Not booting after CPU upgrade

[JMTK]

Hi everyone,

I decided to upgrade my 8470p to from an i5-3360M to a i7-3610QM.

The part arrived today, but when i replace the cpu with the i7, the pc wont boot, it blinks 5 times and then the fan stat spinning at maximum speed.

According to the blink codes, it seems to be "General system board failure".

I've tried updating the bios to the latest version for that pc but it didn't help.

As far as i saw, the cpu is listed as supported.

Anyone know what could be causing the issue?

Thanks in advance.

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

The Manual is a bit hard to decipher but the problem is only the 8470w mobile workstation supports Quad Core CPUs. See page 35 of the Service Manual:

Manual

i7-3540M is top supported CPU on the 8470p models. 

Post back with any more questions and please accept as solution if this is the info you needed. 

[JMTK]

Thank you, i guess i'll have to  be more careful the next time i check the compatibility list.

I based mine on this thread.

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/EliteBook-8470p-i7-3632QM-CPU-...

it's odd btw, also this page mark the cpu as compatible

https://support.hp.com/th-en/document/c03374369

[Huffer]

I agree its odd and maybe you could order the non-workstation model with a workstation motherboard. 

Also did you flash to the latest BIOS before upgrading the CPU? Always a good idea. That old post reminds me this is a complex issue with some people having success and others not. 

[JMTK]

Sorry, i didn't see the edit.

Yes, i updated to the latest version before the swap (68ICF Ver. F.73 2018/07/08).

I was wondering....i see a lot of boards at 50$ on ebayfor the 8470W.

Since i already have the CPU, and since it doesn't work i can't do much with it.

What would i have to look for in buying a motherboard to replace the one i have in the 8470p currently?

It looks like the layout is the same so it should fit in the chassis.

In the manual you linked there's a handy list of part numbers and all the motherboards have some light differences.

I wonder...if i search the HP website for a quad core native 8470w model , and buy a motherboard with the same spare part number,shouldn't it work?

Also my laptop works on Integrated graphics, but it seems even the motherboards with dedicated graphics have the same connectors to the screen.

EDIT: For example, one thing i notices is that i would need to replace the heatsink would i pick a motherboard with dedicated graphics since mine doesn't come with another cooling slot connected to the vapor chamber.

Thanks in advance.

[Huffer]

Yes I think the workstation motherboards would fit in the chassis and yes if it has dedicated video you need a new heatsink and I am a bit concerned whether the display cable will be compatible but you can resolve that by cross-checking part numbers. This laptop has reached the age where a skilled tech can do some Frankensteining as parts will have dropped in price to where they are affordable. 

[JMTK]

I think i'll buy this board (686042-001) and this heatsink.

Looking on the HP part surfer the board is from the 8470w so hopefully it will work....

Unfortunatelly the only check i can make to see if it actually fit is a visual one.

All the connectors/via/screw holes seem to be in the same place so hopefully it should work.

Will update with the results, finger crossed!

[JMTK]

Aaaaand no luck....

Installed the new motherboard (which from my research should've been of a 8470w) and update the BIOS, but when checking the serial number , it turns out it is of a 8470p.

So, installed the 3610qm and it didn't boot (5 blinks error code).

So apparently i either ordered or got the wrong motherboard.

Well,at least now i have a 7570M which is not bad considering i'll be using Unity.

Still,i would've loved to use the 3610qm in there.

And this is the end of my sad upgrade story!
Hopefully someone will have more luck in future.