HP a1129n and AMD Opteron 165?

[quilombero]

I want to know if a HP a1129n will take a AMD Opteron 165? I read on the HP website that it can go up to Athlon 64x.

Also I saw that if I want to do a BIOS update for this computer I must only go to the HP website and not the MSI website.

If I can't install the Opteron because of the HP BIOS, can I update the BIOS from the MSI website and then use the Opteron? If this is possible will I have to reinstall Windows?

Or should I just throw it in and see what happens?

Any input would be much appreciated!!

 

[raybay]

Update the BIOS only from the HP site if you expect normal working computer when you are done. It is posted on the HP website for that model and your OS... and takes just a very few minutes to install.

If you have an MSI board, it is not a normal MSI board if it is a genuine HP computer.

NEVER treat a BIOS install casually. A poorly installed BIOS can ruin your computer. Period.

 

[quilombero]

Thanks for the reply raybay I will take your advice!! However you didn't answer my question if the Opteron will work in my HP.

This is what I got from HP about compatibility:

* Socket: 939
* Supports Socket-939 for AMD K8 Athlon 64 FX processor
* Supports Newcastle:4000 + and above
* Supports Claw Hammer: 3000+, 3200+ and 3400+ and 3700+ Sempron: 3100+ and above

On ebay there is a HP just like mine for sale with a 64 X2 processor in it. HP doesn't state this is compatible on there website though.

 

[raybay]

You will not get a direct answer from HP on the Opteron.
I will not give you a direct answer without having the part number and serial number of the board and the processor. There are way too many factors for a quick judgment.
My gut reaction is No, not unless you are an experienced Tech... as some tweaking will be necessary... I would want to know the other aspects of the configuration... power supply, for sure on an HP.
And why would you want to anyway. You will not see big differences in actual performance with the Opteron.

 

[quilombero]

I am not an experienced tech at all but I can figure things out quite well and learn fast. So any information on doing this upgrade will be much appreciated!

As for the info you wanted:

Power supply- Bestec ATX-300-12Z that puts out 300 watts max

Motherboard- MSI MS-7093 v.120 another number between CPU and RAM was N1996. No clue what that number represents.

Processor- Whatever Opteron 165 that I pick up cheap including the stock cooling fan.

Oh yeah I did the BIOS update. It was simple and took about 2 minutes. The date on it was 3-3-06 well after the processor was released.

I posted on the HP forum and they said the Opteron will totally work in my HP a1129n. Although AMD doesn't support it because the Opteron is a server CPU and not intended for desktops.

And why would you want to anyway.

Because I don't want to spend $800-$1200 when I can spend $200 and have equal the performance. Plus I don't want Vista.

You will not see big differences in actual performance with the Opteron.

You really don't think I will see better performance upgrading to an Opteron from an Athlon 3400+? I am going to do it anyway just for the ef of it and see how it goes.

I am sure I will be posting again so any help would be great! Thanks!

 

[raybay]

I would definitely not put the Server Opteron in your system... The behaviors you expect will not occur, and others you do not wish for will be problematic. But since you are determined to try it, please post problems and good results so we can all learn from you.
I would definitely get rid of the Bestec Power Supply... Replacing it with a 450 Watt or greater of some other make...
There are four different MSI (Microstar) motherboards with 7093 in their model name. They all take DDR PC2700 in 1 GB modules of 184 pin. one is 1 GB, and the most is 4 GB with a maximum of 1 GB per slot.
I expect you will learn a lot from what you are doing.

 

[quilombero]

So I got the opteron today and popped it in..... it recognizes everything without any tweaking. When I go to system in the control panel it says Opteron Dual Core 165. Device manager shows both cores. In task manager it shows to CPU usage graphs. All of this with zero tweaking. Bios was flashed with the latest version from HP is all.

So far everything is ok. I still need to get a new power supply, I'll get that today. I am going to reformat my computer with Windows XP 64 so it will recognize all 4 gigs of ram. Other than that I will keep you guys posted

 

[raybay]

Read up on Windows XP 64. There are severe limitiations for some uses... that will result in a lot more expense.
You will rarely, if ever, need that extra 513 MB.
If you understand the limitations and the software changes, Windows XP 64 is good, but it is certanly not for everyone.

 

[quilombero]

I heard about that from a friend of mine too. From what I have read so far it doesn't look like it is for me. I'll read more about it and make a decision later.

Thanks for all your input raybay! :grinthumb

 

[quilombero]

I just wanted to give you all a little update. I decided against installing the Windows XP Pro 64 and just stuck with my Windows Media Center OS. I installed a 500w Antec power supply. I took 1gig of memory out and put it in my moms computer. I couldn't tell a difference with it in or out. Cleaned up my hard drive and everything runs great!! I have no issues with it what so ever. Everything worked out good.