upgrading from I5 6400 to I7 6700k

[david_02]

Hi again! 

I have been thinking to upgrade my CPU from I5 6400 to a i7 6700k. Do I need to download any BIOS for my motherboard before I upgrade? If so, can you guys link the site for the BIOS update. My PC: https://support.hp.com/se-sv/product/omen-by-hp-870-100-desktop-pc-series/12079703/document/c0532705...

[krzemien]

You do not need to update the BIOS, but you will have to change cooler / fan / heatsink assembly. And it's not a doddle as it's unlikely you will get parts you need.

Check this thread / post:

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Gaming-Desktops/CPU-change/m-p/7221786#M6828

And read through this thread as well (principle's the same):

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Gaming-Desktops/Upgrading-from-i5-to-i7/td-p/6402019

I strongly recommend setting for i7-6700.

[david_02]

Are you 100 % sure that BIOS update are not needed. Cause people say that when you go from i5 to i7 you need to update the bios. So you mean that I shoud go for the i7 6700 instead of the k version?

[krzemien]

Upgrade BIOS to what exactly?

BIOS sit on MoBo - and MoBo does support all these CPUs (including -K versions):

https://support.hp.com/se-sv/product/omen-by-hp-870-100-desktop-pc-series/12079703/document/c0597272...

(see Information om processoruppgradering in there)

I assume you have the latest version installed - this is irrespective of your upgrade plans, of course.

And: choice is yours, unfortunately. Did you read the second thread I linked - especially posts on page #3?

[david_02]

I read it, So just to clarify. I just need to upgrade my Cooler if I buy the K version?

[krzemien]

According to my knowledge and what has been posted here over the years: yes.

With some slight case modding I got a Corsair H60 cooler to fit (I would not recommend doing this). A better choice is probably a Cooler Master Evo 212, it should fit without any extra work.

[david_02]

Spoiler

Cooler Master Evo 212 has 150w. Wouldn't I need a better PSU?

[krzemien · Accepted solution]

Not sure where you got that information from?

https://www.coolermaster.com/catalog/coolers/cpu-air-coolers/hyper-212-evo/

Fan Power Consumption2.64W, 2.28W (EU Version)

I think 150W value rather refers to Thermal Design Power it can extract / handle - and -K version sits @95W according to the specs.

[david_02]

Ok, thx for the help 

[krzemien]

Not a problem, and am glad I could have helped!

As I wrote elsewhere here I am in similar situation myself (Omen 870-095na): having already seen comments about 6700K upgrade and realised the implications (non-standard heatsink assembly) I decided not to pursue this avenue and chose standard version of this CPU instead.

I am still hoping that I will get i7-6700 for a good price (the ones I see are either not available or too expensive and am hesitant to buy second-hand CPU) and that I will do this swap - but time's ticking. Equally though: i5 is definitely sufficient for what I'm doing.