Motherboard compatible CPU upgrade recommendations?

fredfred5150 · Mar 13, 2014

Hello, I'm a tech dummy I want to upgrade my processor soon, I do cpu based rendering (no gaming) so I need raw computational power, but I'm not sure how to know which CPU's are compatible. According to a program called Speccy here are some component details of my PC

Motherboard
Manufacturer: Hewlett-Packard
Model: 2AF7
Version: 1.0
Chipset Vendor: Intel
Chipset Model: Haswell
Chipset Revision: 06
Southbridge Vendor: Intel
Southbridge Model: H87
Southbridge Revision C2

CPU
Intel Core i3
Codename: Haswell
Package: Socket 1150 LGA

I was told by a few people that compatibility is based on socket type, based on that (and what I can afford) I was looking at an Intel Core i5 -3570K or an Intel Core i7 - 4470K.

Am I right in thinking one of the above is compatible?
If so, and I upgrade, will I need to upgrade any other components to handle the new cpu? (like a cooling fan?)
Basically what do I need to know?

Ironsounds · Mar 13, 2014

Hello... here is General chart of CPU performance... http://www.cpubenchmark.net/common_cpus.html
A "K" version chip is Unlocked for MB/Bios higher speed tweeking... But your MB is not a "Z" version, so you cant use that feature...
Your MB is a a Socket 1150 and requires a matching 4th gen CPU... The Core i5 -3570K is a 3rd Gen and a 1155, will not work.
i7 is a quad core w/HT
i5 is a quad core
i3 is a dual core w/HT
if your Software supports Hyper Threading, it will have Eight cores of power with the i7.

jessterman21 · Mar 13, 2014

The i7-4770K and i5-4670K are compatible, but you want a non-K version, since you have an HP desktop.

Best option is the i5-4430, or the i7-4770 if you have an extra $100. A cooling fan comes with the CPU if you buy it new.

Ironsounds · Mar 13, 2014

Hello... Your current Fan/cooler will fit on any of the i3/i5/i7 Cpu's, if you prefer to Buy a OEM/CPU chip only, and not a retail/Boxed version...
Basically you need a "HASWELL" 1150 replacement 4th GEN CPU.

burdenbound · Mar 13, 2014

Is this a laptop? If so you would need to confirm that you can remove it and then find a compatible laptop CPU for your motherboard. You may want to think about getting a new more powerful laptop if that is the case.

If this is a desktop then the people above have pretty much summed it up for you.

logainofhades · Mar 13, 2014

burdenbound :

Socket 1150 is desktop. Do you have the model number for your HP? I believe a 4770 will be compatible.

Ironsounds · Mar 13, 2014

Hello... the i7 4770 is a sweet CPU, if you can find the right price for it... Best computer I ever had for CAD/DAW/Windows7 programs I use.

fredfred5150 · Mar 13, 2014

My PC is a desktop: Pavillion 500-123ea (running windows 8) , the rendering software I use supports Hyper-threading, I have no interest in overclocking or otherwise tampering with internal workings/settings, I simply need more CPU threads/speed/power/whatever the correct term is to reduce rendertimes.

If I understand the replies so far basically this is what I go for? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Intel-Graphics-BX80646I74770-Generation-Technology/dp/B00CLD9URS

Also, in terms of going inside a pc, I've only ever installed a graphics card, bearing that in mind is fitting a new CPU something I could do? Is it idiot proof or should I pay someone to do it for me?

GnarledAilanth · Mar 13, 2014

Installing a new CPU is not idiot proof, but you can do it. The key is to be methodical and not rush it, no reason to spend 200 pounds and waste it by not taking your time during the install. Before you start have a clear work area on a table for your computer chassis and make sure your hands are clean.

First of all shutdown and unplug the machine. Then set the machine on your work surface next to your CPU box (There is no reason to open the CPU box before the install, that just increases the chance of scratching or getting dirt on your CPU). Static electricity is the next thing to consider. You can either wear one of those static bracelets, which can be had rather cheaply, or make sure to touch the outside of the computer case periodically during installation to disperse any static charge (Your computer needs to be metal for the second method to work). Next open your computer case as per instructions from the manufacturer. I know most people read the directions if all else fails, but it can save time or headache if something isn't quite intuitive. If you don't have a hardcopy manual most manufacturers have them in .pdf format on their webpages. Once your machine is open and you're looking at the CPU follow these instructions from Intel. Note the final instructions for installing the thumbscrew heatsink fan because you'll need to do them in reverse to take off the original heatsink fan. http://www.intel.com/support/processors/sb/CS-032258.htm

-Dylan

logainofhades · Mar 13, 2014

This has all the info on your system and upgrade info. It looks like a 4770 will work just fine.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c03941483&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en#N203

fredfred5150 · Mar 13, 2014

Thanks for the answers, really cleared things up, one thing remains though, if I buy the retail/boxed version, is the thermal paste pre-applied, or will I have to order that as well, and apply myself?

Not laziness on my part, just that fewer steps equals fewer opportunities for something to go wrong.

GnarledAilanth · Mar 13, 2014

Looks like the heatsink fan that ships with the CPU will probably have thermal compound pre-applied in a three bar pattern, just make sure to check and make sure that three bar pattern is there when installing the heatsink. Intel has a great page explaining their thermal compound solutions here http://www.intel.com/support/processors/sb/CS-030329.htm

sora · Mar 14, 2014

Ironsounds :

You can still do mild overclocking with the non-K versions.

jessterman21 · Mar 14, 2014

sora :

Ironsounds :

You can still do mild overclocking with the non-K versions.

Not on an HP

logainofhades · Mar 14, 2014

jessterman21 :

sora :

Not on an HP

Nor with Haswell. Intel removed that ability with Haswell.

fredfred5150 · Jun 15, 2014

I'm going to buy this in a week or two http://www.amazon.co.uk/Intel-Graphics-BX80646I74770-Generation-Technology/dp/B00CLD9URS but the product page doesn't make it clear if this is the Boxed/Retail version that comes with a cooling fan...is it?

Ironsounds · Jun 15, 2014

Hello... the BX in intel # means Fan/heatsink included,.. also the Title uses the word "Retail" and the picture shows the "BOX"... The term "OEM" and "TRAY" will get you just the CPU.

fredfred5150 · Jun 15, 2014

Sorry I posted the wrong link, this is the right one http://www.amazon.co.uk/Intel-Professional-Processor-Threading-Technology/dp/B00K3E8NZC

Ironsounds · Jun 15, 2014

Hello... Tech details shows this product # BX80646I74790. The BX in that Number means FAN/Heatsink will be included.

fredfred5150 · Jun 18, 2014

GnarledAilanth :

Installing a new CPU is not idiot proof, but you can do it. The key is to be methodical and not rush it, no reason to spend 200 pounds and waste it by not taking your time during the install. Before you start have a clear work area on a table for your computer chassis and make sure your hands are clean.

First of all shutdown and unplug the machine. Then set the machine on your work surface next to your CPU box (There is no reason to open the CPU box before the install, that just increases the chance of scratching or getting dirt on your CPU). Static electricity is the next thing to consider. You can either wear one of those static bracelets, which can be had rather cheaply, or make sure to touch the outside of the computer case periodically during installation to disperse any static charge (Your computer needs to be metal for the second method to work). Next open your computer case as per instructions from the manufacturer. I know most people read the directions if all else fails, but it can save time or headache if something isn't quite intuitive. If you don't have a hardcopy manual most manufacturers have them in .pdf format on their webpages. Once your machine is open and you're looking at the CPU follow these instructions from Intel. Note the final instructions for installing the thumbscrew heatsink fan because you'll need to do them in reverse to take off the original heatsink fan. http://www.intel.com/support/processors/sb/CS-032258.htm

-Dylan

What (if anything) do I clip the anti-static wristband to?

logainofhades · Jun 18, 2014

I believe the case itself. I have never used one, personally.

fredfred5150 · Jul 2, 2014

I installed my new cpu...but the pc wouldn't start the first few times I tried, I'm running windows 8, but windows "View basic information about your computer" still thinks an i3 is the cpu however a program call Speccy reads the i7 being the cpu, but it says I have 2 cores and 4 threads, I should now have double that amount

Core temp is hovering around 32 degrees, but I haven't tried rendering yet (temp will go up)

Should I be worried about anything or did I install the cpu correctly?

jessterman21 · Jul 2, 2014

Looks like your BIOS doesn't recognize the CPU since it's brand-new. Should've gotten the 4770, since you're dealing with an HP. As long as you see 8 graphs under performance in Task Manager, you should be all right. You might try fiddling in the BIOS to get it to recognize it correctly.

fredfred5150 · Jul 2, 2014

downloaded and installed BIOS update, Windows now showing correct CPU, only one graph under performance in Task Manager (but does say I have 4 cores and logical processors), Resource Monitor has 8 CPU graphs, temperatures hovering around 27 degrees.

So considering I've never done this before, can I relax now? Have I installed this correctly?

jessterman21 · Jul 2, 2014

fredfred5150 :

Sounds right - I'm not familiar with the Win8 Task Manager I guess, but I think you can get it to show each logical core.

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