CPU upgrading questions

I hope this is actually my motherboard, I have downloaded a AMI motherboard scanner to confirm. will get back later

No actually I think this computer is bought rather than built. What captaincranky meant was did you or someone else build the computer, or was it simply bought out of a store fully assembled.

Anyway this looks like your computer: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...21&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3652954&lang=en with details on the motherboard here: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&docname=c01324212

Yes

I would think the page simple isn't updated enough to include the E7000s as they should also be supported with the E8000s, the E6300 would be a great choice in my opinion.

Likely not, I don't even think they provide BIOS updates for such motherboards.

Intel Pentium E6300 Wolfdale 2.8GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80571E6300 - Retail

I confirmed it is my motherboard, finally...

Actually you know what, the motherboard specification sheet is actually talking about the old E6300, with a slower conroe core...hmm in that case i'm not so sure, at least they are supporting 45nm wolfdale cores in the E8000.

You might want to directly ask HP to make sure, or just go with a more expensive E8400.

I don't think you can download a BIOS update directly from HP.
If you have "HP Software Update Tool" installed then this utility will automatically find the latest updates, drivers, firmware and BIOS for you.
If you do not have it installed then you can install it manually from the HP site.
In theory there is little difference between E7xxx and E8xxx CPU's. Thermal specifications and voltage requirements are the same. Differences beings FSB ( 1066 / 1333) and L2 cache.
It is also likely that Q8xxx CPU's would also be supported.
Before making an expensive mistake you might want to check the release notes that accompany any updates, or get in touch with HP Support to confirm, or at least clarify the CPU support list.

Note for captaincranky:
"Thank God I'm not Japanese, or It would be Hari-Kari for me"

Would that be Harry Carey the former baseball commentator or Hara-Kiri, a ritual form of Seppuku?

Lol I just chatted with an HP support person (seemed similar to a bot, I wonder if it was a bot) and "David" said the E6300 was supported:

Not sure if he knows what he's talking about though, took like 10 hours to find paste the system specs.