-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
- HP Community
- Notebooks
- Notebook Hardware and Upgrade Questions
- Is this CPU upgrade compatible.

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
02-08-2019 10:28 AM - edited 02-08-2019 10:31 AM
Hi I want to upgrade my old laptop CPU which is the HP Pavillion G6-1374sa. It currently has the intel Pentium B960 processor.
On the Service and Maintennace guide, http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c03094322 it lists multiple processors.
I’m interested in upgrading to the intel i5 2540M, https://ark.intel.com/products/50072/Intel-Core-i5-2540M-Processor-3M-Cache-up-to-3-30-GHz- intel says its socket is PPGA 988 or FCBGA1023.
While the B90 page, https://ark.intel.com/products/59836/Intel-Pentium-Processor-B960-2M-Cache-2-20-GHz- shows two different possible sockets. FCPGA988 and PGA988. Would the i5 be compatible with my laptop if I were to install it?
Thanks, Ben.
Solved! Go to Solution.
Accepted Solutions
02-09-2019 05:11 AM - edited 02-09-2019 05:33 AM
Yes I meant the Southbridge. And yes you have the right chipset to make the i5 compatible. I have used non-HP Part number CPUs for upgrade but @erico gives good advice. No reason not to order a CPU with an HP Part number. It won't cost any more and there is some additional assurance it will work.
02-08-2019 02:08 PM
Please ONLY use part numbers on page 79 of the following manual
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c02770249.pdf
Regards.
***
**Click the KUDOS thumb up on the left to say 'Thanks'**
Make it easier for other people to find solutions by marking a Reply 'Accept as Solution' if it solves your problem.
02-08-2019 03:10 PM
You have posted the correct Service Manual. The problem is not so much the socket as it is the chipset. There are different motherboards used for the low-end Pentium and the higher Intel Core processors and the Intel Core may not work on your motherboard even if it fits in the socket.
02-08-2019 03:17 PM
@Huffer wrote:
You have posted the correct Service Manual. The problem is not so much the socket as it is the chipset. There are different motherboards used for the low-end Pentium and the higher Intel Core processors and the Intel Core may not work on your motherboard even if it fits in the socket.
Thanks for the response, I’ll check the laptops chipset tomorrow, but according to this site they both have the Cougar Point chipset, so does that mean it should work?
https://en.wikichip.org/wiki/intel/pentium_(2009)/b960
02-08-2019 03:20 PM - edited 02-08-2019 03:22 PM
The chipset is on the motherboard not the CPU. There is an HM55 motherboard and an HM65 motherboard and I am thinking yours is HM55. You could verify with Speccy or Sysoft Sandra or similar app. If your laptop has the HM65 chipset you can install one of the 2d gen i5s listed in the Service manual.
02-09-2019 04:49 AM
@Huffer wrote:The chipset is on the motherboard not the CPU. There is an HM55 motherboard and an HM65 motherboard and I am thinking yours is HM55. You could verify with Speccy or Sysoft Sandra or similar app. If your laptop has the HM65 chipset you can install one of the 2d gen i5s listed in the Service manual.
I installed Speccy like you suggested. Under the motherboard tab, these are some of what is listed:
Manufacturer Hewlett-Packard
Model 166F (CPU1)
Version 09.4C
Chipset Vendor Intel
Chipset Model Sandy Bridge
Chipset Revision 09
Southbridge Vendor Intel
Southbridge Model HM65
Southbridge Revision 05
Were you referencing the Southbridge model in your last reply? As it is HM65 does this mean that the i5 2540M is compatible?
02-09-2019 05:07 AM - edited 02-09-2019 05:08 AM
The best means to ensure that you get the processor and socket type that will work is to use the HP part number from the Maintenence & Service guide when you search online for the processor. Install the HP processor, not a generic model
From the G6 notebook Maintenence & Service guide:
Intel Core i5-2540M processor (2.6 GHz, SC turbo up to 3.3 GHz, 3 MB L3 cache), Dual 35 W
HP Part number 631255-001
See the search I did at the link below. Perform the same search I did to find a source that is local to the region of the world you live in. They are on Amazon.com and eBay for a good price.
https://www.google.com/search?client=opera&q=631255-001&sourceid=opera&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
I am a volunteer forum member. If my suggestion helped you solve your issue, help others by marking that post as the accepted solution. Say thanks by clicking on the Yes button next to the "was this reply helpful?"
02-09-2019 05:11 AM - edited 02-09-2019 05:33 AM
Yes I meant the Southbridge. And yes you have the right chipset to make the i5 compatible. I have used non-HP Part number CPUs for upgrade but @erico gives good advice. No reason not to order a CPU with an HP Part number. It won't cost any more and there is some additional assurance it will work.