Upgrade from Intel 8th generation to 9th generation processors
Upgrade from Intel 8th generation to 9th generation processors
An i5-8700t should function without issues, though a 9700t may need a BIOS update and it's unclear if HP has released one. The exact PC model would help confirm. I’d rephrase my point slightly from @MiszS, but I think upgrading the system is probably a better choice since the performance gain from switching isn’t significant.
You're considering whether the ProDesk 400 G4 Mini is worth upgrading to the ProDesk 400 G5 Mini. The G5 Mini supports 9th generation CPUs up to 9900 MHz, which could offer better performance if you have compatible hardware.
It depends on whether the BIOS from G4 to G5 works well together. If the cooling and power supply in your current machine are adequate for a 9900t, upgrading might not be worth it since you can probably achieve better performance with a new system. You should compare the cost of the upgrade against what a modern setup could offer for that price.
Additionally, T chips are only available for purchase within machines, meaning you’re likely to encounter them on refurbished systems rather than retail outlets. While some may exist from discarded PCs, the primary supply comes from fully assembled units. Therefore, upgrading isn’t necessary—simply dispose of the old machine and install a new one.
The HP Prodesk Mini G4 runs Intel's B360 chipset, compatible with both 8th and 9th generation CPUs. If your BIOS is up-to-date, swapping in the i7-9700t should work smoothly. However, increasing from 6 cores at 3.50GHz to 8 cores at 4.3GHz will raise heat output noticeably. In real use, you may not see a big change because the compact cooling setup could force the i7-9700t to cut its boost frequency substantially to prevent overheating and shutdowns.
The item listed at 9900t on EBay was priced between 350 and 400 NZD, excluding shipping costs.