*HP EliteBook 8540w Owners Lounge!*

Yes it is possible to upgrade, i did it on my 8540w (wd928ea). Mobile broadband module was around 100€, and on hp site you have instructional video on how to replace (insert) it in laptop. I think the part number is WD301AA.

 

anything new on overheating problems or am i still one of the few?

To play Shogun 2, I have to use hwinfo32, set fans to 100% and even then cpu will go to >90C and my gpu drivers will crash every 10 minutes or so (luckily thats handled well in Win7)... if I dont manually set fans to 6500rpm, system will overheat within 2-3 minutes.

 

Hello.

I found this topic through google and i am having the same problem with the EliteBook 8540W.
My idle temperatures are 50-60 degrees and when i am intensively using the computer, it might even go up to 85-95 degrees.

 

Hello!
Just after the last restart the fingerprint reader on my elitebook died. It is not a driver issue i think, because the fingerprint reader is not seen in the bios either. It is very strange as the device was working just fine, having logged into windows with it about 5 hours earlier. Has anybody had this problem before?

What are the specs of your machine? my 8540p has a i5 560M and nvs5100m and the temperatures stay in the 45-55 while idle with the fan not always on(switching on from time to time). The temperatures in full load never go above 85 on the cpu and 75 on the gpu.
For a machine with a i7 quad core and a fx1800 those idle and full load temps I think would be normal.
I for one changed the thermal paste on my computer and managed to get 5 C degrees out of that. I forgot to mention that I have the quad core cooling system on my elitebook. The original dual core cooling system was only 2-3 degrees hotter but allot louder.

 

Hi, welcome! I can backup Marckus' statements. It depends on your specs. I have an i7 Quad in my 8540W and get the same temperature ranges as you do. No freezes or hang-ups, but I do agree they are high (though research has shown not by that much from the average). You should have lower temperatures with a dual core.

I plan to ask HP to apply some better thermal solution when they come out for other warranty work, as I am not confident enough to try it myself (I understand it is not a user upgradeable item, so could void the warranty.) That should give some 5+ degree improvements as Marckus and others have noted.

Hope that gives you some peace of mind.

Cheers.

 

I'll try to help, but don't expect too much.

I haven't spent enough time in the bios to comment, but if it showed up before and not now, then you're probably right about a hardware failure.

If the hardware is fine, though, then the driver may be disabled (as I did in my quest to reduce the running processes from almost 100 to about 50.) I just had to re-enable the appropriate one. I assume you haven't done anything like that, so the only thing I can come up with is to try the HP support assistant and see if it has any updates that may fix it. I see there are various bios and driver updates, but I haven't found out what they address yet, so haven't applied any.

If that doesn't fix it, then certainly a warranty call, though I am not familiar with the warranty terms of the "P" series.

Good luck with this.

 

I believe it is 3 year mail-in for the P, while the W gets 3 year NBD On-Site.

 

How did you get your hwinfo32 to set the fans?
I have a 8540w is that what you have?
My hwinfo32 runs but I can't see anywhere to set the fan speed manually to 6500rpm?

 

Does anyone have anything good to say about these monsters, other than that they are "theoretically" good machines, if they would ever work, and remain stable?

 

Thanks for the help guys! when i have time I'll send an email to hp and see if i get a response, if not i will go to an authorized hp service here in my country and see what i can do. The finger print reader seems to be dead completely. I tried unplugging an replugging the connecting ribbon for the fingerprint reader ,as it is under the keyboard, and still nothing. Unfortunately, as i can see in the part list, to replace the fingerprint reader means replacing the whole top cover of the machine. Hope they can do something under warranty and not keep the laptop for to long. Really loved having the fingerprint reader although the protect tools application made it a bit of a pest regarding boot times.

 

Just reading your sig, I can feel your frustration, which leads to the question you ask. Yes, those of us who use and depend on these "monsters" on a day to day basis can attest to their very high pedigree. The remaining nit still being fixed or even a permanent nit or two aside, they do what they are designed to do, and do it very well. You, most unfortunately, have not yet had that experience.

So what would I do in your place. I would cancel the machine. If you have not received a properly configured working machine, you should not have to pay for it. And even if you have already paid, you can get your CC company to reverse the charge. When HP originally sent me the wrong config on the first 8540w, I immediately called my CC company. The charge was removed from my account and put on hold, with no payment to be made to HP until the issue was resolved. I then informed HP of these actions. I have to say, the turn-around to getting a proper machine was remarkable after that conversation.

So cancel it. And then you are free to order a new one, which you will probably get much quicker than pursuing the current course, and which you will actually find to be a great machine. Or not, and go to another vendor. I, for one, would certainly understand.

 

He got his order as a replacement from a Case Manager for a troublesome Envy 14 w/ Radiance. He can't really cancel it now.

 

My bad for not remembering the full story nor going back to review it. Although further patience may be one choice right now, the fact remains that he has returned the defective Envy and, assuming related statutes are similar in Canada and the US, should have received full credit from HP.

But since someone at HP, authorized or not I conjecture, made the offer to upgrade, HP at this point should just step up and deliver. That is just good business. And also alleviates the problem for HP if the illustrious crowd around here mentions a possible problem with a current order to our various clientele. I get asked that question all the time.

On a side note, in my former corporate life tens of millions of dollars in deals were sealed by a person's word, but it was always followed up in writing. That's also good practice even in a small deal like an offered upgrade. When my 8540w was mis-configred and 8740w delayed, HP offered a generous further discount over the original 28% to keep the deal. I asked for and received that offer in writing (by e-mail). Everything went smoothly after that.

 

Something good to say about these machines hmm?

Well.

My company has 25 8740w's and 4 8540w's. (and 1 M6500)

We were a Dell only company until i joined, and i had a 8740w the one in my sig. so yea, you can see the reliability they produce.

We don't do simple stuff on these machines, we use them for 3D art and Video rendering. They take everything thrown at them, our dell machines had overheating issues even being in an air conned office.

Sure, there are a few niggles with them, i won't deny that! the graphics drivers for both lines are sometimes more of a hinderance than a blessing, and it took a long time for them to fix the issues with the Nvidia Cards, (well still no 10bit even now) but overall, for a machine that is used for up to 19 hours a day every day, they have proven their worth, and also earned their keep. the fact an employee can work in the office and take the machine to a studio or architect with the designs editable in hand, saves time and money, (and paper too!)

Yes, there are those of us that have had a faulty one (myself included!), these happen, but i do feel sorry for those of you waiting for new parts. I know for a fact the DC2 screens @ 1920x1200 ARE in short supply, simply because the company has (sadly) chosen to move onto the 1920x1080p bandwagon, with the new macalike tripe they are bringing out this year.

So if you want a good machine, that can take a beating in use, these are the best in a long way.

Sio

 

Hi,
Help me I am really lost in SSD war... I am having an 8540w and would like to upgrade to an 120GB SSD or more .... till now I see everywhere that Intel Is way to go with the OCZ the second. Do you have any suggestion which model is the best for this laptop? Should I go for SATA3 ?

 

no point of SATA III since you won't benefit from it on the 8540w

I've owned several Corsair Force SSDs (same as OCZ Vertex 2) and a Samsung PM800 SSD. I recently picked up an Intel X25M G2 SSD to see what all the fuss is about. Let's just say, there's a reason why PC manufacturers stick with either Samsung or Intel.

Corsair Force (Sandforce)
- takes FOREVER to recover from hibernation
- many reports of BSOD and system not detecting drive
- 2/3 drives I've owned would crash 90% time when waking up from sleep or hibernation, regardless of firmware. My current Corsair drive only has this problem once in a blue moon.

+ faster write (meh...)
+ better power efficiency

Intel and Samsung have been incredibly reliable. Real world use, the Intel actually feels faster. Faster boot-up and wake up from hibernation. Stick with Intel. Or Samsung can be had for super cheap.

 

I hear you ..... I am thinking of INTEL also, because reliability is no:1 for me and then speed.
Are VertexII faster than Intel? meaning will I see the difference?

 

First, @VisionLight, you hit it on the nose in every respect. In the past, the kinds of "compensation" the good folks at HP have given me for small delays or a few returned machines have been phenomenal. It's an entirely different world now. Read on, and please forgive the length.

Thank you all for your compassion and words of support! I am not one to bit-h and whine nor to flame any company. But this experience (now 14 weeks old) has been just the worst I have ever had with a vendor. I really need the moral support, because this has surpassed making me angry about their having my money all this time and treated me rudely and are postponing delivery probably until late summer at this point I have the time, the inclination and a sense of purpose in trying to take hold these truly despicable people (The Executive Case Managers in Canada) accountable! I've seen HP work so hard to improve their overall tech and customer support and they have succeeded. But they are allowing this horrid, control-crazed department to go unchecked. People with far less time, money and acuity at dealing with this sort of thing just get royally screwed. Now it's become my "cause."

[I apologize for this very long post. It is the most important one I've made of over 700 here, and I am not slandering anyone nor is anything I'm reporting inaccurate. I hope it angers and disgusts others into taking action in their own behalves and to realize "you are not alone!" Still, thanks for tolerating and reading through this. Thank you, thank you, thank you.


This may have to go to several state's attorneys general (I already have the letters written and addressed), local district court (complaint written) and the media (two "buddies" ready to do some investigation). Take note of the words of a case manager, who insisted on anonymity, but I can assure you, as well as I know how they operate, I could not have forged this letter, only an insider could have written it. I have now read at least 20 stories of others receiving this treatment from the top level Case managers. I used to be such an HP partisan - I have many great contacts, but CM has actually silenced them; they have some kind of power that they can tell people in Order Mgt in SMB, people I have worked with for 2 years, not to talk to me about my order!

So I leave you with this piece to think about as you decide whether to buy or recommend HP in the future:

The following piece was submitted by an HP Executive Case Manager on the following forum:

http://www.techsupportforum.com/foru...ty-230726.html

I have excerpted the relevant portions (that don't deal with the specifics of an individual's computer problem). Note that all the grammatical errors and misspellings are from the original text of the HP Case Manager. I have bolded and italicized those portions that are especially egregious and identical to things I have been told by my own case managers.

Begins here...

"Ok, I'm gnona break this down for you, because you are sadly mistaken.

If you were not properly escalated through HP's technical support line to case management, do NOT come on one of these websites and get the case management number and just call in.... you will get nothing... I promise. Case managers hate dealing with someone who thinks they can work around HP policy.

Before you get indignant about my previous statement, keep in mind, case managers are the end of the line. it sounds unusual to some people, but that line of escalations has to end somewhere, and its with Case managers. there are people above them, but they are way to important and way to busy to talk to you, so dont waste your time writing them an email they are never going to see. Also, do not upset your Case manager. that person really is going to be working with you from beginning to end, and even if your unit is eligible for a replacement, they can still say no, and there is nothing you can do about it. (bold and italics mine) They will be nice and patient with you as long as you follow policy and dont cop and attitude.

Moing on to the next subject then. As stated above, do not give a case manager and attitude, they will make the whole situation infinately more difficult on you, and considering the resources they have, they can make it happen.

[Note: this next/last paragraph, while not pertinent to my own experiences, is one of the most disturbing things this Case Manager has the nerve to put into writing! It's a form of racism and hate-speak that is so over-the-top, words to describe it elude me!]

"I have only one other frustration to voice at this time, and its a bit prejudice, but I just cant let it go unsaid. Old people are officially the worst people to have to talk to. you talk too slow, you dont know crap about computers most of the time, you cant hear, and you expect respect because your old. The person your talking to doesnt know you, they dont know the things you have done in this life or anything about your character. because they do not know, you must earn their respect like you do with all strangers. you dont like it, too freaking bad, deal with it. And for the love of all that is holy this world, put your kid or your grandkid on the phone. they will be easier to talk to and more than likely know a lot more about computers than you do (there are exceptions to this, but this is the most common scenario).

"Im sure I will have other things to talk about regarding everything from technical support to HP case management, to just how retarded customers are. personal messages are welcome, I am always willing to answer questions, and im sure the onslaught of insults that are soon to come will give me a good laugh as well."

(My request of "Paul_at_HP," who lurks on NBR and wants to help me): Paul, that's the end of it. Is it possible, in your experience, that at high levels of management HP has a policy to support this kind of attitude and behavior towards customers? I have to say that, as upsetting as my experience has been, it makes me almost physically sick to think I could have been patronizing, supporting and promoting a company that sanctions these attitudes and holds customers in such contempt. I do hope that, some day, even if long past the resolution (or non-resolution) of my order, you are able to get my messages to you, and my story, to the right person at HP - at least to the person who can reach the right person. I think the knowledge that such attitudes are tolerated, much less encouraged, by your company would give you, and many of your colleagues, pause to reconsider your own role as promoter of HP and its products. Many thanks again for anything you may be able to do - for the sake of us all: customers, HP employees, even shareholders!

NBR friends: signing off now. I have to say, I am really shaken by this. I feel personally violated. Please know, the words quoted above are almost verbatim what I have been told, and yes, these people apparently have the power to silence the entire HP support infrastructure from talking to me, their customer for over 20 orders in 2 years. They won't even let me know the order number for my computer - it's my G.D. computer, not theirs!

Thanks. Really, thanks.

 

So true, the bussiness workstation manager redirected me to my current case manager.

I've been threaten with order cancellation due to my insistence (not my manners). Also true.

He has silenced all the support people at Customer Care too. He told me they won't say a word until they have further details.

Only I can say, be patient, like me ... or demand they send your money back (the fastest way).

 

Just a question: have you ever experienced this kind of treatment before? I mean, we have purchased computers for between $1,500 and $2,500! It feels more like we've broken some law.

 

No, it's my first HP product, and it's likely it's the last one. I spent about $5300 US on my machine (4041€ . Sam is going to forward my mails and cases to another people of HP (from USA, probably) in order to get useful information not provided by my CM.

On the other hand, I think we should not "hijack" this thread intended for opinions and technical problems about the 8540w.

 

You are absolutely right! I plead guilty to wanting other would-be Elitebook buyers to be scared off - and that might be a perfectly appropriate service to members here - but in honesty it was my anger over my own situation that drove me, not the interests of NBR members.

Unless someone posts a request for info or advice relative to any of this stuff, I pledge this to be my last post on the subject. Having said that, look for a PM from me. And good luck; thanks for the moral support. Jeff

 

Hi everyone.
I bought 8540w with 4Gb RAM
one module of Samsung M471B5273DH0-CH9
AIDA64 reports that it works on 533
Is it OK? I expect 667 from DDR3-1333
What memory modules do you have on your machines?
Thanks.

PS: CPU i5-560 if it is important

 

The modules are working as 1333 but your Core-i5 doesn't support 1333 (667). Instead, the memory modules automatically downclock to 1066 (533), or the maximum speed the i5-560M can take. Hope that helps. All Elitebooks 8740w and 8540w comes with 1333, even on models that have Arrandale i5's. I upgraded the RAM on my own machine, and I went with 1066 aftermarket, however, the standard RAM that came with my machine was 1333 and I also have the i5-560M.

 

Hi, also note that the dual-cores only support two dimms instead of the 4 that the quad-cores support.

 

Hi guys, since we're discussing memory, a question for those who know a thing or two about this stuff, please.

I purchased my 8540W with quad-core and 2GB RAM, and added 2x4GB to the 2 RAM slots at the bottom of the laptop to test them before lifting the keyboard to install 1 under there. CPU-Z labels the slots under the laptop as #s 2 & 3, so it makes sense that #s 1 & 2 should work together for dual-channel support. Can anyone confirm if that is the right configuration, please (1 stick under the keyboard and 1 under the laptop)?

The odd thing is that with the 2GB under the keyboard, and the 2x4GB under the laptop, CPU-Z shows I am running in dual channel mode?? It was single channel before the new RAM sticks. I thought I had to have pairs of RAM sticks for dual-channel support, but does the laptop somehow segregate the odd ram stick out and operate in dual-channel mode for the pair, or is CPU-Z just off?? Any tools that someone can recommend for me to test this?

And I know - 10GB regular ram vs 2x4GB dual channel ram. In everyday use I won't notice a difference in performance, but if I can shave minutes of a session when merging shots for a pano or something intensive in Photoshop / Lightroom, then it is worth it to me over having 2GB of unused RAM (I max out at 7GB total use.)

Thanks in advance.

 

Memory Table

your board is doubtful it is running in dual. it may be for the 2x4gb and ignoring the 2gb but unlikely.

if you have mismatched pairs or 2+1 sticks = no dual channel.

 

Further supporting Sio's answer: The intergrated memory controller on Intel's Core i chips is designed to poll the memory banks on start-up. It is looking for matched pairs (mobile) or triplets (desktop) of memory sticks which allows it to operate in default optimized synchronous mode. If it finds an unmatched arrangement (slower memory mixed with faster memory, non-paired memory, etc.), it switches into asynchronus mode and operates all sticks at the lowest common denominators for speed and number of channels. Using all matched sticks in pairs (triplets) at the IMC designed speed gives the best results.

 

Possibly. The i7-720QM datasheet, section 2.1.3.2, describes how:
<blockquote style='font-family:sans-serif'>
Dual-channel mode - Intel® Flex Memory Technology Mode<p/>
The IMC supports Intel Flex Memory Technology Mode. This mode combines the
advantages of the Dual-Channel Symmetric (Interleaved) and Dual-Channel
Asymmetric Modes. Memory is divided into a symmetric and a asymmetric zone. The
symmetric zone starts at the lowest address in each channel and is contiguous until the
asymmetric zone begins or until the top address of the channel with the smaller
capacity is reached. In this mode, the system runs with one zone of dual-channel mode
and one zone of single-channel mode, simultaneously, across the whole memory array.

[Figure 2. Intel Flex Memory Technology Operation]

http://download.intel.com/design/processor/datashts/320765.pdf
</blockquote>

 

Wow, great find! If I understand it right, then CPU-Z may have been reporting correctly as the common memory in each channel could be working in a sort of Dual-channel mode. The performance will not be at the level of the Interleaved / symmetric dual-channel mode, so I should remove that spare 2GB since I wish to maximize RAM performance.

Thanks Siorah, great chart and discussion there about dual channel, and thanks VisionLight, great info on the controller at startup. Helped confirm benefits and set me straight on a couple of things.

Thanks again guys, really helpful.

 

Is there anybody having black screen error with the latest NVIDIA driver 270.61 for the NVIDIA QUADRO FX 1800M?

 

Cool, thanks.
So you replaced you 1 module of 1333 with 2 1066 modules to get dual channel?

One more thing.
CPU has nominal 2.67 GHz
but works allways on 3.0-3.2
multiplier 22x-24x
is it normal? can I tune multiplier somewhere? I have not found bios option.

 

Yes, I took out the 1x 1333 RAM and replaced it with 2x1066.

Also that is Intel Turbo Boost at work. The CPU will self overclock itself when it needs the extra load automatically, hence the jumping multiplier boosts. However, if you don't like it doing that and you want to keep it running at 2.67 GHz, then get a program called ThrottleStop, developed as freeware from fellow NBR forum member UncleWebb:

Download Link and Guide: http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...arket-upgrades/531329-throttlestop-guide.html

Basically, once you run the program, use the Disable Turbo function and you will set the CPU to only run at 18x as the maximum multiplier, which is 2.67 GHz.

 

But it never goes down to normal 18x.
Does you arrandale behave same way?

 

Yes. Typically, the 560M will operate at the 18x multiplier because that is its standard clock speed multiplier of 2.67GHz. Anything higher than 18x multiplier is Turbo Boost at work. However, it will downclock back to 18x if the load intensity wavers. Now, that being said, the processor can also go into a power saving mode of 9x under Enhanced SpeedStep Technology. In order for that to work, you need to set your Power Profile to Power Saver and EIST will kick in at 9x when you aren't doing anything CPU intensive. Staying at Balanced and High Performance mostly will keep it running at 18x standard constantly under normal conditions.

If you need Power Saving and such, the I recommend greatly you try to use Power Saver. However, otherwise at normal conditions with the normal Power Profiles, 18x at 2.67 GHZ is normal. You can use Throttlestop to force set a multiplier if you want and also disable Turboboost so it remains at the maximum of 18x at load.

 

hello,

I just updated from Bios F.0E to F.0F and after restarting a screen message recommends to disable Intel Virtualization Technology. Why is that and what does it mean for my system?

thanks.

 

I remember that when I updated to F.0F that the screen reported only that Intel VT was disabled in the new image, not that it recommended disabling it. Since I use Windows Virtual PC on a regular basis, I just edited the BIOS to re-enable it. It continues to work fine. If you do not use VM though, you do not need to enable it.

 

Hello, is there anybody knows about disabling PowerMizer technology in NVIDIA QUDRO FX 1800M with: PowerMizer Manager | Some More Bytes and windows 7 professional 64 bit seems to fix all of the stop responding error, restarts and freezing due to the driver?

Thank you.

 

for the poor fx 1800m, you just need to completely disable it in the settings.

Sadly, its the INTEL chipset that is causing the problem with the quadro cards, not the driver itself. (i've put the card into a machine with different chipsets to try out, and yes, the pci-e bus can't handle the switching between 1.1 and 2.0 that the card does to power save.

A word of warning

powermizer being disabled will shorten your battery life by 20-30% because it will not clock down to the minimal settings, and keep the pci-e bus @ 2.0 instead of downclocking it.

The black screens are all about this switch. I don't know why it happens, neither does HP/Intel/Nvidia so it's a long running mystery.

Thankfully, though, nvidia have binned powermizer for optimus, which stops the weird interaction with the intel chipset.

but thats no help to us now :/

 

Does anybody have same problem? My wrist has polished the metal. Does warranty covers such issues?



Thanks

 

The 270.61 driver does not have the disable feature for PowerMizer; it is needed to install the PowerMizer manager open source application to disable it. I have never tried to disable it.

 

i know. you need to install the manager and it's quite simple to turn it off.

 

sadly not, it is counted as 'wear and tear' i'm afraid

 

To tell the truth I have updated to the latest INTEL chipset for my laptop available on the INTEL web site (not yet on the the HP one) and same issues.
I hope HP will give the chance to the elitebook 8540w owners to upgrade to the newer elitebook 8560w in order to let their customers "forget" that issue.

 

How did you damage that? AFAIK, the top cover is scratch and wear resistant (HP propaganda, I know...)

Did you use abrasive products like acetone? It's hard to believe your sweat ruined the finish. My hands sweat a lot (I have hyper-perspiration) and I've never had a problem with my top cover. I clean it with a micro-fiber cloth after use.

Ok, your warranty does not cover that, but you can repair it by purchasing a new top cover. Disassembly instructions and P/N for the spare part are in the Service and Maintenance Guide. Also you can ask HP for the repair (I don't think it's expensive, but the top cover includes the fingerprint reader and the touchpad, keep in mind that).

 

Maybe it's because I cleaned it once with window cleaner. It has alcohol.
It should be expensive to change all the top cover.

 

It may be. Window cleaners may contain abrasive substances like ammonia. But alcohol is NOT abrasive, believe me. Ammonia it is.

As I posted above, the top cover is not much expensive.

Ok, I've found the P/N for the spare part, make a note of it: 595777-001.
You can download the maintenance guide from HERE. The dissasembly procedure for the top cover is on page 87. Be careful and if you don't know what you're doing, I advise you ask HP for the repair (more expensive but at least, you'll have peace of mind).

You can buy the original part from the HP Parts Store. The price differs depending on the selected country. For example, in the U.S. the part costs about $110.

I hope this helps.

 

I found it new on ebay for $30.
Thank you very much.

 

Hi, my 8540w seems to have got itself slightly overheated (possibly) and now boots to a blank screen with the LED flashing lights. I have checked the codes and I'm unsure how to read them. Seeing them both flash 3x, but it flashes these 3x on 5 occasions...so would that be a 3 flash error or a 5 flash error?? Or even a 6 flash error (both flashing 3x = 6!)?

I have tested the memory on another laptop and it works fine. Could anybody confirm...or anything else I can check to try getting it back running?

Thanks!


EDIT - it was working when I found it, fan was whirring and it was rather warm. Booted it to Windows...but then Windows just shut itself down and it wouldn't go back on. I have been trialing that fan control app from another user (who now seems to be banned?)...it hasn't gone particularly well, fan has been up and down, quite a few problems...possible connection?

 

Might I inquire how long it took? I work on mine, so I do have my wrists rubbing away at it for 8 hrs to 12 hrs on some days. It hasn't yet happened here, but my previous laptop had painted plastic, I guess and I wore off the silver paint to reveal the black plastic below.

Cheers.