Pegatron M2N68-LA/HP Narra6-GL6: CPU Upgrade

[HP Tormentor]

Hi,

New here, first post.

Thank you for existing!

I am wanting to upgrade my HP CQ5309UK CPU.

Motherboard is PEGATRON CORPORATION M2N68-LA Narra6 version 6.01
I want to put an AMD Phenom II x4 965 (Quad core, 3.4Ghz) AM3 socket into this motherboard.

I have a 300w psu
Windows 7 64bit

HP says the motherboard supports this CPU but when I put it in my computer whirrs a bit, the hard drive lights come on and off then it says: ERROR: CPU not supported. Computer will shut down. Screen stays blank all way through.

Then it shuts down.

HP tech support are sharing one phrase :"we cant confirm if this CPU will work." and generally have the most useless and unhelpful response possible.

I have the most upto date software and drivers from the HP website. Running BIOS 5.20 (AMI)

I have figured out its because the BIOS code from HP is blocking the upgrade. I think. Thats how I ended up here.

1. Can you do anything for me?
2. What do you need from me?

Oh how I am going to enjoy tormenting this HP motherboard with modded BIOS code......

PS What do I do to provide a link to my BIOS? And how should I assess whether another BIOS is a likely candidate for this job, and then how do I link to that?

[presola]

First of all - which is the exact revision of your board? Cos' there are about nine or more different M2N68-LA models.

Second - depending on it's revision, the board may not be able to run correctly with a processor having more than 95W TDP.

Third - please provide us with a link to your most current bios, the one you flashed.

[HP Tormentor]

First of all - which is the exact revision of your board? Cos' there are about nine or more different M2N68-LA models.

Second - depending on it's revision, the board may not be able to run correctly with a processor having more than 95W TDP.

Third - please provide us with a link to your most current bios, the one you flashed.

Thanks for your reply.

FIRST:
Board: Pegatron Corp M2N68-LA Narra6-GL6 v6.01
Chipset: nVidia MCP61
Serial No: X312345678

Anything else you need? If so how do I find it out?

SECOND:
HP website for specs for Motherboard say it supports the AMD processor I am trying to put in: AMD Phenom II X4 965; and online tech support have confirmed it should work. However, HP support will say anything. They also tried to tell me a BIOS update was unnecessary, dangerous and then that one was imminent and would be automatically downloaded and installed. All in the same conversation. Here is link to mobo specs. Mine looks exactly same physically.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&docname=c01925534&product=4032824&lang=en

THIRD:
Not sure how to do this bit. It is running BIOS Revision 5.20 released 15/03/10 American Megatrends Inc. I dont know where I downloaded it from or even if its been updated. There are no BIOS updates on HP site.
How can I get this to you? Can I send the actual code? How?

Thanks for your help, really very much appreciated.

[presola]

These boards are made by Pegatron, which is a division of ASUS, but in this case they're strictly HP OEMs, so I doubt there is such a retail board.

Since there is no BIOS listed for download on HP's site, you can dump your current one using this program: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3338100/Universa...Backup.EXE (run as adminstrator under Vista/7)

You can zip and upload the dumped bios here, so our team can have a look at it.

[HP Tormentor]

These boards are made by Pegatron, which is a division of ASUS, but in this case they're strictly HP OEMs, so I doubt there is such a retail board.

Since there is no BIOS listed for download on HP's site, you can dump your current one using this program: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3338100/Universa...Backup.EXE (run as adminstrator under Vista/7)

You can zip and upload the dumped bios here, so our team can have a look at it.

Brilliant. Here it is....

[HP Tormentor]

Hi,

Just to update you:

I have discovered the reason that that CPU doesnt work on that mobo - its rated 125w, and the board only takes 95w max. HP helpfully never mentioned any TDP specs. I had to email tech support; apparently website, phone and chat arent mediums suitable to disclose that particular spec. But what they can tell you is that everything will work just fine. Which is nice. But expensive.

So, the good news for anyone reading this (in the UK at least) is that there might be a couple of little or unused CPUs for sale at a discount - and you will know the exact reason for sale. I will post specs and details when I know exactly what is happening with the upgrade that will work.

Cheers.

[Blabert]

Hello,

So, Probably the reason that it doesn't work for me either.

I have a Compaq Presario CQ 5106SC with the M2N68 Narra 5 motherboard. I have tried to install a Phenom II X4 965 processor, but it runs on only one core it feels like - got 800 MHz.

So yes, there will be a cheap processor available in sweden too I imagine...

Or anyone get an idea if the power rating can be increased?

Hi,

Just to update you:

I have discovered the reason that that CPU doesnt work on that mobo - its rated 125w, and the board only takes 95w max. HP helpfully never mentioned any TDP specs. I had to email tech support; apparently website, phone and chat arent mediums suitable to disclose that particular spec. But what they can tell you is that everything will work just fine. Which is nice. But expensive.

So, the good news for anyone reading this (in the UK at least) is that there might be a couple of little or unused CPUs for sale at a discount - and you will know the exact reason for sale. I will post specs and details when I know exactly what is happening with the upgrade that will work.

Cheers.

[TheWiz]

Welcome to the forums Blabert,

The 800mhz issue is in many motherboards and is because some boards do nto support dual power plane, which is a requirement for the 965. If you were able to get it booting though running a Phenom II 945 95W edition should boot and run without a hitch.

TheWiz

[1234s282]

Bios Update from HP v6.10??? http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softw...=en&dlc=en

[HP Tormentor]

Bios Update from HP v6.10??? http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softw...=en&dlc=en

I spoke to HP and its not a supported CPU because of the 125 or 145w parameter. The Narra 6 supports 95w according to the HP people.

I did however get them to refund me for the processor I bought, on the basis that their specs and tech support all told me it would be OK to fit the one I bought - there was no spec for the wattage at all. So, if you can provide evidence that they misled you into a purchase of zero use to you (ie a CPU too high on the watts) then you might get a refund. I provided screen shot of the web page at HP saying it was ok, tech chat records and email tech records all supporting my claim. Then I spoke to Chantal at customer services. She sorted out my refund.

Now going to buy a 95w Phenom II. Will let you know how it goes. But its not at the top of my list since getting ripped off by a Data recovery company called RAPID DATA.NET, connected to Fields Group based in Bridgend, Wales. Beware - total scammers and by (not) coincidence have just had my visa card cloned and attempts to deliver goods to wales....this company operates internationally in many many sectors. Beware.

Good Luck.