Upgrading the CPU on HP Z2 Mini G3

[Poly2]

My HP Z2 G3 Mini Workstation has been a solid and reliable PC, and I've appreciated the documentation around it to help people like me, without extensive computer knowledge, upgrade certain components. For example, this video showing you how to replace the CPU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYGAn9x1Wrw. The Intel i7-6700 CPU in my workstation is not compatible with an upgrade to Windows 11. Is it possible to swap in a newer generation i7 CPU? Anyone who has asked this question in the comments of HP's CPU replacement video has been directed to check processor compatibility on this page https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-z2-mini-g3-workstation/12716708/document/c05338666#AbT2. But that only seems to list the processors the Z2 G3 Mini originally shipped with. I had the same problem phoning HP support. They emailed me the spec sheet for the PC, but weren't able to tell me directly if it's possible to upgrade the CPU.

[NonSequitur777 · Accepted solution]

@Poly2,

Welcome to our HP User Forum!

Your HP Z2 Mini G3 Workstation with the Intel PCH C236 chipset, as per: https://www.cpu-upgrade.com/mb-ASRock/C236_WS.html, can only accept 6th and 7th gen Intel processors.  The fastest processor you could consider would be the i7-7700.  Not the "K" version, as they run a lot hotter and your Mini desktop wouldn't be able to handle it, and HP likely won't allow >65 watt TDP processors on your Mini anyway.

The i7-7700 is the best processor as can also be seen here: https://www.userbenchmark.com/System/HP-Z2-Mini-G3-Workstation/47017.

As far as Windows 11 is concerned, there are a number of software bypasses/hacks available which I have used very successfully on a number of legacy (3th to 7th gen Intel) HP desktops.

Here are two of the best W11 conversion methods for "unsupported" PCs: (277) Windows 11 22H2: Upgrade unsupported hardware - YouTube and: https://dongknows.com/steps-for-windows-11-upgrade-on-unsupported-hardware/.

Hope this was helpful.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Poly2]

This is extremely helpful, thank you NonSequitur777.  That was exactly the processor info I was looking for. Not sure if I'm up for trying out the Windows 11 hacks for unsupported PCs, but I'll have a read through those links. I appreciate your response, thanks again.

[NonSequitur777]

@Poly2,

You are welcome -happy I could assist.

If interested, you can purchase an i7-7700 fairly inexpensively via eBay, starting at around $100 as seen here: i7-7700 for sale | eBay.

I would generally recommend purchasing from a "Top Rated Plus" Seller, who allows (free) returns.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777