Using a slightly-higher TDP processor (i7-8700K) on a lower TDP HP motherboard (Thimphu-K)

[G_Rod]

Hello,

I have a HP Thimphu-K motherboard and would like to upgrade the processor on it. I have an Intel i7-8700K in mind. This processor is not listed in the Thimphu-K's list of supported processor upgrades. However, the socket is compatible. The only potential issue I see is that the motherboard specifications say that it will support up to 91 watts of Thermal Design Power (TDP) and the processor specifications say that it requires 95 watts. 

My guess is that this is okay since I doubt that the i7-8700K will rarely (if ever) be put under a heavy enough workload that it will reach 95W, but I wanted to ask for the community's opinion on it. I mostly play videogames and watch videos on this computer. 

Another concern is regarding the BIOS: Is it possible that the BIOS won't support the new processor since it is not listed in the motherboard's specifications as a supported processor? I was hoping that updating the BIOS to its latest version would be enough. 

Thanks!

[Prométhée · Accepted solution]

Hello
no, it is very likely that it does not work
rather consider a compatible, certified version

Processor upgrade information

• TDP: Up to 91 W
• Socket type: LGA 1151
• Motherboard supports the following processor upgrades:

  Processor	TDP	Integrated Graphics
  Intel Core i7-7700K (Kabylake) 4.2 GHz Quad Core	91 W	Integrated HD Graphics 630
  Intel Core i7-7700 (Kabylake) 3.6 GHz Quad Core	65 W	Integrated HD Graphics 630
  Intel Core i5-7600K (Kabylake) 3.8 GHz Quad Core	91 W	Integrated HD Graphics 630
  Intel Core i5-7400 (Kabylake) 3.0 GHz Quad Core	65 W	Integrated HD Graphics 630
  Intel Core i3-7100 (Kabylake) 3.9 GHz Dual Core	51 W	Integrated HD Graphics 630

Chipset

• Z170

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/fr/fr/ark/products/126684/intel-core-i7-8700k-processor-12m-cache-...

Processeur Intel® Core™ i7-8700K

Find compatible desktop motherboards

Find motherboards compatible with the Intel® Core ™ i7-8700K Processor in the Intel Desktop Compatibility Tool

Intel® 300 Series Desktop Chipsets
Intel® Z390 Chipset Launched 8 GT/s 3.0
Intel® Z370 Chipset Launched 8 GT/s 3.0
Intel® Q370 Chipset Launched 8 GT/s 3.0
Intel® H370 Chipset Launched 8 GT/s 3.0
Intel® B365 Chipset Launched 8 GT/s 3.0
Intel® B360 Chipset Launched 8 GT/s 3.0
Intel® H310 Chipset Launched 5 GT/s 2.0

which computer do you have, / configuration, change, already carried out?

[G_Rod]

Thanks. I just realized that the Thimphu-K has the Z170 chipset which is not compatible with Coffee Lake intel processors so this won't work 😞 thank you for the help though! 

Cheers

[Prométhée]

😉