M2N78-LA Violet CPU Upgrade? I purchased an AMD Phenom Quad Core 9850 (Agena), but not compatible?!

[PatriotWalker76]

I have the HP Pavilion p6116f.  I sought to upgrade the processor and purchased the AMD Phenom Quad Core 9850 Agena from tigerdirect.com, firmly believing it was compatible in my sytem.

http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c01635734#N92 has my motherboard's upgrade specifications. The processor I purchased was listed as compatible hardware, but after attempting many times to install it I returned the item. 

I later learned the 9850 Quad Core was made in the 125 watt instead of the 95. Is that the reason it isn't compatible with my system? If anyone knows of succesful processor upgrades for this board, please let me know.

[Big_Dave · Accepted solution]

Hi,

It's very possible that HP has posted incorrect information.  The original processor for your PC has TDP of 95 watts and the motherboard socket is AM2+.

All of these AMD processors are socketed for AM2+ with a TDP of 95 watts.  Be sure that you have the latest bios installed on your PC.

[PatriotWalker76]

Thank you so much.  So, may I ask, will any of the processors on the list you provided a link to work in my system?

[Big_Dave]

Hi,

Unless your applications are optimized for quad core, you probably will not see much of a performance improvement. Not many applications are optimized for quad core operation.

Most of the processors on the above list should work but as they say "there are not guarantees in life".  I would shy away from the "b" models.

[gto1970]

I have same MB and AMD 9850  95 watt works no problem

[PatriotWalker76]

Thank you for that information. Do you know where I can get the same processor as you? And do you know if an AMD x6 AM2+ 95 watt will work? Do you have to consider bus speeds or anything else besides TDP and socket type when looking for an upgrade processor?

[Big_Dave]

Hi,

The AMD configurator for a 95 watt AM2+ socket doesn't show an AMD x6 processor as an option. Go back to the above AMD link, clear the filters, select AM2+ and 95 watts. Then matcfh up results against what HP has posted.