Upgarding HP DV7t Components Help!

Hi guys,
Just wondering if anyone knows which of these components I can upgrade in my HP DV7t Pavilion Notebook.
At the moment my specs are:

Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 2.53GHz
2 x 500GB 5400rpm HDD
4GB DDR2 RAM
GeForce 9600M GT 512MB
Intel 5100 WifiLink
1440x900 Resolution LCD

These are the components I'm most interested in upgrading..
all I need are the components that these can be upgraded to reach it's maximum, e.g. can the dv7t handle the qx9300 processor?
(If it's only heat, etc, issues that are stopping it, that won't be a problem as I am using multiple external cooling methods to keep the temperature at a reasonable level)

Another issue is the lcd display, I'm intending to upgrade the display to a WUXGA 1920x1200 display, but i have found no actual replacement product anywhere. I've contacted suppliers and they've told me that the dv7t and the dv9700t use the same LCD's, so since there are WUXGA screens available for the dv9700 I should be able to purchase one and install it within my dv7t. I don't want to go out and purchase items like the intel 5300 wifi, WUXGA lcd display, qx9300 CPU, etc only to find out they aren't compatible...

If anyone knows which components are upgradeable and where I can get them, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

I won’t be able to help you with the upgrades, but here are few things to consider.

If you wanted an upgradable computer you could’ve saved a lot by getting a desktop, even now if you want to upgrade your CPU, GPU, Display and Wireless Adapter : basically every major component, then you might as well buy a new desktop. It would cost almost same, maybe even less because notebook components are more expensive than desktop counterparts. BTW most likely the graphics card is not upgradable.

Also, you’ll be able to buy a full HD 22” external monitor for the same price you pay for a WUXGA 17” notebook LCD.

 

thanks phoenix.
I do however have a desktop, which is capable of running the majority of my daily tasks.
However, I need something portable (I know 17" isn't really "portable," but it's still mobile while also possessing enough grunt to churn through my CAD, etc, when I'm not at home), the large resolution is just a want not necessarily a need, but would be useful for application in my work.

I do have a 24" lcd display at home and the xb4 dock as well, but when I dock and undock all my gadgets, etc are continually moved due to the 1440x900 native lcd res being scaled to 1920x1200 and vice versa.
As I said before, these upgrades aren't "essential," but they would provide a lot of benefit as well as make the transition between work and leisure a lot easier.

e.g. With a Intel 5300 WiFiLink I can use WiMAX services if I need to go overseas; even while at home I can get better reception and range.

Just little niggling things I know... some may call it petty even. lol. but I'm just curious as to what areas I can upgrade my laptop to truly "MAX OUT" its specs.

 

Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 2.53GHz ----> Can upgrade to t9800 / x9100 ( no quad core )
2 x 500GB 5400rpm HDD ----> Can upgrade to SSD or faster HD
4GB DDR2 RAM ----> can upgrade to 8gb of ram
GeForce 9600M GT 512MB ----> Cant upgrade this
Intel 5100 WifiLink ----> cant upgrade
1440x900 Resolution LCD ----> Can upgrade to 1680 x 1050 if you can find it

 

Thanks Tippey,
that's what I was after.
- So the dv7t can't be upgraded with the qx9300?
Is that because of the HP BIOS?
- Isn't the Intel 5100 upgradeable? Is this because of the extra antenna or the form factor?
- With the LCD, is it possible to purchase a WUXGA 1920x1200 from a dv9800 and install it in the dv7t?
Thanks!

 

From what i have heard its the circuitry of the motherboard. I was disappointed when i found that out because i wanted a q9100. The intel 5100 in theory can be upgraded but HP has a whitelist blocking out any cards that dont originally come with the system. In the future if they release a intel 5300 and a bios update then yes you could use it. There is 3 antenna in the system so i bet in the future they will have one ( intel 5100 has 2 antenna's ). Last the screen. It depends if you have an infinity brightview DO NOT NEVER EVER EVER take it apart. I tried on mine to upgrade the screen and i broke it. If its the normal screen then yes you could upgrade as long as the LCD inverter cable fits into your Inverter it would work. The screen i tried was a 1680 x 1050 from a dv8000 and it would work exept i broke the LCD bezel so i didnt even try. I didnt even know dv9000's came with wuxga screens to be honest but i have seen a few people running them in theirs.

 

thanks for that tippey, well thats a shame about the CPU, :S. Would have been cool to have a quad core running in it.
Hmmm unfortunately I do have a Infinity Brightview lcd... maybe I could get a HP service center to upgrade it for me?
Thanks again Tippey!

(P.S yes you can get WUXGA screens, you can find them on eBay US and also smartmicrousa.com)

 

I read that the cpu was soldered in on these rigs. Is that true? I ordered one but it has not arrived yet for confirmation. I would love to change the P8700 to the x9100 some day!

 

hi deviant, no I don't think the CPU is soldered on.. the GPU is soldered on to the motherboard, but you can replace it with the X9100 if you want to.
That's what I'm gonna do, unless they release a quad core that is compatible soon!

 

I read this on the dv7 lounge here on this forum. I am glad they are wrong, I love to hotrod all my 'puters. I know alot of the Sony lappies are soldered in cpu's I'll make you a deal...if I do this upgrade I promise to upload the goodness here. If you do please upload your results (x9100)! Unless you have any news of someone who has done ths already, I haven't found one on this forum yet.

 

LOL Sounds like a plan deviant... Once I get enough benjamins to pay for the bugger I'll put up some pics.