CPU Upgrade Question For HP Pavilion p6-2125

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teresalfenton

Feb 14, 2018
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I have an HP Pavilion p6-2125 that I haven't used in a while. Wanted to see if I could upgrade it a bit and get some more use out of it. Maybe turn it into a HTPC for the spare room. I did add some more RAM. Went from 4GB to 8GB. Had an extra 4GB Stick that was the same brand, size, speed of the RAM that was currently installed just sitting in a box. So now I was thinking of upgrading the CPU. It currently comes with an AMD E2-3200 (Liano) dual core @ 2.4Ghz. I was looking at the upgrade list and it lists the highest support CPU as the AMD A8-3850 (Liano) quad core @ 2.9Ghz. So I looked AMD also released a slightly faster CPU. The AMD A8-3870 (Liano) quad core @ 3.0Ghz.

So my question is. Would the AMD A8-3870 be supported on the motherboard or should I just stick with the AMD A8-3850 to be sure it will work? I feel like it should work just fine. Since its in the same processor line. But I wanted to get others thoughts on it. I should note that I have flashed the lasted bios to the motherboard. However HP had no changelog for the bios so I couldn't see if they added support for this CPU.

Thanks for any help given!
 
Solution
Phaaze88
If it's not listed, then it's best to assume it's not supported. Especially on an motherboard that's EoL. Stick with the 8350.
It also appears that you got lucky on the RAM lottery as well. Mixing sticks usually leads to problems. The brand, size, and speed doesn't matter - now, if they have the same SERIAL number on the other hand... but RAM is picky like that. Be aware, that you could still run into issues with mixing sticks; they don't always happen right away.
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Phaaze88

Phaaze88

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If it's not listed, then it's best to assume it's not supported. Especially on an motherboard that's EoL. Stick with the 8350.
It also appears that you got lucky on the RAM lottery as well. Mixing sticks usually leads to problems. The brand, size, and speed doesn't matter - now, if they have the same SERIAL number on the other hand... but RAM is picky like that. Be aware, that you could still run into issues with mixing sticks; they don't always happen right away.
 
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amygrrl

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Feb 14, 2018
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Sorry for posting this under my roommates account earlier. Couldn't get my password to reset so I could log in. Kept giving me an error. So I just logged in using my Facebook.

The RAM was pretty much the same. Really lucked out. Was quite surprised I had matching sticks. Did 4 passes with Memtest86+ and both sticks are good. I don't like mixing different types of RAM as well.
ptq01grt52td9cizg.jpg


I guess I have to decide if I want to take the chance and try the 3870 or just go with the 3850 that I know for sure is supported. Really hate when OEM's don't list what's new for bios updates. Someone is selling the 3870 on ebay for about $44. I think I have just enough thermal paste left for a CPU Upgrade.
 
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Phaaze88

Phaaze88

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Both those apus launched around the end of 2011, and supported ended a few years later. You won't find a 'recent' update for that platform. The 3870 isn't listed, therefore isn't supported - get the 3850.

About the ram: you're still at risk of issues. *looks at the left side of the photo* They're not even from the same factory.
 
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amygrrl

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Feb 14, 2018
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I did notice they were from different factories. But just trying to do a cheap of upgrade as possible to get this thing to play media better. So I'm pretty happy they are mostly identical and it didn't cost me any extra money for the RAM. So now just have to get the CPU Upgrade for less than $50 and I'm good to go for having a cheap HTPC for the spare room.
 
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