Upgrading RAM on HP Compaq dc7800 Intel CoreDuo E7400 2.8GHz

[CWX]

I was able to get the HDD cloned over to an SSD!

I just tried swapping in the new CPU with fresh thermal paste but it gets stuck in starts to try to boot up but then quits. 

One of the traces on the chip I got looks a little yucky. I tried cleaning it with isopropyl but it looks like the trace itself may be broken. 

Any thoughts on what the issue may be with it shutting itself off and continuously trying to boot up again?

[NonSequitur777]

@CWX,

I assume that your new processor is a Core 2 Quad Q9650, which is compatible with your HP Compaq dc7800 CMT as this User shows: https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/47557287.

Did you install the most recent BIOS update for your PC: https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/hp-compaq-dc7800-convertible-minitower-pc/3459240?

Make sure that the business side of the processor (the tiny golden circles) are clean using a Q-Tip dipped in electronics grade isopropyl alcohol.  Allow any liquid to evaporate before you install it.  Carefully observe the CPU socket making sure that it is free of debris and doesn't have bent pins.  And by the way, what do you mean with: "the trace itself may be broken"?

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[CWX]

I let it sit for a couple hours. Tried again, and I got the windows pinwheel but then it got stuck. I tried power cycling one more time and it worked. So not sure exactly what the issue was. I already have updated to the last and latest BIOS version 1.35, and yes Duo Quad Q9650.

To be clear I have the SFF not the CMT. I hope that wasn't a point of confusion in our previous discussion because the power supply is different. I am looking at the insert that came with my Geforce GTX 1050 and it is recommending a 400w PSU.

Now that I got everything else working, I am on the final step, the GPU, I just inserted it into the PCI slot and I am not getting anything to my display. Did I need to pre-install drivers? I tried first through the mother boards RGB connections and also off of the HDMI port off the graphics card, I am not getting anything to my display. 

Thank you again so much for your help. I wish I could buy you a coffee. 

[NonSequitur777]

@CWX,

That is good news!  Sorry about my confusion.

A fully functioning 240-watt power supply should be able to power a low-profile GTX 1050 (75-watt TDP).  However, results may vary. You should be able to get the card to work even without the Nvidia driver, as Microsoft will use a generic graphics driver. If all else fails, you may have to try a lower wattage card, such as the RX 6400 (53-watt TDP).

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[NonSequitur777]

@CWX,

Btw, make sure that you check your BIOS settings, such as making sure that your PCIe x16 slot is enabled.

I was certain that a GTX 1050 should work in your PC, just like this dc7800 SFF User who successfully installed a GTX 1650: https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/61593933.

A possible issue is that a dc7800 only has a Legacy BIOS, no UEFI, meaning, that in a worst-case scenario a GTX 1050 may not work in the dc7800 because of legacy BIOS incompatibility.

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Solution:

• Check if your GTX 1050 supports Legacy VBIOS (also called GOP-off).

• Some brands (e.g., MSI, EVGA, Zotac) released a Legacy BIOS version or dual VBIOS switch.

  • You can contact the manufacturer or search for a Legacy BIOS firmware update for your specific card model.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777