Will the BIOS automatically detect a different CPU?

[Boozup]

I would like to upgrade the CPU from a T6600 to either a T9600, a T9800, a P9600 or a X9100. Will the BIOS (P.47) detect the new CPU and adjust clocks, voltages etc. automatically or is it more complicated than that (or is it even possible)?

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Yes its possible. Here's the Service Manual:

Manual

If you look on p. 20 all the Intel processor options use the same motherboard and heatsink so, believe it or not you CAN upgrade a T6600 to as high as a 

Intel Core™2 Quad Q9100 2.26-GHz with 12-MB L2 cache and 1066-MHz FSB

The BIOS has Code built in to recognize any of the supported processors and will, as you suggest, alter its settings to work right with any of the supported processors. 

This model series is notoriously difficult to disassemble so be careful in there.

I would actually, if I were doing this project, upgrade to a T9800, which for most things will outperform the Quad Cores because of the higher clock speed. Not all software can take advantage of 4 cores so most things you do will be better with 2 cores at 2.93 ghz than 4 cores at 2.26 ghz. An exception would be something like Photoshop which is optimized for 4 and more cores. 

Post back for any more help you may need.

If this is "the Answer" please click "Accept as Solution" to help others find it. 

[Boozup]

Thanks for the quick response, very much appreciated.

The manual is very useful and i'm quite surprised it can take a quad core but on balance, as you suggest, I'll probably go for the higher clock speed, dual core T9800. My only concern is that the T9800 will no doubt throw out more heat which is why i looked at the P9600 which has a lower TDP.

The reason I originally delved into this was because the fan is sounding like a jet taking off, no doubt due to several years of dust build up and drying thermal paste, so i thought i'd give it a clean and a repaste and might as well throw in a new (second hand) CPU while i'm at it.

And, yes, it's a bit of a devil to dismantle but there are a few Youtube videos showing how for almost identical models and I've learnt a lot from those so i'm all ready to go.

Do you happen to know if anyone has successfully installed Windows 8 on this specific model as HP provides no drivers that i can find?

[Huffer]

I am sure there are folks running Windows 10 on them but the problem on 8 and higher is the video driver. The switchable graphics driver for Windows 7 is the best on this model and people running higher Windows versions have had trouble.