfer

The heat sink is rated up to 95W.

I suppose a 100W processor may not make that much of a difference though.

A SSD will definitely help.

Max out the memory to 2 x 4 GB of you have not done so already.

Add a cheap graphics card.  Perhaps an AMD Radeon HD 6570 or the less powerful HD 6450.

They should be pretty cheap on eBay in used but tested and working condition.

[Doctor_Korg]

Very sorry for the late response. Forgive me if I misunderstand but does that mean I have to buy the heat sink that is on the parts list that you sent? Or does that mean the heat sink I currently have (since I have not tampered this PC yet except for RAM) can withstand this 100w processor? 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

There isn't any other heatsink available, so you will have to hope the 95W heatsink that came with your PC will work with the 100W processor.

I suppose it will, but I can't 100% guarantee it.

[Doctor_Korg]

 That would be all then. Thank you very much, you've been a great help! 😄

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime. 

Glad to have been of assistance.