Upgrading Processor and adding SSD

[DraftingDude]

Hello Community, 

I am finally ready to finalize upgrading my workstation

List of compatible CPU and SSD and 

[NonSequitur777]

@DraftingDude,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

Your HP Z6 G4 Workstation can be fitted with up to 12x32GB (384GB) of DDR4 PC4-21300, 2666 MHz, Registered ECC, DIMM, 288-pin RAM sticks with a dual processor, or 6x32GB with a single processor.

Depending on the processor, such as a Xeon W-3245, you can use DDR4 PC4-23400, 2933 MHz RAM sticks.

You have a choice of many different processors to choose from, both listed in the aforementioned link, as well as from actual HP Z6 G4 Workstation Users: UserBenchmark: HP Z6 G4 Workstation Compatible Components.

1. Best Single-CPU Performance (High Clock Speed & Strong Multi-Core):

These are ideal for CAD, video editing, 3D modeling, and other applications that require high single-threaded performance while still benefiting from multiple cores.

🔹Intel Xeon W-3245 (16 cores, 32 threads, 3.2 GHz base, 4.4 GHz turbo, 22MB cache)
🔹Intel Xeon W-2295 (18 cores, 36 threads, 3.0 GHz base, 4.6 GHz turbo, 24.75MB cache)
🔹Intel Xeon W-2275 (14 cores, 28 threads, 3.3 GHz base, 4.6 GHz turbo, 19.25MB cache)

✅Great for: CAD, architecture, scientific computing, game development, and content creation.

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2. Best Dual-CPU Setup (Maximum Core Count & Multi-Threading):

If your workloads are heavily multi-threaded (e.g., simulations, AI, rendering, databases), you’ll want a dual-CPU setup with Xeon Scalable processors.

🔹Intel Xeon Platinum 8280 (28 cores, 56 threads, 2.7 GHz base, 4.0 GHz turbo, 38.5MB cache)
🔹Intel Xeon Gold 6258R (28 cores, 56 threads, 2.7 GHz base, 4.0 GHz turbo, 38.5MB cache)
🔹Intel Xeon Gold 6238R (28 cores, 56 threads, 2.2 GHz base, 4.0 GHz turbo, 38.5MB cache)

✅Best for: Rendering, simulations, AI training, deep learning, and scientific research.
✅Supports up to 1.5TB of RAM (per CPU).

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3. Best Budget Xeon CPUs for Upgrades:

If you're looking for a cost-effective upgrade that still delivers strong performance, these Xeons offer a great balance of core count and price:

🔹Intel Xeon Silver 4214R (12 cores, 24 threads, 2.4 GHz base, 3.5 GHz turbo)
🔹Intel Xeon Silver 4216 (16 cores, 32 threads, 2.1 GHz base, 3.2 GHz turbo)

✅Best for: General workstation tasks, software development, and light 3D rendering.

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Choosing the Right Xeon for Your HP Z6 G4 Workstation:

• Go with Xeon W-3245 or W-2295 → Best single-CPU performance.
• Go with Xeon Gold/Platinum series → For dual-CPU, high-core workloads.
• Go with Xeon Silver series → For a cost-effective upgrade.

Would you like a recommendation based on your specific workload?

Your PC has two M.2 NVMe SSD slots and four SATA 6Gb/s ports, and you could use PCIe slots for additional drives if wanted.

Any capacity M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 SSD brands are compatible, as are Gen4 or Gen5 M.2 NVMe SSDs, but these will run at Gen3 I/O speeds. Same for any SATA SSD/HDD brands.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[DraftingDude]

I have the new processor what are the steps needed to setup before swapping out the processor? Also does it matter which SSD slot to use? And does the SSD need a heat sink?

Thank you!

Berto

[NonSequitur777]

@DraftingDude,

Follow HP's steps as provided in this YouTube instructional video: (2841) Replace the Primary Processor and Heatsink | HP Z6 G4 Workstation | HP - YouTube.

Use the primary M.2 NVMe SSD ("SSD0") slot first and make that your primary (boot) drive.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777