Installing 10700K in Z2 G5 - error - "System Halted - CPU unsupported"

[RBLTG]

I recently bought a Z2 G5 Tower and attempted to install an I7-10700K processor, but immediately get an error message in red saying, "System Halted: CPU unsupported. Please shutdown the system to change another CPU to this machine." According  to the documentation, this is a supported processor.  I've tried installing a lower rated processor and was able to update the BIOS, but but am still getting that error when I switch back to the 10700K. I'm wondering if it is a function of the 10700K being rated at 125W rather than 65W. Any thoughts as to a potential solution?

[Bill_To]

Greetings @RBLTG 

Welcome to the HP Forum.

Yes, it sounds like a power supply issue or a CPU cooling problem if the 10700K is supported.

Regards

[RBLTG]

That's what I think as well, but do you have any thoughts on how to fix it? The footnotes in the specifications say, "5Configurable TDP-down 95W." Perhaps I need to modify the TDP range, but I don't know how. Let me know if you have any thoughts.

@NonSequitur777  - do you have any ideas?

[Bill_To]

Greetings @RBLTG 

@NonSequitur777 has more hands on experience with HP PCs.

I build PCs. I haven't had a HP PC since 2013.

I do know HP MBs don't provide much BIOS tweaking headroom.

The MB and the BIOS seem to support the CPU. 

So I would look at replacing the CPU cooler first to see what happens. But the stock CPU cooler should be able to handle a 125 watt TDP CPU. I don't know.

I could not find the error you are seeing in the Maintenance and Service Guide.

I'm sure NonSequitur777 would have additional thoughts.

Regards

.

[NonSequitur777]

@Bill_To,

My first observation -looking here: https://partsurfer.hp.com/?searchtext=HP%20Z2%20Tower%20G5%20Workstation, is that all of the HP Z2 Tower G5 Workstations fitted with the i7-10700K or i9-10900K processors, are powered by the 700-watt power supply (p/n: M09027-001 / L80662-002).

The OP's system offers three different power supplies: 350-watt, 500-watt, and 700-watt. If the OP got a 350-watt power supply installed, that would almost certainly underpower his platform when fitted with the i7-10700K.

Also, ensure the chipset drivers are updated with the latest BIOS update: https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/hp-z2-tower-g5-workstation/34407181.  Outdated drivers can sometimes conflict with CPU compatibility.

What To Do:

If the system is using a PSU with insufficient wattage, it may fail to initialize the processor. Action: Test with a higher-rated PSU (500-watt+).

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[RBLTG]

That is exactly what we were thinking. It came with a 350W PSU, and the seller supplied me with  700W PSU as a potential fix.  Unfortunately, the problem is persisting. Is there something that I need to do post installing the new PSU?

[NonSequitur777]

@RBLTG,

Yea, been there, done that, so to speak.

OK, if your HP Z2 Tower G5 Workstation is still showing the "CPU unsupported" error even after upgrading the PSU to a 700-watt power supply, it suggests that the issue lies elsewhere. Here's a targeted approach to ensure everything is configured correctly:

---

1. Verify the PSU Installation:

 

Double-Check Power Connections:

• Confirm that the proprietary PSU’s power cables are:
  • Properly connected to the motherboard.
  • Connected to the CPU power socket (P3, I believe).
  • Firmly attached to other components like the GPU (if installed).
• A loose or incorrect proprietary connection can prevent the system from booting properly.

• Check Voltage Selector (if present): Some PSUs have a manual voltage switch; ensure it's set correctly for your region.

---

2. Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS):

• Installing a new PSU might require resetting the motherboard’s settings to recognize new components.
• Steps:
  1. Power off the system and unplug it from the wall.
  2. Locate the CMOS battery on the motherboard (a small coin-cell battery).
  3. Remove the battery for about 5 minutes.
  4. Reinstall the battery, reconnect power, and boot the system.
• Why: This clears any lingering configuration that might be causing conflicts.

---

3. Confirm CPU Installation:

• Reinstall the CPU:
  • Remove the CPU and inspect for any bent pins or thermal paste on the contact points.
  • Re-seat the CPU carefully and ensure the socket latch is secure.
  • Apply fresh thermal paste and reinstall the cooler.
• Check Heatsink: Verify that the cooler is properly mounted and preferably rated for the i7-10700K’s 125-watt TDP.

---

4. Enable BIOS Settings for High-TDP CPUs:

• Some HP motherboards require specific BIOS configurations to enable higher-TDP CPUs.
• Steps:
  1. Enter the BIOS by pressing F10 during boot-up.
  2. Look for settings under Advanced → Power Management or Performance Settings (if available)
  3. Enable any options related to "High-Performance Mode" or "TDP Power Management."
  4. Save changes and restart.

---

Summary:

If the PSU is correctly installed and BIOS settings have been cleared/reset but the issue persists, the problem could be related to:

• A defective CPU or motherboard.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[RBLTG]

Thanks so much for the detailed well thought out answer. I've tried most of what you suggested, but don't have a 125W CPU cooler, so I can't test that as of now. I also found this post, which I think adds to your response.

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Business-PCs-Workstations-and-Point-of-Sale-Systems/Z2-G5-heatsink-fan...

I have ordered the 125W CPU cooler, and will update once it gets here. 

[NonSequitur777]

@RBLTG,

Outstanding!

Yes, please follow up when you can, as it will help someone else down the line with a similar question.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Bill_To]

Greetings @RBLTG 

It's Déjà vu all over again! 😀

Doh! 👍

Regards