Upgrading CPU from i5 to i7 on an older HP Compaq 8100 Elite Small Form Factor

[MrGrosvenor]

Hello I have a HP Compaq 8100 SFF with the original Intel Core i5-660  CPU  since I could easily get hold of an Intel Core i7-870  CPU I would like to test this in my 8100 desktop. Now when I checked the specification  page for HP Compaq 8100 SFF I also see that the i7-870 is listed among supported CPUs does this mean that it´s an  easy "Plug and play" thing to just swap the CPUs? or will it require some other hardware/software upgrades to the computer other than a dedicated graphic card?

I´m new to this so would like to know beforehand what problems I might be running into. Yes I have replaced CPUs in the past but that`s a long time ago (talking Pentium 2)

 

[NonSequitur777]

@MrGrosvenor,

Yes, it should be an easy swap.  The i7-870 is the best processor compatible with your HP Compaq 8100 SFF: https://www.userbenchmark.com/System/HP-Compaq-8100-Elite-SFF-PC/2036.  However, this processor does not have integrated graphics.  As you already indicated, you will need a separate graphics card.

[EDIT:] Make sure you have the latest (1.13) BIOS version (sp53945.exe): https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-compaq-8100-elite-small-form-factor-pc/4098436.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[MrGrosvenor]

This was good news, Thank you for the reply.!

Flashing Bios is something I have never done though so need to find a tutorial for that and btw the link you included didn`t  not return a download, looks like WIN 10  is not supported.

[NonSequitur777]

@MrGrosvenor,

Don't worry about Windows 10 compatibility, for all intents and purposes, this is irrelevant.

First check your BIOS version in case you already have the latest version: type system info in your Windows bar and left-click "System Information". Locate "BIOS Version/Date".  If it is not v1.13 proceed:

On the aforementioned HP driver link, go to "Choose a different OS", select "Windows" under "Operating system" and under "Version" select "Windows 7 (64-bit)", then hit "Change".

Click on the "+" Drivers sign, then "+" BIOS.  The file you need is the second option (1.13 Rev. A 12.7 MB Jul 14, 2011). Download it, and follow these steps: https://www.bouncegeek.com/install-hp-bios-update/.

You could create a BIOS flashable USB as outlined here: https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_4123786-2338478-16#:~:text=Press%20the%20f2%20key%20to,Fir....

Let me know if you need any assistance from here.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[MrGrosvenor]

Thank you again for the advice.

I will get to do this in my spare time in the coming weeks. I will update in this thread on the progress.

[DGroves]

do not attempt to update the bios from within the Windows 10 Os using the Windows 7 updater program doing so runs the risk of bricking the system

use either the USB bootable DOS key method

or a non bootable usb key formatted as fat32 with the new bios file on it

and and then insert USB key, power on, enter bios and look for the bios update cmd

[NonSequitur777]

@DGroves,

I didn't advocate using the W7 updater program let alone bricking your computer, only to download and install the most recent BIOS upgrade if needed.

@MrGrosvenor, create and prep a flashable USB drive as seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oTRYwB5m_E, stop at time-stamp 04:15.

Power down your desktop.  Start up again and hit F10 repeatedly until you can access BIOS. Under "File" or "Main", go to "Flash System ROM" or "Update System BIOS", and select/enter your USB drive as the "Boot Device" with the BIOS update. Hit F10 to accept.  This will show a (bin) file to accept, hit F10 and F10 again.  Your screen should then show the "Flashing System ROM", allow this to complete.  Later make sure you eject the USB drive.

[MrGrosvenor]

Checked the Bios version now and it says  786H1 v01,13

so I assume this means I already have the the newest version  installed? 

[NonSequitur777]

@MrGrosvenor,

Yes indeed: worries about "bricking" were premature -you're all set!

Please let me know how the installation of your new processor goes!

[EDIT:] Just to cover the basics CPU (pun intended), why not familiarize yourself with this helpful "how to apply thermal grease" tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofyNgJyhGuc.  Btw, my personal preference is to apply the "buttered toast" spread method (timestamp 04:37).

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[MrGrosvenor]

...